Looking for a 3rd gen, time to upgrade. I've given up on the idea of picking up a rust-free 2nd gen to work with... just too old.

I've settled on the 97/98 years.. as the 96s had HG issues (don't want to deal with that again). and the 99s, I just don't like the front bumper. Features/Options I'm looking for are as follows.

- 1997 or 1998 Model Year
- 3.4L
- 5 speed
- E-locker
- Sunroof
- Leather
- <100,000 Miles (150,000KM)
- Dark Colour (Green or Blue but not Black)
- No Rust (Think 'clean'... )
- Roof Rack if possible. (Not a Deal Breaker)

As for price... well, i'd like to stay under $10,500 USD ($12,000 CAD) for that year of a vehicle. Thanks.

 

You are mistaken...the 96 didn't have any HG issues. No 3.4L 5VZ-FE EVER had any HG issues.

Just clearing that up

 

Some of the early 96 3.4's did have HG issues. A 97 or 98 would be a good choice, but aside from the bumper there were some nice changes for 99, most noticably on the interior. Where I am, finding a 3rd gen in general is a challenge, so to find the pretty rare truck you want you will have to be very patient. The V6 5 speed is hard to find alone, but add in the E-locker and no rust on a nearly 10 year old truck and you will really have to search.

 

yea, the early 96s had limited head gasket issues... just don't want to run that gauntlet again. as for the rarity, i've located one 96 with 134,000km, that falls well under the price i want, and matches everything else i wanted. only its a 96.. as for the 97-98... i am anxious to find one, but the search time should do me good. just have to keep my eyes open and bumping this thread to see if anyone stumbles across one.

 

Really...I didn't know that. And if there were they must've been like...REALLY limited.

Sorry for the misinformation, I was pretty sure in what I said.

 

'99s had all the nice updates and you could always retro fit the retro bumper on. Cupholders suck on the pre '99s plus with the '99+ you get the better headlamps,multiple power outlets (plus one at the rear),auto up/down front windows,larger rear quarter panal storage area plus you get built in rear headrest holders when the rear seats are folded.

I know some of those are minor but they make day to day liveability alot nicer and I don't miss my '97 at all.

 

Yeah, some 96's and 97's had an external flaw on the passenger side bank. It really isn't a big deal. I had mine done at 66K via the HG campaign. I have 93.5K on it now. 5K supercharged.

 

* bump *

hmm, yea.. I was thinking about the bumper retro-fit... considering how there are quite a few people wanting to upgrade to the 99 bumper for their 96-98s... do a little swap action. all those other perks on the newer model sound pretty snazzy. its a shame they stopped manual transmissions with the 2000 model year.

 

Unfortunately the HG campaign is done now but it is more than likely that if the engine never had the HG done yet the vehicle is already at somewhat higher mileage, then it will probably go the distance. I had to have mine done when I imported it to Canada (since all outstanding recalls needed to be performed first), otherwise I probably never would have since it wasn't even close to leaking. I wouldn't rule out a good 96 either and they are getting quite cheap now. Biggest thing for me would be maintenance record and rust.