I had a 2000 4Runner Limited with the locking differential and found that it gave generally terrific on-road traction and was virtually unstoppable off road (Innaugural CO4RJ and some trips to Barnwell Mountain, TX) even with Michelin Cross Terrain tires (I'm not a stranger to off road use, although I've never owned a strictly off-road vehicle).

I'm wondering how a 2001 with the VSC and Active-TRAC systems would compare? I obviously do 99.999% of my driving on road, but as I want to drive a 4WD SUV, I will use it off road on challenging terrain. I'll go to CO4RJ and EC4RJ and make some trips to the Badlands or sight-seeing in Kentucky or Southern Indiana, and I want to be able to do everything I did in my stock-height 00 4Runner.

I ask because I'm having reservations about trading a 2002 Jeep with 25k for a higher mileage 2000 4Runner... but I can get a 2001 4Runner for just about the same price, but an SR5 (hopefully with the sport package) with similar mileage to my Jeep.

Thanks in advance.

 

You gotta do it.
There is a reason why the jeep with lower miles is worth less money.

The 4Runner and the Jeep are both quite capable 4x4 machines.
.......but for reliability the 4runner just can't be beat.

 

if theyre sr5s, get the 2001... a lot of features from the ltd were put into the sr5 in '01 (down to the lit ignition ring)... not to mention the upgraded head and tail lights and other small trim upgrades.

i love my 01

 

i would never buy a 4runner past 2000. all the options I like had their last run in 2000....

 

yea, but if you arent going to go all out off roading (sounds like he wont), youll certainly appreciate the amenities the '01 offers on pavement. a little light trail driving will go more than fine in a stock '01.

ive done one mud trail which my friend's cherokee couldnt continue on (think he needs new tires)... didnt have one problem with my fully stock runner.

 

Thanks for the responses, guys.

No, I don't plan to do anything like 44Runner... at least not yet.

However, I will use the 4Runner off road a consierable amount. I don't really care about the features added to the 2001 or 2001 model, but I do want the 4x4 high with the center diff unlocked feature for dry pavement use (99-00 Limiteds, all 01-02s).

I guess the real question is... how does the 96-00 4Runner w/locker compare to a similarly equipped (as in tires, etc) 01-02 4Runner in an off-road environment?

Andrew

 

Better.

 

exactly what darren said

 

I would even trade my 01 SR5 for a 00 Limited w/locker, better 4x4 system, no VSC to effect my driving in snow (I hate the way it slows my wheels down as I'm trying to punch it across an intersection in the snow).

 

I wouldn't get anything newer than 2000. Last year of 5 speed on the runners. A selectable transfercase - no push button 4WD. I hope to modify mine soon. I have an 89 SAS for now.

 

I want an automatic... I'd take a 5-speed, but good luck finding one with the options I want and with lower mileage. I found one with 34k not far from here, but it was locker-less.


VSC is that bad in the snow, huh? Is it worse than a 2000 4Runner would be? As we've got 6" on the ground right now and 3"+ expected tonight, I'm reminded of how I need a snow-capable SUV.

Darren, I remember when you got your 02 on the old forum... you were the first regular poster to use a 2001/2 off road. Do you regret not getting a used 2000?

I'm having a difficult time finding a good 2000 model, and an even more difficult time justifying trading a 2002 Jeep for a 2000 4Runner with more miles AND spending more money.

 

On the 5spd--offer them less and add a ARB locker--you will have the best of both worlds. I sure like my 5spd--when I bought it I had the choice between a new 01 or a new 00 in a different state--I'm glad I took that trip. When your stuck in the snow or Mud it is sure easier to rock a manual than an auto... ok ok so I like the 5spd

 

maybe im nuts, but my vsc-equipped, locker-less 01 is great in the snow

 

Andrew,

VSC is really only bad in 2WD. In the deep stuff, you'd have it disabled.

I don't regret getting mine in the least. I never thought I'd buy new, but there were a couple main reasons, why I did. The first being that I will be running it for the duration of its life, and the second, a '99-'00 at the time was only about $5-6 K less due to the known high resale value of the things. I went back and forth, and eventually ended up with what I have.

I was fine with it not coming with a locker, as I knew there was a company called ARB which could fill that void. The $1,000 price tag is not for everybody, though. I will be getting a couple before too long. Depending on your budget and off-road requirements, this may or may not be an issue (if you went with an '01). I've said it before, the traction control does very well for what it is, and is substantially better than open diffs, but it is not as consistent and predictable as a locker.

I know you have seen the ground clearance stuff I've posted, and if I were to buy used, no question it would be a '99 (Jade Highlander). If you don't plan to lift it, I would think the 99's would be the better choice as they're pre-lifted. That's the only other thing lacking on the 2001-2002's (and 2000's). But, you obviously had the 2000 and know what it's capable of, so this aspect may not be much of a concern.

Good luck with your continued searches!

 

I think I'm leaning towards a 2002 Sport. There are two Thunder Cloud (grey) Sports with 30k and 15k that I'm considering, although they're both overpriced at the moment. I may just have to wait. I wouldn't be opposed to a super-low mileage good deal 2000 Limited or SR5 Highlander 5-speed.

Thanks again for the responses, I suspect that I'd be willing to live wit hthe TRAC and VSC, certainly more than I would an open diff'd 2000.

Andrew

 

I've been driving my mom's '99 Limited around the last week and I love the AWD mode in the slick stuff plus she has a locker that will never be used unless I sneak it off road (yeah right) plus all the other options.

And she claims she'll never sell it unless it has problems and being a Toyota she'll have it till it dies which means forever.

 

i thought so

 

Another vote for 2001!

-- Andrey

 

atta boy

im getting my head unit installed on the 9th.. have a coupon so theyll do it for about $20, and im getting the head unit for somewhat cheaper from a refurbished-unit outlet store.

then finally ill be completely happy with my truck. go '01