Hey folks,
I have to sell my Land Cruiser as it is too old for duty free importing to Nicaragua. I was hoping to get some insight into what is the best year 4runner to look for.

Driving safely is not a real high priority among Nicas, so I don't want something real new. I am going with auto trans as I will also be working in DC prior to departure and the traffic sucks.

Any ideas as to what the best years are 97-2000 would be most welcome and appreciated.

Regards from south asia,
DS

 

You mught want to post in the 3rd gen 4runner tech area and not the marketplace area. You'll get better results. I think most will say a 99 with e-locker.

 

99 all the way.... cause I have one

Couldnt be happier.

 

'01 Sport

 

look for a 99 or 2000 with an e-locker.

 

I second that. The 01 and newer don't have the e-locker and have VSC.

Persoanlly I love my 99 Limited b/c it has the e-locker and all the creature comforts of a luxury vehicle

 

I have to go with a 99, wonder why? I had a 98 before my 99, and the 99 is better as far as interior design goes. Don't forget the e-locker.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Im not sure about the years, but I think I want to be like you when I grow up

 

I'd say '99 w/ the e-locker as well. If you don't need the locker, go with a 2001+ 3rd gen. They have the newer front lights that started in '99 and the newer tail lights that started in '01 that most upgrade to. Also, the 99+ has the newer bumper that IMO, looks better. As far as interior goes, I think '99 was the year they started with the center console that has two cup holders but the '01 models have better rear cupholders that don't break as easy. Sorry for the rant as these are things I've considered after reading a ton on this board.

Oh yeah, the 01'+ SR5 models have the wider flares and are color-matched. These look way better than the base SR5 flares from '00 and prior.

 

99 or 00 with e-locker and the Sport package (Highlander in 99, something else in 00) is a vehicle I covet. Newer, but not too new to feel bad putting it through some off-road paces; excellent engine; cup holder in center console started in '99.

Ed

 

I have a 97 and a 99.

Sure the 99 is nice, but you can save a ton of $$ and still get a locker with a 97.

Unless you want to spend those extra dollars for better cupholders and an inch more clearance *shrug*

 

check your add for the LC too

 

I have a '97 with the E-locker. It's been trouble free, for over 8 years. Still looks and drives like new.

In Nicaragua, I would assume there will be a fair amount of driving on dirt/muddy roads.

So whatever year you go with, get one with the rear E-locker.

 

it was the highlander up until '02, then it was the sport. Personally I like the look of the highlander before 01, I hate the big ass bumper in the front, a 99 highlander with an e-locker, leather an 4wd would be my weapon of choice, although it may be hard find, plus I dont think they have the option of the heated seats like the 00+ do. Good luck dude, I couldnt find a highlander with leather, and I tried and tried, settled on the SR5, VSC and TRAC sucks, but hey, theyre easy to do away with

 

i thought it change to sport in 01.

and what big ass bumper? the bumpers are the same 99-02 i thought?

 

Since your in Asia, I'd look into the Hilux Surf version with the 3.0L turbo diesel like RoySharif has.

 

'99 was the start of the goodies including the better headlamps,multiple power outlets including one by the hatch,auto up/down front windows and all '99s and most of the '00s had the taller coil springs.

 

Thanks much for all the advice! I am leaning toward the 99 with the e-locker. I was amazed to see all the posts to my relatively stupid question. As for the poster who wanted to be like me when they grow up, the grass is always greener... I just got over a really nasty stomach visitor which allowed me to set a new record for visits to the can in a 12 hr. period and haven't been home in 9 months... it's all relative.

Thanks again to all,
DS