The Toyota 4Runner Is One of the BEST Used Car Buys: Here's What to Look For! | TFL Buyer's Guide!
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#Toyota #4runner #toyota4runner - Auta a dopravní prostředky
My 3rd gen 4Runner has over 322k and still going strong... Engine is real quite after it warms up. No vibrations. Love this thing.
I’m trying to get a 4 runner hopefully a 3rd gen 😊
I've got a '98 Limited, I bought in '98 .... its got less than 70,000 original miles on it.
Thinking about selling it, obviously I just don't drive it much.
@@danielfair4675 Sell it now, before the 6th gen comes out. There will be an influx of used 4Runners hitting the market in 25'-26', and you won't get as much for yours.
Very nice review. I am a 30 year Toyota technician and a owner of a black 1999 4Runner highlander edition (sport edition in later years) with a manual trans, manual t-case, and locking diff. I admit this is one of the very few places I get to brag about my 4runner that the rest of the world does not care about lol.....
Anyway, the reason I posted was If you are buying 2001-2002 with the electronic brake booster (ones with VSC). Take a look at the brake fluid, if it is very dark, you may want to shy away. The brake master cylinder is a 2000$-3000$ job at the dealer. You can get aftermarket/used ones for 1000$ or so plus labor. We have been replacing quite a few of these lately in AZ. Even the cheapest option is still 10%-20% of the purchase price of the car.
OH, and a tip for all you owners out there... Clean you MAF sensor. It makes a HUGE difference. 3 10mm bolts to remove cruise control module, then 2 screws (need a stubby), and spray it out with MAF sensor cleaner (I use brake clean) and reassemble. Enjoy 30 more HP and no more pinging.
Thanks for the info, how often do you clean your MAF sensor? Thank you!
@@Gretzky2857 honestly I do it every oil change, or any other time I'm under the hood.
I recently test drove an 01 Limited. The brakes were extremely "grabby"... like barely press the pedal and you get thrown forward in you seat. Any idea what that's all about?
Most likely the rear axle seals are leaking and causing the rear brakes to be super grabby (coated in gear oil). Very common issue and easy repair, but figure 500-1000 if you are going to have a shop do it.
On a side note I was in a accident in my 99 highlander edition 4runner 2 weeks ago, Somebody made a left in front of me and I hit them at about 45-50mph. We are ok (me and my 7 year old), but the other drivers are pretty banged up (please give a thought for them if possible). my 4runner is no more, but I am looking at replacements and possibly swapping the drivetrain into another one. @@phiksit
@@catapltso sad :(
My daily driver a 2000 4Runner that has been in our family for 24 years. My ex bought it new and I bought it from her when she got a 2021 4Runner. It had 193K miles on it and she had perfectly maintained it over the years. I put a Bilstein/OME 2" lift, 285/70/17 Falken Wildpeaks, 17x 8.5 MK6 Level 8 wheels, SPC adjustable upper control arms and a front diff drop. Took it out to CO from KY with my daughter 3 yrs ago and climbed all over the Alpine loop. We had a blast and this thing crawled over everything in it's path. I'm getting ready to turn over 250K miles and plan on driving it until either I die or it dies...I'd put my money on the 4Runner.
Excellent machines. I've owned two of them. My '97 V6 towed a 2500 lb travel trailer with no problem starting at 6000' and everything was uphill from there. I averaged 18 mpg in town and over 20 on the highway consistently. One of the best off-road machines I have ever owned. even without the locker it is very capable and with the locker it is just an animal.
Love third gens. My 2002 has over 400,000 miles and its been beat up offroad, its towed heavy and its had crappy maintenance but it still doesn't care and it keeps on truckin. Love it way more than my FJ.
I have a 2000 4runner with 110k. Will never sell, best vehicle ever made. Still looks brand new inside and out.
