Hello to all,

I've been a Tacoma person for many years but I'm thinking of buying a 2001 4 Runner SR5 Sport w/ only 50K, V6 3.4, 4WD...nice truck. Supposedily still under original "elderly" owner. I'm going to look at it tomorrow. Anything I should look out for? any major recalls? I saw the one about the front susperion for 01/02 runners. Does the 01' 4 runner 3.4 have any of the older head gasket issues like my 96 tacoma?

Appreciate any and all feedback!

 

Rear axle seals are a common headache for us 3rd generation owners-if they have not been changed they will need to be -depending on who you believe-somewhere around 90K miles. Look for leakage at the inside of the rear drums-can lead to failure of the rear drum brakes.

I encourage you to check out T4R.org as it is nothing but 3rd generation 4Runner owners. I have a 99 myself, the newer ones with auto trannies are not really my specific preference-but there are lots of owners out there.

No engine issues whatsoever to best of my knowledge.

As always, having a Toyota specialist-someone who works with them all day long every day- is the safest bet to evaluate your find. Look for regular oil changes and documentation to prove them. Use this so called "expert" opinion to help determine your pricing strategy.

Best of luck in the purchase process. Honestly, I have never ever heard of a lemon 4Runner, nor any Toyota for that matter.

 

note there is a newer posting regarding rear window going down on it's own-seems to be the consensus this is a common issue with the 3rd gens-

I had never heard of it before, and I will post up on T4R to make others aware of....

 

Not sure what to look out for but my 01 is the best!

 

The transmission in the 2001-02 4Runners is different than in the previous 3rd gens, and a few people have had problems. If you do a search for "planetary" and "overdrive", you should find the relevant threads.

I am not trying to discourage you from buying the 4Runner, just thought you might want to know about this before you decide.

 

2001 4Runner here with over 110k miles. Not a single problem so far. Just in case you're still thinking about '01 4Runner

 

I can assure you that It's not common. No reason to make anyone think it is.

 

A '01 with 50k is still very much a baby. In all honesty you have nothing to worry about. The leaking axle seals mentioned are very rare and are most talked about with older pre-'99 3rd gens. No head gasket issues.

 

I wouldn't consider 100k+ miles before axle seals have an issue as a problem. Both my Runners seals went at almost exactly 100k so if I get another 100k from my new OEM seals I'm not going to complain. I have two friends who's seals lasted til over 120k but it does seem you most likely will be replacing the seals before 150k on more 4Runners than not.

 

Thanks to everyone for their feedback!

 

I have a 2001 SR5 4WD and no issues. Getting close to 70K. Search the forums but you probably should do all the fluids (transmission, transfer cases, diff, power steering, coolant and brake). The brakes on the 2001 were slightly different than 2000 and have a larger reservoir. Their are some thoughts on doing brake fluid every 2-3 years on a 2001. Greasing the driveshaft should be done. All these can be done in a weekend.