Hello, all. I have not logged on here for 4 months. I totalled my 3rd gen last December (2006), and bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited. It's a great SUV, but lately I've been missing my 4Runner a lot.

Anyway, I'm in search of another 3rd gen. I've been looking at 4th gen's, but I like the styling of the 3rd gen's better. But since I've been gone for so long, my memory is a bit clouded.

Which year did they start coming out with AWD? (my 98 4R could not be put in 4WD on dry pavement) Also, did the auto climate control only come in the Limited or did it come in Sport Editions, too? I really don't want leather seats, so I'd prefer a SE or SR5, but I do want the climate control. Also, did they ever have steering wheel audio control in the 3rd gens?

Thanks.

 

According to THIS website, Toyota offered it in 1997, but thats the only year for the 3rd gens. You can change the year in the URL of the website to see the different models offered through the years.

 

AWD started in 00 or 01 with the multi-mode transfer case. only the limiteds came with the digital climate control. no steering wheel audio controls in any 3rd gen i have ever seen

 

Take a look at this link for the Toyota brochures (with options) of 2000-2002. Prob not too much changed in what was offered between the earlier years (except 4x4 goodies).


http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist/2000_4runner.pdf
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist/2001_4runner.pdf
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist/2002_4runner.pdf

 

Hey Nut!

Automatic climate control, give me a break it?s a knob 12inchs from you hand turn left for brrrrr and right for toasty.

I would go with a 99-00 Sport

 

99-02 is the year of the multi mode xfer case, 99-00 limiteds and 01-02 any style runner.

go with a sport model, comes with cloth, limited flares, hood scoop and no climate control.

2000 sport is what im looking to get as I trade my 2001 sport in for it, (dont ask why, i dont wanna explain)


oh yeah the 99-00 sports have the j shifter case, no AWD mode.

if you want AWD best option is the 2001 sport or sr5

 

I have a manual 99. No AWD there.

 

Thanks all for the help! I must've sounded like a pansy asking about auto CC, AWD, and other comfort features. The Jeep I have now has everything mentioned above, plus little things like auto-headlights, compass, service indicator (tells you when coolant/washer fluid/etc are low), etc., which I've gotten pretty used to. Yeah, yeah, I know, I do feel like a soccer mom at times....

I think I'll end up with a 2001-2002 Sport Edition or Limited.

Oh, one more question--I've noticed that the Limiteds came with the two-tone paint (like my 98). I'm not really fond of that--Do the 2001+ SE's come with solid colors? I'm looking into getting a black or dark green (and maybe silver?), but do not want the black/brown combo.

Thanks again for the inputs.

 

Purchase a a silver '02 Sport Ed. You will not be disappointed

As far as solid colors, I've seen '01 and '02 limiteds before that were either solid silver or solid black.

Good luck on your search.

 

Rock Slide,

Thanks. I was looking through ebaymotors, and it seems the SE's came all in solid colors (which I like).

Now I just have to find a good deal.

 

According to those brochures I posted links to above, the solid or 2-tone paint was options, so it could go either way on the limited's.

 

Yeah, I was just looking at that. Seems like traction control started in 01 as well.

BTW, take it easy on your R1. I just sold my F4i, because I've already had numerous close calls with idiot drivers already this season. I'll be picking up a track only bike (Sv650 or 600RR) I'm done with the streets. Ride safe.

 

Correct...the limiteds could go either way, but the sports only came in one solid color.

I know what you mean on "trying to find a good deal"...took me the better part of 3 months to find my current one.

 

I know. It's not going to be fun trying to find a good deal.

Seems like 4.10's were an option. How do you tell if it came with that or not?

 

AFAIK, 4.10's were standard on 4wd models. 3.90s and 4.10s were options for 2wds.

Some 4Runners even came stock with 4.30's...but it's hard to know if a 4Runner has them or not w/o looking at the axle codes.

Steve @ Sonoran Steel has an axle code chart if you want to pull axle codes and compare:

http://www.sonoransteel.com/Toyota_axle_codes.html.

 

Holy crap. Just stopped by a dealership. 2002 SE (Black), one-owner, 84k miles, missing rear tonneau cover (what ever that is called), dog hair all over the back cargo area, timing belt/water pump still needs to be done--asking price--$17,900. WTF? The thing is, I looked at two other, and they were in the similar price range.

Looks like I'm going out of state to buy one...

 

Not surprising. I had to travel 800 miles to find mine. I bought my '02 SE fully loaded w/ only 22k miles on the OD, in prestine conditon for $19K out the door this time last year.

 

That is one good deal. Wish I could find a deal like that near by, but I'm not holding my breath. The search continues....

 

You'll find one...they are out there to be had

During my search, Autotrader.com was my best friend. I was on their site daily. I just had to be patient until the right one popped up.