Thank you Tommy. Always loved the 4Runner, but never owned one. A buddy in high school drove an older one (mid-80s) more truck with a topper. it was the only thing that moved on Minnesota's snowiest days. 4Runner, the comfortable, reliable version of the Jeep Wrangler
I’ve owned 2 manual transmission 4Runners (1998 and 2000, currently own the 00) and I will say they’re awesome cars. I love how they look and how they feel inside. However, they are getting up there in age. Buyers should be expecting to replace a lot of stuff. Granted, parts are cheap and plentiful, but it still takes time. I look at it like an adult Lego set to be honest which I why I love working on it. As long as you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you’ll love these old trucks. Oozing with character. Also keep in mind that you’ll get like max 19 mpg highway, which isn’t great.
Agree I think the 4th Gen is a good daily/weekend warrior - basically same truck as a 5th Gen with different sheet metal
Took a '99 4runner up to 280k sold it with no running issues. I had the 5-speed 4WD with diff lock and averaged 19mpg, but could easily hit 22 on the highway. Clock can be fixed by taking apart and re-soldering the big surface mount resistors on the back of the pcb. Rust around the windshield was fatal though. Had water coming in next to the windshield and a bodyshop wouldn't touch it for less than $10k, and even then they really really didn't want the work. The '99 had 11in of ground clearance and was one of the most capable stock vehicles around. I kept mine stock because it drove great on the road and took me everywhere I wanted to go off-road.
I have a 1996 3400 V6 4wd 5-speed manual.
With spare out, driven responsibly I get 20.2 mpg combined.
Nice video! The 3rd gen 4runners are great! I currently have a 98 and a 99 limited. Both 4x4 with rear diff locker. Both have well over 200,00 miles.
I adored my 1997. It had the rear E Locker and would go anywhere. I donated it to family on the east side of LA and they sent me a photo within the past year of it rolling over 300,000 miles.
Also, our 06 Highlander limited has 347k and 07 Tundra SR5 has 295k. Both daily drivers. Money well spent!
I currently have a '98 4Runner with the 3RZ-FE 2.7L and automatic transmission RWD. It has been extremely reliable, albeit gutless. Even here in Denver, which I attribute to our over 300 days of sunshine annually.
There have only been 2-3 times where I have gotten stuck, only once getting help from AAA.
There was one day we had -0°F temps and I had to pick up my coworker because his Jeep wouldn't start in the cold, so much for his 4WD!
I have a 2018 with the 4.0L V6, it's lifted and armored for offroading. It's not fast, just adequate. These and the Tacomas have gotten larger without their engines keeping up.
Kudos to you for rocking a 2WD in Denver, I'm in Arvada and mine (4x4) goes everywhere. But if you're mostly staying in town the 2WD is just fine.
Love this style of video. Keep
Em coming Tommy
I have a 2000 limited 4Runner with the rear locker and 4wd. I am the 6th owner! The car is the same age as me! Got mine for 6k last year here in SoCal. Everything mechanically sound and needs some interior work. 290k miles and going strong. It is my daily driver and I am always impressed by its age and how it handles. Very happy with my purchase.
I bought my 97 4Runner brand new when I got married. Fast forward, my son who is a junior college at this moment still using it since high school. I told him when gets tired of it that he will give it back to me😀.
Love the buyer's guide!
Excellent and on point review Tommy. One of the best ever from Toyota! Not mentioned was how great the axle gearing was in the Limited as well, both 4.10:1 and 4.30:1 options. I wish my 5th Gen had 4.10:1 axles!
A few months ago I bought a 2001 Limited 4WD 4Runner (my 2nd 3rd gen 4runner) and I absolutely LOVE it! Got it from the original owner, and it was in great condition, low miles for the age and other than worn out suspension, didn’t need any major work. I knew I’d love this truck as my daily driver & off-road capable vehicle, but it’s kinda weird how obsessed I am with this truck. Highly recommend paying the premium for one, especially if you’ve checked out all of the points mentioned in this video.
Tommy, your professionalism is jam up and jelly tight. Great job. It's cool to see how you've got better over the years. I have a 2006 (4th gen) 4Runner and it's one of my favorite vehicles I've ever had. And that's been a lot lol. At 200k miles, they drive like brand new.
Seen a lot of 4 runner videos and not one of them covered the coolant problem, thank you I’ll be sure to look for that on my up coming trade
I love my 02 with the multimode transfer case. Having AWD as an option is super nice when the weather gets sketchy. Almost makes up for the lack of available rear locker in the last 2 years.
