Ok, I'm in the market for a 4runner around 1999-2001ish.
What are the hot features to look for or avoid?
How can you tell if it has an e-locker (most sellers don't even mention it)?
My initial preferences are the V6 with 5spd but I'd consider the 2.7 if the mileage is good.
Thanks for any guidance!

 

The elocker switch will be labeled RR Diff lock and be located directly to the left of the steering column if it has one.

I'd look for the V6 since 3rd gens do need the extra torque for towing and just pulling hills adequatly. In '01 the 5 speeds and rear lockers were discontinued.

 

Two things to look for:

 

Look for a Highlander/Sport Edition if possible.

 

thanks for the replies so far..I guess I'll focus on 1999-2000 V6 5spd
how rare/common is the e-locker?
what is special in the highlander/sport ?

 

if your going to be wheeling it,,,, LOCKER

 

the locker is awsome i rewired mine so i dont have to be in 4lo and i drove about 8 miles down a gravel road with it locked and did some light wheeling and its great better than the last two trucks ive had with open diffs .... i call it the fun button

 

I like the interior of your's paddlenbike. I have the Limited so I have leather and the oak coloered steering wheel. I like the black stearing wheel better. I really wanted a 4Runner ever since I drove my ex's sister's to Alabama. I drove one with a 2.7L and hated it. You better say a prayer if you are trying to merge into traffic with 4 people in the car and A/C on. I found my '98 Limited 4x4 a few months ago with 59K miles and in near mint condition. I got it after TT&L and all the BS for 11,400.00

 

Let me just say the auto is nothing to avoid. I like mine. And has towed a Mazdaspeed Protege, MR2 and a Altrac with no problems.

 

you should definitely look for the elocker. i didnt see one when i was in the market and ended up getting one without but get it if you can. saves a lot of hassle down the road of doing an aftermarket one. im a fan of 5spds myself but my 2000 runner was an auto and it was just fine. though this was before i had entered the 5spd world for the first time

 

I agree; I like the SR5 interiors a little more than the Limiteds. I like the black steering wheel, the black center console bezel as opposed to wood and cloth seats are much cooler during the summer than leather. (I actually converted my Toyota Supra from leather to cloth.) Limiteds are not available with a 5-speed, so it all worked out in the end. I do like the updated look of the climate control unit on the Limiteds and the Limited wheels were something I *had* to have.

 

I agree with the locker thing. The sport edition has the center locker and i got one thinking that it had the e locker. The pic on the button by the steering column with 4 wheels and an x is not a rear locker. It still does damn good on the trail though.

 

So you have done this? I would love to have the climate control from the limited. You have a write up or something?

 

Just curious why you don't want to look at 96,97,and 98? You should be able to find one of these for less money than the newer one. The engine in the 3rd gen is the main point of interest right?

 

I live in the rust belt, so I want to start with the newest I can find within my budget. Were there any major differences from 96 to 00? I would go for an older 3rd gen if it's worth it.

 

no major things just a few tweaks. cupholders, digital odometer, grey gauges instead of black, clear headlights, different bumper and grill...

 

I came across a 98 that has 'traction control'. Is that a center diff lock? I thought that wasn't available until later? Or-does this refer to the rear diff lock? Correct me if I'm wrong, is the center diff something that was added in 2001 which is all-wheel drive? Locking that diff would just be plain old 4x4, right?

 

I initially bought a decent '97 SR5 and it didn't have a locker or sunroof and the cupholders are atrocious and after a year I sold it and got my '99 w/locker and sunroof. It was cheaper to start over with a newer Runner with what I needed as a starting point.
Also worthy ergonomic upgrades included what was mentioned above plus auto up/down front windows,three power outlets up front and one in the rear and larger rear storage compartment. Plus to note is the '99-'00 Highlanders got the Limited's wheels.

I wanted a '99 Highlander/Sport model since it is actually not that common and almost all had the taller '99 coils and most of the '00s had the taller coils. After the '00 model run they all got the shorter coils with a drop of almost 1.5".

Highlanders also draw "scoop envy" from other Runner owners quite easily.

 

I have a 97'
No e-locker...
Auto...

I got it mostly cause I just watned a 4Runner...
Test drove stepdads 02' Sport and fell in love with them...
I plan on putting rear with and e-locker soon...
and plan on chaing the center consol for the cupholers...

Also mine dosen't have 'traction control' like my stepdads...

the 99-02s are nice...
If I had the money and ability I would look for a 5spd e-locker myself...
I got mine off of ebay...
Lucky I guess...
Always a good place to start searching...
And eventually I will be getting the "scoop hood"...

 

4runner found!
Just bought a black 97 v6 5 speed with diff lock
yay!