Hello Yotatech members.

I have been a long time toyota fan, my first car being a 96 Avalon XLS. I created this account simply to question the Toyota gods wisdom on this forum. I currently am interested in a 2000 4Runner limited automatic transmission with the E locker option. It sits at 121,xxx miles and have several of the things I want on it. I am partial to the looks of the 3rd generation 4runner as opposed to the newer 4th. It does have the 6 cylinder engine which is known to be very reliable. I have looked at members posts on the dreaded strawberry milkshake, and common rust issues. The body looks very solid for being a 20 y/o car. With that being said would the underside photos of this dissuade anyone from purchasing this specific model. I switched from my past 2 toyotas to driving a Mercedes (2004 w203 sedan six speed with m271) which I have done all my own work, including suspension rebuild. I would like to be able to park that and use this as a more practical mode of transportation and some shenanigans along the way. Any advice or comments would be very much appreciated, I will be making a 3 hour drive to inspect it myself tomorrow. Thank you again for your time.

Underside

 

I'm partial to the 99's and 2000's. The multi-mode tranny and rear e-locker are great features. Does the e-locker work? Low miles are attractive. But that frame needs inspection by a pro; it looks close to failure. A compression test wet and dry-is always useful. Any known history? Any maintenance receipts? The lot wants a strong price, but if all is in top shape it's not out of line. However looks like a bunch of $$ are due down below...

 

Ohio is tough on vehicles. And the underside of that thing doesn’t look the best. Crawl underneath that thing with a screwdriver and poke at the frame rails. Poke on the inner facing side where it bends upwards behind the rear seats to go over the rear axle. Poke all around to the rear of the front axle below the drivers door.

that price is a little ambitious too. I bought my ‘99 LTD with e-locker and only 83k miles for $6500 in ‘15. My sale was private party, but still I think they are high.

 

The broken link is not a good sign, 2 catalytic converters, is that a US/Cali thing?. Looks like a new rear O2 so they have been trying to get rid of a check engine light problem. I would also be concerned with the frame, I usually check the lowest 4 corners of the frame with a screw driver. The price is high, but they put a O2 sensor in it so they are invested as far as they are concerned.

 

Based on the pics of the rear axle, I would not invest 6+ hours of driving time to look at that truck.



Andreas

 

I realize this one has way more miles, but based on the rust free factory receiver hitch, I’d say it’s in better condition and cheaper.

 

I own two 4runners a 3rd gen 2000 limited and a 5th gen 2015 TRD Pro. I bought the 2000 4runner in 2002 with 24k miles on it. It now has 255k miles. I love it. The 3rd gen 4runners are in my opinion the best gen of all. They run forever. My only regret was buying the 3rd gen from a rust belt state. My vehicle looks very similar to the photos you've posted. The vehicle is still a work horse even in its rusted condition, but it is a PAIN to replace parts. When I bought the 2015 I bought from a non rust belt state and had the vehicle shipped. I recommend that you do the same if at all possible. If not then check the compression and go for it.

The FSM says:
Compression pressure:
1,200 kPa (12.2 kgf/cm2, 174 psi) or more
Minimum pressure: 1,000 kPa (10.2 kgf/cm2, 145 psi)
Difference between each cylinder:
100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm2, 15 psi) or less

Write down the compression in whatever repair manual you use. You will be glad you did when it's time to diagnose issues associated with high mileage vehicles. FYI... My head gasket blew at 225K miles.

I hope this helps! Good luck.

 

Agreed, that truck would not pass a basic safety inspection. with a broken upper link the axle would wander like a drunk
I bed the axle housing is about to rust through on the lower link passenger side. I bet the e-brake won't even grab due to rusted bell cranks
low mileage and e-locker its a $2500 truck tops IMO

38 pics in the add and half of them are of the same thing...most showing the shifter, cruise control and sunglass holder- who cares
https://www.westendautosalesandservi...unner/62172440