I bought my 97 2WD manual transmission 4 cylinder base model. It was my first car and didn’t know much about 3gen options. Still we have a great relationship but I retired it as my DD two years ago at 450,000 miles. I’m slowly restoring the essentials. Things get old and fragile with the elements.
I daily my 2000 limited 4x4 with 275k and love it. I'm squarely middle-aged and could buy something newer, but I don't want to. It's just a sweetheart. Plus it is easy to wrench on and mod.
Not many of them on polish market, they're really in demand. Thanks for the video 👍
Isn't that Martin Sheen narrating the opening 4Runner advertisement👏👍
Almost went 4Runner but needed more room so I went sequoia. Almost at 200k miles and 291k on my 03 Tacoma, very similar to this 4 runner 🤙🏽
You guys should do another video on the 1st gen sequoia. Only video I’ve seen was the one Andre did a while ago, but it deserves more and is severely underrated. Even better would be to see a modified one tackle the course!
Very nice. My uncle drove one these up to 415 or 450k miles before the sterring knuckle came off. He did minimal maintenance. He literally drove the wheel off. Personally, I pulled more toward the 4th gen pr 1st gen Sequoia as far as TOYOTA suvs go.
If you can get your hands on a 4.7L V8 4Runner you will have the greatest 4Runner ever made.
Just came here to say that😊
nah, I prefer my V6. V8 is too complicated to work on.
Just came up on 97 4Runner limited leather seats 224k maintained perfectly by my grandma 😭 rest in peace thank you
Best comment on this channel ever!
Sold it. Strong, but gas guzzler.
I have a 2004 Sequoia Limited and simply love it.
I'm proud to daily my 2000 Limited with the center AND factory rear locker 💪
Nice! Can’t wait for the Toyota series
Got a 4th gen (2003) and it just went over 300k. Seems to still be going strong and outside of basic maintenance has not even been in the shop in the last 150k or so. More than I could have ever asked for in a car (except gas mileage of course but think not being in the shop in over a decade might make up for that in a big way).
I have a 2001 limited with 418k on original engine. Had frame rot at the rear, front is coated in oil from main seal so it’s ok.
530K on my 98 LTD , all original drivetrain still . Maintenance is key !
Good video.
Hey Tommy, if you don't drive your daily driver every single day, is it still a daily driver? Great video, love your work!
Love this video, 100% accurate with everything.
These gems are from the past and 5th gen 4Runner perfected it. Rustproofing are essential annually, a must if you value your 4Runner.
So you can't do it once and leave it, you need to do it every year??
@@BlazingFaith1945Krown rustproof is applied annually. Don’t buy into the auto dealers sell rustproof packages that is applied once, these do not work. I learnt it the hard way, the car eventually rusted inside out, a terrible way of rusting.
You want a rustproof treatment that is applied annually. Krown rustproof charges about $130. Worth every penny…if you intent to keep your vehicle a long time.
@@BlazingFaith1945 YES. Toyotas from this era rust REALLY BAD especially on the frame. This wasn't just a Tacoma issue. All Toyotas are effected
@@bldontmatter5319 I know that, I just wasn't aware you had to rustproof every year.
These toyotas are the last 90s vehicles still on the road I’m noticing. I dont think ive seen many 90s vehicles like the 4runners still rolling around today like its new😂
We bought a 5th gen 4Runner Trail. It had 113,000 miles on it. Was more miles and expensive than we wanted. Almost 3 years later and at 148,000 miles we are very happy with our vehicle. With some suspension and tire mods it gets 15MPG. Looking forward to a 2024 or 2025 Land Cruiser or 4Runner hybrid.
15mpg??? my 98 on 33s gets 18.5 driving colorado mountain passes
On my 4th 4runner. 3 3rd gens, now a 5th gen. Still love the 3rd gen
I had a ‘93 4Runner as my first car. I loved it, but it was sloooooow and thirsty.
