I am getting ready to buy a new,newer car and I am thinking,3rd gen runner(v6,5 speed,4x4),Newer subaru,or 00-01 chevy silverado.I need it to be 4 wd and good on gas.What should I look for in a 3rd gen runner if I decide to go that way?Are the engines dependable?Mph decent?Thank you.

 

3rd gen engines are great, yes. if youre looking for economy, get a 4wd 4cyl... theyre a little better than the 3.4 v6.

 

Agreed...but boy the power is nice on the 3.4...everything in life is a trade-off.

 

What is the mpg differencee between the 4 and the 6?I drive 21 miles to work,8 of that up a 6-8 % climb and about 2800 ft so I would like a good power boost over my crappy 3.0.

 

get the 3.4 mileage for me with a supercharger is about 17/19.

Plus look for one with an e-locker.
Sports came v-6, 5-speed, scooped and locked

 

I am only going to have 12-14,000 cash to spend

 

you can get most any 3rd gen with that money. Prices have come down a lot lately. Check the local Trading Post and Auto Trader.

 

I had a 00 Sport that wasn't locked. I think it was an option.

 

It was also an option on the limiteds. Mine came with one and bamachem's without

 

You'll perhaps want one, JEDI87, that won't catch fire... seriously.

 

My 2002 Sport is 2WD, Auto. I get about 19/23 on average.

 

Heres' a very complete year to year breakdown on the 3rd gens and the upgrades made each year;'99 is when they really made some big and thankful changes.

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist3.html

 

X-AWDriver, thanks for the info on the years and the upgrades. After reading the info sheet on the 4runners, looks like I am about to buy a 99 Highlander model. It already has a lift and larger tires, so that is an extra bonus.
JEDI87, keep looking, they can be had for what you want to spend. I live in Colorado (meaning VERY EXPENSIVE and hard to find older models) and found this one in Texas. If you keep looking and are willing to travel, a deal can be had.

CRACKER

 

I had a 99 Highlander and it was a great vehicle, my ex got it....crap and she does not ever use the 4WD.

 

"I am getting ready to buy a new,newer car and I am thinking,3rd gen runner(v6,5 speed,4x4),Newer subaru,or 00-01 chevy silverado."
-what a mix!
Are you looking for a car or truck? are you keeping the old runner? are going to drive in snow?

Subaru will give you the best milage 21-27mpg, 4runner second 17-21 and they are both dependable. Don't think the Silverado is going to be you choice is you are looking for mpg and reliability. Or are you looking for mph? Then get a turbo Subaru, the 4runner cuts off at 110mph.

Get a 99 or newer 4runner (cupholder, bumper upgrades over 96-98). Look around and you will find a 5sp if that is what you are interested in.

 

99-00 5 spd with e-locker.

 

I do drive in the snow.I have a lifted 87 runner also and will drive that if it gets too deep.I just want something good on gas,comfortable on trips and maybe can haul a small trailer.I am leaning more towards the runner as I have 2 allready and love,well one of them.My mom is buying the 91 from me.

 

99-00 4X4 V6 with locker is the consensus best 3rd gen model.

 

That's why I sold my '97.

 

We picked up our 99 SR5 Highlander edition this past Sat. A road trip to Lubbock, Tx from Colorado. We went wheeling Sunday with our club and really enjoyed getting out in comfort! It rides very well and has plenty of power. I have already modified the air box and I am getting the pipe made for the intake mod as well.