Hey guys, this is my first post on these forums. I was just bought a '97 4Runner for my 17th birthday and it had previously been a salvage title about a year into its life. From what I know the truck was not in bad shape at all, which is why it's second owner(the friend I bought it from) bought it from the insurance company and completely fixed it. All that had to be replaced was the very back end which was the only part affected by the small accident.

The problem is since the back end had been fixed the only plaque remaining is the 4Runner plaque and I'm wondering what exact model it is. I don't know if it's a V4, V6, SR5, Limited, etc. The seller is one of my dad's friends and I never got the chance to talk to him face to face, so I really have had no chance to personally ask him.

It would be tremedously helpful if you guys could help me identify the exact type of 4Runner it is just to have the general information. I can answer any questions you might need to have answered. Thanks a lot!

 

Take your registration or vin # to a toyota dealership and they should be able to tell you the model. Also, the DMV should be able to as well. Also, look under the hood and you should see the size of the engine.

 

Some pictures would help us here

 

pop the hood, if it says 2.7 its an inline 4, if it says 3.4 its the v6. what kind of inter. do you have? if its leather and wood trim you most likely have a limited, otherwise id bet on sr5. the only way to be sure is check with the dealer like stated before. you could also take the vin and pay for a carfax which you should have done anyway and it will tell you exactly.

 

Not to sound like a SA but have you looked at the little stickers on it that say either "Limited" or "SR5". If it has big painted flares it is probably a Limited, if it has none or some other type, SR5. Also the floor mats usually tell you if it is a "Limited" as well, if just "4Runner" on them, then it is SR5. These are all pretty good indicators but the VIN number should tell you for sure.

 

It's probably an SR5, as limited models have "Limited" badging in several places... hatch, exterior "pilars" behind the back doors, floor mats, etc. If the rear end is all that suffered in the accident, there would be other indicators that it is a limited.

The engine will say how big it is (either 2.7 or 3.4) right on it. As someone said earlier, the 2.7 is an inline 4cylinder (straight 4, not a V4), and the 3.4 is a 6cylinder (V6).

 

Alright guys, thanks for the help. It's definitely not a Limited because it has no Limited badges any where and there is no leather. Are there only two model types: Limited and SR5? If so, then I know it's an SR5. I thought, however, that there were three: Limited, SR5, and just Base. I thought that was the case and I was trying to distinguish between SR5 and Base.

A little more information, it is a 2.7 liter I4, has 130k miles, power doors and windows, and a new Kenwood stereo system. Thanks..

 

Didn't the Base model only come with Grey Bumpers?

 

and no tinted windows and no alloys...

 

If you have the 2.7, you have the base model. Another easy spot is if it has black door handles and mirrors instead of painted, it's a base model. Limiteds will have the side molding between the fender flares. Welcome to the slow lane.

Jim

 

My '00 had factory tinted windows. No alloys though.

 

i believe the base model has a fixed antenna too, but definitely the base model has black door handles.

bob

 

Yea, judging by the door handles it looks like I have the base. I do have, however, factory tinted windows, those metal coated bumpers, and an automatically retracting antenna.

It is a bit slow, especially while accelerating, but it's my first car and I'm happy with it. It's in good shape and runs well so no problems here. Welcome me to the club ..

 

My '02 didn't have "Limited" on the floor mats

 

limited came with power seats .. not available on sr5