Hey guys, just joined!
Im looking at buying a 2002 4Runner from a freind, it has 39,000 miles on it. I own a Pontaic GTP now, but I need an SUV and this buddy of mine keeps it in great shape. Im looking for a SUV since I live in Minnesota and the winters are bad, tow my jet skis, snowmobiles and boat...
I really dont know much about these...any insight would be much appreciated. Problems, how long to they run....anything would be helpful!!!
Thanks Guys
Marc

 

so long as the oil was religiously changed, youre all set.

have it looked at if youre unsure. 39K is a baby.

no problems, by the 2002 model year, the kinks were worked out on the 3rd gens. they run up to between 200 to 300, and even well over 300 in some cases. what color is it?

 

The short version - with the information you provided here - is that unless that particular 4runner was beat on fairly hard in the last two years, you should have a winner on your hands. It's a Toyota, so it's going to be reliable and run for a long time (I don't think that 200,000 miles is out of the question with proper PM). As an SUV, 4runners are hard to beat.....I'm pretty demanding when it comes to the vehicles I drive, and after a lot of research, and test drives it came out on top for my purposes. Let's hear some more about this rig.....I'm guessing it's a V6/auto, being an '02, but other than that what options, price, etc?

 

188k on mine...Runs great!

 

Like I said its an 02, Limited 4-Runner, Auto 3.4 V6. All foctory options except leather, its tan has aftermarket running boards, rear tail light covers, brush guard with lights and 1500 in stereo upgrades. He just had all fluids changed and oil is changed every 2500 miles. I think he has some engine upgrades, but not sure. The guy that owns it is actually my insurance broker! All he uses it for is to drive around the city and pull his 4-wheelers once in awhile. Its a leased vehicle and the buyout is $17k. Since its the limited edition it have a 4-11 rear end. The only thing Im worried about is it being underpowered. My stepdad has a Jeep wiht a V8 and have plenty of power and my dad has an Escalade (cant really compare because thats in a different class), but it has power and them MORE. That is my only concern with this vehcile. I have never owned a foreighn made vehilce so that is a concern too. But all I have heard is good things about them and they last forever.
Now I just have to sell my car!!!
Thanks again for all your help! Any more info/testimonies would be great!!!

 

What about doing your own maintenance? I like to think Im pretty handy and try and do all maintenance on all my cars, easy to do on this vehicle?

 

Mac, welcome to the board!

I have an '02 runner, just turned over 40k this weekend. I love it.

I change the oil at ~7k intervals (per manual suggestion). W/ the skid plate on it (if you have one), it's a PITA, but still doable. You'll just drip more oil on yourself b/c of how the filter is angled.

The only noticeable problem (and I have not had this on mine) that I've heard with the '02s is the weather stripping on the drivers door sagging a bit. But again, I don't have that problem.

Sounds like a winner!

 

I have an '02 4Runner and have owned it since new. I've never had a single problem with it. If you are worried about it being underpowered, put a TRD supercharger on it. My mileage with the s/c actually increased in town about 2mpg but I lost about 1 mpg on the interstate. Other than that, the added power is great for passing/pulling and didn't void my warranty. Glad to have you here.

 

you'll notice a lot of new cars have huge plates over the engines, and the interior trims interfere with the stereo setups such that it doesnt allow you to put in an aftermarket stereo without heavy modification/awkward results.

the 4runner is truely a make-it-your-own vehicle. you can add so much into it, that half the fun of owning one is changing it as much as you can possibly afford. that said, doing your own maintenance is pretty easy, the manual is quite informative and anything you need answered besides you can get right here on yotatech via the search.

if power is your issue, you can invest in a trd supercharger, usually available for around $2K, installed for a total of around $3500. that will boost your runner up to around 250hp, i believe?