My boss might be buying me a used vehicle for work use, and will consider a 4Runner V-6 4WD.
It would be a used vehicle and we're talking about keeping the price in the mid to upper teens. Any suggestions for what year is best? Any I should avoid?

 

Go with the 99+...they got the cupholders right! j/k. I really think you can't go wrong with any of them. I am pretty sure you can find a 99+ in that price range.

 

i agree, 99+, i got my 00 sr5 for 11k

 

If he is willing to spend the dough, I would go with a 99+ (no particular year but 01+ I think has VSC trac control, which some hate), I am a bit partial to the 99-00 sport version. If you are looking to go as cheap as possible, the 96 4WDs can be had for as little as $8-10k.

 

i second that

 

thats a hell of a work truck

 

I would like to get something with under 60K miles on it, and a guy I know recently bought a 2000 with 52K on it for around $14,000 -- a really nice ride. My '95 has no air bags -- don't all the 3rd gens have them? I'd like all the protection I can get!

 

Yeah, if this works out I'll be one heckuva lucky guy with 2 Runners in the driveway! I'll be able to stop using my Runner for work and only use it for fun.

 

96-02 are the 3rd gens.

they all have 2 airbags.

the steering wheel changed from 2-spoke to the more comfortable 4-spoke in 98.

starting in 98, you could get the "multi-mode" 4wd system on the limiteds that would allow you to use the AWD function on the pavement. also in 98, all models got the rotary a/c controls instead of the slides. in 99+, the limiteds got the auto climate control. in my opinion, the 99's and 00's are the best years because you could get the rear locker and updated interior and 1" taller stance. earlier and later 4WD models are 1" shorter.

as far as price goes, it depends on the rig. brian (waskillywabbit) just sold his 00 sr5 4wd that had painted front and rear bumpers and 60k on the clock for like $14,000 i think.

 

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist3.html

Here's a year to year rundown of the 3rd gens. I'm also partial to the 5 spoke Limited wheels which also came on the Highlanders aka Sport models.

 

Actually you could get the locker for 3rd gens back to 96, it was an available option.

 

yeah, rear lockers were available from 1996 to 2000. in 2001 and 2002, you couldn't get a locker because you'd have VSC and the two are incompatable.

 

Great link! Thanks!

 

01 and 02 sr5s have them as well.

as long as they arent base models.

 

get a 2000 stick. i got mine from a buddy with 60k no wrecks, pefect condition, supercharged, headers, exhaust, stereo (sold it put my old stuff in), grill guard, old stock parts, limo tinted, full roof rack set up (sold it kept my old stuff) husky liners, etc etc for 19 last january. best idea ever. just need to get the rest of the car color matched and im money.

 

Look for a '99 or '00 with the locker-will say RR Diff Lock to the left of the steering wheel. '01 and newer did not offer that.

 

Another vote for a 99 with RR DIFF LOCK and manual tranny...
Good luck...

 

Again, just make sure it has the RR Diff Lock so when he's ready to sell it you can buy it and have the locker!

 

Got it! Thanks everybody!