Colorado is the 4Runner capital of the world as far as I can see. The problem is, it seems like the most expensive place to buy a 4Runner, too.

Here is the dilemma: I found a '99 5-speed with diff lock is great condition. Unfortunately, the guy wants $9600 for it. It has a new clutch, and the timing belt and water pump were just changed. But it has 160K miles. I'm not sure it is worth it to pay that much for 160K, although this one looks really good. Not even a scratch on the skid plates, great interior with 6 disk aftermarket stereo, and runs and drives great.

All the other 5-speeds I find are either trashed or don't have the diff lock. And all command premium prices.

If anyone has a good 5-speed with diff lock in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois or Colorado, I'll be traveling I-80 this week. PM me.....

 

welcome to yotatech! hope you find this a nice stop for yourself!

as for the deal, it sounds pretty good to me...everything considered. location (as you say) makes this model hard to come by cheap. not to mention, this is probably the MOST rare combination with the 5sp AND diff lock. it's a 1999 which probably tells you it has the higher suspension. all that for under 10k. not bad. 160k miles, not the best you want to do, but hey, it's a toyota! you'll have it three times as long, right? having the timing and water pump done is a relief to think about as well. the rest of us are waiting anxiously and walking the line until it all blows up...well, maybe that's just me... good luck! hope you come into the family soon- i find myself checking this place out a good 5 times a day. ha- addicted, no doubt.

 

I probably should have mentioned that I already have a '97 5-speed without the diff lock(my son is taking over that one), so I know how good they can be.

Is the '99 suspension higher than the '97?

Any problem areas to look for on a '99?

 

I have a 2000 5spd with 204,000 on it. Runs ad good at new my only complaint is that first gear pops out every once in a while if I give it some gas and let go but very rarely. Also rpms are a bit high on the freeway so some bigger tires might help.

 

I had to fly out to kansas city MO to get my 00 sport 5speed. there were a couple local in denver, but most were really proud of them or they were pieces o crap.

keep checking craigslist and autotrader, try expanding your search as far as mileage from home and dont be afraid to check all of them on autotrader, as most dealers and some private sellers dont realize what they have and just fill in the blanks with whatever.

good luck in your search.

 

If you have time, have you thought about seeing what an AutoBroker can dig up for you? Thats how I acquired my 4Runner.

 

Buy it! http://denver.craigslist.org/car/378481599.html

'99+ are the years to get. With all the work thats already been done, plus the condition it's in, i think $9,600 is well worth it. You should have no problem getting another 160k out of it.

 

I know *exactly* how you feel...I have looked and looked for a 5sp, elocked 4runner around Denver..like you I found some with 5-speeds, but usually didn't have the locker and the really nice ones were all the Limiteds with the auto...I finally bought one off here...in Tucson, AZ...flew down last weekend and drove it up...'96 which I'm ok with, 5sp, elocked, leather, 193K miles...$5K

I went back and forth about if I wanted one with that many miles..and if I wanted to buy one remotely, etc...I finally just got sick of the what-if's and just did it...actually in Silverton, CO right now on a 4wheeling trip with it...4runner is doing sweet..

So yeah...the Denver area is not the place for cheap 4runners, but most I looked at were in very good shape, so I can understand why they want alot for them...

Good Luck..

 

I have never found it that around here. Ever. Put it this way: in the Seattle area, that truck would fetch 12k easy. BUY IT!! Ask for records and do a carfax, and have a mechanic check it as well. But if all checks out like it states in the ad, GET IT!

 

A '99 + 5spd + e-locker is VERY RARE. I'd love to own it myself. The headlights and center console are a really nice improvement over the '96-'98 4runners.

some good info:
1999
This was the 4th year for the 3rd generation 4Runner. More standard features and options equipped this model than any other 4Runner to date. All 1999 4Runners receive a redesigned front bumper, valence cover and grille with multi-reflector headlamps with an auto-off function, a new center console with dual cupholders, an overhead console with garage door/sunglass holder, two power outlets in the center cluster and an LCD odometer with digital dual trip meters.

 

It was worse for me in Feb of this year. After my 89 was totalled, it was nearly impossible to find a 4runner because everyone snatched them up because we had a bad winter. Every place I called said it was sold before it was even on the lot. Even Burt had a 02 with 60k miles for $23k. But on their add on Autotrader, the sticker on the window had previously said $20k. Just goes to show what a little snow in denver will do to prices.

 

So is it better to sell a 4runner around January? I'll probably sell my 5speed 4runner in a year or so.

 

if you find a 5speed with no e-locker and its in good condition go for it do a ARB LOCKER besides would you rather convert to stick or no locker to locker

 

i dont no if its a 5sp or if it has a locker but theres omaha and a lot in omaha nebraska for sale its a 99 and silvers ive from by it look like its in good shape
edit just search real quick and man they are expensive here to,,,,,,http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ice=&cardist=4 thats a 92 and the want almost 10g's for it