I looked briefly at a 2000 4WD with a 3.4 engine. Limited, with all the bells and whistles, and 97K miles. Any issues I need to be aware of, like the head gasket in my old 3.0? I'm hoping that a 3.4 will go longer than my 3.0 did.

 

Check the rear axle seals, ask if they have had the timing belt/ water pump replaced (should have been done around 90k). Also make sure any cv boots aren't torn. There shouldn't be any head gasket issues. I would check to see if it has the rear diff locker (black button with red RR DIFF LOCK writing to the left of the steering wheel)

 

That's definitely what I would get coming from a 2nd gen. I don't know what you'd really have to look for other than the normal stuff. I nearly bought a 3rd gen a month ago, but there was a excessively loud "ticking" and the rest of the truck just seemed "off". The hood lines and the interior trim. I still think about getting one, but these 1st gens are so awesome. It makes it tough to switch. Coming from a 2nd gen though, no brainer.

 

im happy with my 3rd gen 160k trouble free miles way easier to work on than the 3 slow

 

Thanks. That's good to know. I've spent the past 11 years in my 2nd gen and never paid much attention to 3rd gen issues.

There are some sweet 1st gen 4Runners on this site. If I could find one of them I'd definitely go for it, but around here they are rare and in very rough condition. So if I'm going to stick with Toyota it will be a 3rd.

Also good to know, as it's getting tougher to find a 3rd gen with less than 100K on it.

 

there are some quirks with the 3rd gens but generally speaking and personally they are quite a step up from a 2nd gen (I had a 95 22Re).

3.4 is near bulletproof-a few mods available for even more go power. Mine feels like a rocket after the Gen 2. Local constables confirm propensity for lead foot.

Dog room- you may not favor the heavy rear hatch for dog ingress/egress. I miss the tailgate of my 95 and the 3rd gen may feel less like a truck and more like a well appointed car.

Pointed dowhhill my Aussie shephard is still able to jump in the back window nails clawing and scratching- on a level surface the window is too tall compared to my 95. Cargo area slightly wider and an inch or so less deep.

Prices are good now, it is a good time to be SUV shopping.

 

I've driven every gen of 4Runner over the last 20 years and the 1st gens are great for an off roader but as DD there's alot to be desired but not bad for 20+ year old trucks;2nd gens would be better if they were 3rd gens since Toyota addressed power,ergonomic issues and even added an available locker to enhance if off road worthiness but still made it comfortable to drive on long trips and a daily basis.

I'm approaching 140k and my truck has been trouble free and has zero leaks,no rust (Colorado air helps that),burns less than a 1/4 quart of oil between my 8000 miles oil changes running M1 syn and Puralator PureOne filter.

I love my '99 and the only things I've really had to fix was the rear axle seals at 100k (@100k also on my '97) and I just did my T-belt and water pump last month at 138k and actually gained another 1-2mpgs by doing so. I'm getting about 17 with mostly city driving and that's with my Yakima rack on and bigger tires and I'm a bit of a leadfoot.

I'm a bit biased but 3rd gens are the pinnacle for 4Runners IMO when it comes to off road capabilities and maintaining nice civility when out on the town. Could use a little more power tho',maybe anohter 50hp but I'm staying away from an SC for now.

 

Could not have said it better myself. I love my 2000 Runner and the ONLY thing I would want is a e-locker. But I think the 3rd gen was the peak of the 4Runners.

 

I love my 98 223K miles runs like a top. went camping drove 75mph for 130 miles loaded down w/ a/c on and got 19.4 mpg i also have no leaks either its a super rig! oh its a 4x4 too

 

Thanks for the replies.

Ron - I like a tailgate better, too, but at least Toyota didn't do away with the roll-down rear window. My dogs love it. The one thing I can think of in favor of the hatch is that you don't have to roll down the window to get into the rear. As for space, I'll probably keep the rear seats folded down, like I do with my 2nd gen.


X-AW - Great info and a nice photo! My nephew has a 2001 4Runner. When I drove it I was pretty amazed at the power (relative to mine). It seems like Toyota made almost all the right changes going from the 2nd gens to the 3rd.

2000 & dairy, thanks for the replies. Only helps to solidify my decision to ultimately move to a 3rd gen.

 

The only other thing I would definitely check out is the 4WD system. I've had 2 4Runners (98 & 02). The 98 had a bit of trouble going into 4WD (push button). I think it was a vacuum leak somewhere, but never did find out. When I pushed the 4WD button, the light just kept flashing (not engaged). I've tried, putting in reverse, turning + throttle, etc., but nothing helped. So check that out and make sure it goes in like it's supposed to. Do the same for the rear locker, if applicable.

 

Everything said above is true.
122K trouble free miles on my 2000 Limited. Only things replaced were timing belt / water pump, battery and starter motor.

The biggest thing to look forward to is the lights burning out behind the factory stereo.... these cannot be replaced. I just took it out and put in a Sony which I like better anyway. Also, you will be replacing all the tiny little bulbs behind the Digital HVAC controls... pain in the arse.

Other than these little things, I absolutely love it. And the factory locker (once I did the Grey wire mod) has been invaluable in a few instances.

Good luck!

James

 

I can applify all of the above, my 98 is gr8! I have been able to do alot of mods to it and still much more I can do, but out of the box, a great step up from gen 1 and 2 (owned both) Your dogs won't know the difference , but you will!

 

I love my 3rd gen, moved up from my 1991 pickup and it was night and day as far as comfort and power. Off road leaves something to be desired without the locker. So far the only issues i have had at 154k miles is rear axle seal, cv is leaking since my lift, timing belt, and other normal maintenance things. But it looks awesome and i will eventually sas it and make it my fun truck like the 1991 was

 

I agree!

 

I love my 3rd gen, i love her soooooooo much.

 

Great trucks everyone. I think 4mydogs will soon be telling us he bought one. It's a great & obvious choice from the 2nd gen, I just haven't been able to make the switch from my clean 1st gen. Converrrrrrrtttttiiiiible!!!