Hey everyone,

I'm new to this forum. I'm looking into purchasing a 3rd generation 4runner (96-02 I do believe). I've been doing a lot of camping lately and want to start doing some more outdoorsy type traveling. Something my lowered 02 Maxima just can't handle. I have yet to purchase my 4Runner, I plan to do so this winter. I've researched just about everyone of it's competitors from Grand Cherokee's to Pathfinders and it seems that with its exceptional reliability and off-road prowess, it stands near the front of the pack.

My goal: To spend less than 7k on a 3rd gen. The less I spend, the more mods I can afford. (i.e. wheels, tires, lifts at first and later racks and guards).

I've been reviewing a lot of your rigs here on this site and I really do think this 4Runner is right for me. I just want to hear why you guys like your Runners and why I should definitely buy one. After searching for some in classifieds, it seems most have higher miles, 140+. Should this worry me? I know they have found to reach 300. What should I look out for?

I really appreciate any help! I'm excited to get rid of my Maxima. I really just need a vehicle that can handle all types of weather conditions.

 

I love my 99 limited with the factory rear diff locker.

A full-time 4WD mode in addition to the current two-high, four-high and four-low modes.

 

OP, not only do the 4runners come with the E-locker from the TRD Tacoma/Tundra, but the 99-00 limited models come with, what's knows as the MM or multi-mode AWD in addition to the obvious 4wd.
Without going into too much detail, Read this sticky http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ers-guide.html Which will tell you just about everything you ever wanted to learn and watch for when purchasing a 3rd Gen. Congratulations on choosing the 4runner over it's competitors ad welcome to YotaTech.

 

I would target first the 2001-2002 year models as these had some options that were not available in the 1996-1998 & 1999-2000 year models. That way, you can focus your mods on the suspension and on the rear e-locker. The e-locker was not available for the 2001-2002 year models and but available on the 1996-2000 year models

 

Thanks a lot for your comments!