Bought my 1997 in 2001 and have owned her every since. 100% stock and thanks to AZ 0 rust. Not my daily anymore but I can’t imagine getting rid of her.
Tough to find one in good shape in the north east that isn’t a rust bucket which they were known to have issues with.
97 4Runner sr5 4x4 with manual transmission owner. Bought it in 2000. 170k no problems what’s so ever. Still drives the same as when I got it
I was hoping you'd do a slip test to showcase 4x4 capability..
Also i hpe you do a review on 4th gen v8 in the near future 😊
Very helpful; very few vehicle cut across continents.
No disappointments with the vehicle.
1. Understand your vehicle
2. Do your background research
3. Understand the limitations of your vehicle
4. Understand the weaknesses & work on them if possible
5. Love your vehicle it will love you back if you treat it right.
6. It's not about Myles or gallon it's smiles per gallon
7. Become an overlander & enjoy the unpaved ,corrugated & muddy roads in the Congo.
Works like magic...
Any love for the 4th gen? How about making a video about it?
My FAVORITE vehicle I’ve ever owned, but Tommy, you forgot to mention the 5 speed manual. Mine was a 1996 SR5 4WD 5 Speed! 2:42
He accidentally said it came with either a 5-speed auto or 4 speed ECT auto.. I think he meant to say 5 speed manual
The 4x4 4Runner is a great vehicle, but if it's a 2WD then it's not a 4Runner. It's a 2Runner!
Back when I used to live in Ohio we had one (and only one)that would come into the dealership and everybody would laugh and yell "2Runner". Now I live in AZ and 2Runners are all over the place.
Being new to Toyotas, I was shocked to discover that they even made 2wd "4runners".. When I bought my 2001 4x4 3rd gen a few months, I bypassed alot of 2wds that had less miles and were much cleaner ... But I figured what's the point of a 4runner that isn't 4x4 ? 7 months in, so far I don't regret it, 240,000 miles on the 3.4...
Awesome truck. Have 02 limited. The one to get is the limited 2001, 2002 in 4x4 or the sport edition 4x4. (With the useless hood ventl) but any of them will get you about 350k. Have 155k on mine and a friend of mine has about 325k on his. Expensive but well worth it and as long as you do oil changes, it will not let you down.
In my 2 years of ownership and 14,500 miles on my 2002 Limited I bought with 302k on the clock, the only surprises were a failing battery and the original radiator finally gave up at 311k. Got it from the original owner just outside of Atlanta. The thing has absolutely no rust. Only downside, some could say, is the fact that it's 2WD. Doesn't bother me because I'm never in a situation where I need it. The 4Runner's in beautiful condition inside and out in the one year only "Golden Pearl White" paint.
@benchattin nice! I always liked the white ones. And the red ones. My truck is thundercloud color. And it is in very nice shape. I did the waterpump and timing belt along with the some suspension work ball joints. Put a toytec lift kit and some k02 tires and looks great. Will keep it until it falls apart.
Do the Sequioa next!
My 01 4Runner has 321,000 miles and still going strong. Very dependable
Those are handsome rigs, I miss that era of toyota trucks.
My 98 4x4 SR5 automatic with 32" tires and a mild 1.5" lift averaged around 18.5 mpgs consistently over the course of years. That was with mixed driving. It would average between 20-22 on the highway, depending on elevaton and speed. And in town I drove it with a feather foot to try to maximize mpgs. But they will definitely beat the advertised 16 mpgs.
I’m hoping to get a 3rd gen 4Runner soon 😊
I still have my 3rd gen 4Runner going strong. Just passed 325K a few weeks ago.
Strawberry Milkshake additional info: The radiator is designed to double as a cooler/heater for the transmission fluid. If the radiator fails, the engine coolant and trans fluid mixes....Milkshake time! If you see this on the trans dipstick, the damage is already done. Couple of ways to avoid this. Replace the radiator before it's too late with an OEM style, or you can put in a separate trans fluid cooler and bypass the radiator altogether and never worry about this again.
One other tidbit. If the auto climate control panel goes haywire, they can be sent in to various "cottage industry" vendors for core exchange/repair.
Im going to look at one tomorrow
How do i tell from looking if Strawberry milkshake issue is present ?
Great on trails due to it's size!
Right?
My family has been driving a 2000 limited 4runner for the last 18 years. In the first 17 years the repair costs were less than $500. Total ownership cost was 32 cents a mile. That was with my wife driving!!!
Now my oldest daughter is driving it the repair cost in the last year is approaching $2000. Granted she has put 40k miles on in the last year but kids are hard on stuff. For this reason I would add to the buyers guide to find one that was owned and driven by old people, not kids!!!
C’mon, it’s 23 years old and probably not your daughter’s fault.
It would be great if the next generation would return to this size. But I doubt it
Boulder my beautiful home town!
I have one with 420k miles and another one with 230k miles. Love me a 3rd Gen 4Runner
Have you replaced the transmission fluid filter? The metal mesh one I believe. I have about 190,000 miles and that’s pretty much the only thing I haven’t done to my ‘02 4Runner. Any info is appreciated, thanks.
the only thing better than a new toyota truck, is an older one.
They are TANKS!! I have had 4, 2 4th gen, and now drive a 5 th gen.
Just purchased a 2024 Toyota 4Runner (5th gen), she is thirsty but I love it. It has always been my dream truck as a Toyota fan boy. Came from a 06 Toyota Sienna, so it was a weird transition for me. Coming from a the Caribbean Islands where I was surround by Toyotas Land cruisier, Prado, Hilux, and much more. Sadly, I can get any of those here in the states, so I bought a 4Runner.
Technically you bought a Prado
I have a dealer installed TRD Supercharger on my '98 Limited.
Love my 3rd gen
Nice there some in Oregon selling a Toyota forerunner 2000 V6 150,000 miles five speed four-wheel-drive 15,000
Ty
I'm a big TFL fan and proud to share this state we call home together. You should have probably mentioned the tendency for the 3rd gen to have bad lower ball joint failures if not maintained and the location to look for where the frame rusts. You stated the horsepower multiple times on vehicle that is so slow it doesn't matter and had weird points where the camera zoomed in on the leather seat and rusted trailer hitch.
He did point out the lower ball joint issue.
@@Queensizemusic Thanks! I totally missed it!
@@hansdavis2348 no worries! 🤘🏼⚡️🤘🏼
Love 3rd Gens, I own 8
Help advice please...
I'm about to go look at private party selling 1999 limited 4x4 automatic tomorrow asking price 3,000 firm with 290,000 miles
Any advice helpful
They say everything works perfectly
Terrific video. My 2000 4runner is an all around satisfying car. It's not 4WD, but it handles well in rain and even snow. It's reliable, looks great, and runs well. I love driving this car!
4th gen with the 4.7L V8 are the best. You’re getting the same V8 that was in a Landcrusier with out all the luxury stuff, lighter too.
Hi all, guys i need your help about 2 options to buy, first 84 Cruiser with engine 15bft 4.100cc turbo diésel and 5° manual and the second option another cruiser i dont know the year between 1984-86 but with F2 engine, what option it is better? the 15bft engine its good too? or bad option. please help.
Now do one for the sequoia
I have 2wd I just use it to put my surf boards on top great lil suv horrible mpg’s it was one owner seats are in perfect condition no tears all leather electric everything paint is immaculate. I hear they make great four-wheel-drive, vehicles, very reliable. Nonetheless, I’m happy with it and when I say, four-wheel-drive vehicles I mean as in other ones that are four-wheel-drive, not this one.
What year is actually the best in 3rd generation 4runner?.
Ha! I have a beautiful 98 Limited, from Cali. Rust free, perfect chrome bumpers, but I also fixed the antennae and the digital clock!! 318k and I'm planning to keep her spiffy. Daily driver, very comfortable, and I'm 6"2
I have the same truck How did you fix the clock?
@@steveL.. took it out and had to resolder the connections. It gets brittle with age. I thought it would be hard but actually it was easy and it was very satisfying when it came together!!
Fixing the antenna was more of a nightmare
Oddly, now a couple years later and it's jinky again.
But I've done other things to the T4R, going strong at 325
picked one up with 265000kms about 160000miles been great so far only problem is my difcover has rust and weaps abit but other than that its great 5speed 4x4 all i can say is toyota built them so well made in japan yes im a toyota fan boy but i love ford chev too but i daily drive a toyota. its sad how alot of the newer vehicles feel so plastic and cheap gonna drive this until it rust in half
i got a 3rd gen with 290k miles and runs like a mint
We love ours its is a 2wd but I picked it up two years ago for 3k Thought I got a toy for me I was wrong my wife daily drives it I only get it if it needs to be washed or long trips.
How do yall feel about a 1999 Toyota 4Runner · SR5 Sport Utility 4D
The 3.4l felt like a rocketship compared to the 3.slow v6😂
3.4l 1 of the best /most reliable engines ever made. 3rd gen 4runner/ 1st gen tacoma are bulletproof , decent on gas , and good-looking vehicles
The 3rd gen was the first 4 door jeep.
Ah yes paying like $10k for a vehicle with close to 300k miles makes so much sense. I just cant get behind them with the current pricing.
Then you’ll never get behind the wheel either. The mileage doesn’t matter. It’s how well it was maintained, and I’d find one that has been well maintained, I suggest you buy it immediately.
Love my 3rd gen, I’ve had 3 total. MPG is the truth 😢
4th Gen is generally much more capable and typically doesn't cost much much than a 3rd Gen in decent shape. Engines are much more powerful and just as efficient, and possibly more. I typically average 17-19mpg in my V6. They have more room and towing capacity as well.
Biggest thing to look for on them (besides frame/rust of course) are stuck brake calipers, power steering line and rack leaks (my rack had failed internally and was leaking), and radiator.
How in the heck would you get trans oil in the engine coolant
Unless it's a just a malfunctioning radiator where the cooler lines for the transmission meet the radiator
Weird I've had a lot of vehicles and never heard that one before
Yep, you nailed it. The oil cooler and transmission cooler both utilize the radiator. The second gen Nissan Xterra had the same issue on the earlier models. I think it's actually a lot more common on the Nissan's, up until this video I haven't heard of that being a major issue on the Toyota's.
Found a 2005 with 66K on it. Asking 10K. Should I buy it?
And it’s Martin Sheen with the voice over 🤣
The reason I like the 3rd gen 4Runner is you could get a 5 speed manual transmission. That was the last generation 4Runner you could get with a manual. The greatness of this vehicle is it will easily go past 200k miles and can handle inclement weather like Colorado mountain snow. The flaw is 4Runners get poor gas mileage, around 17-18 mpg. When it was sold gas wasn't as much so that was Ok. But today you can still use a 3rd gen 4Runner to rack up a lot of miles, but it is going to cost a lot. At today's prices it will cost $25k in gas to go 100k miles.
And with the price you'll pay for it, and the lackluster power it makes... literally zero reason to get one of these. Slow + poor mpg + no real power is EMBARRASSING
@@bldontmatter5319 If a 4WD one shows up with less than 150k miles, a manual transmission, and no serious rust, I would consider buying it. We live in the Colorado mountains and it would be a good supplemental vehicle for bad Winter weather. But I have a 97 T100 which is a similar vehicle but slightly larger and a pickup. I use it when I need to carry stuff or we get deep snow, so my T100 is more practical than a 4Runner.
Not everyone needs a race car…
@@bldontmatter5319 Afraid the other kids will laugh at you on the highway?
@@653j521 no, it's a combination of everything bad here, that makes these sub-par.
My reasoning for not buying one was, why buy that when you can buy a land cruiser for a bit more. Now I’m the proud owner of a 2006 LX470 and it’s incredible in every way except fuel mileage.
T Bone !
i have a 2001 sr5 4wd with 98k miles. It looks and drives like new.
I think at 2:40 you meant "5spd manual transmission" rather than automatic. Yeah gotta love those old runners - they last forever!
When are you going to own one Tommy?
I only have my 4Runner in Hilux Surf
Just pony up & get a 5th gen 4 runner limited or lexus gx with full-time 4wd. Best used vehicles on earth imho.