My '00 T4R Highlander.

[MCObray]

Hello all. I am currently crossing over from the Jeep section of the forum. I recently sold my Jeep, and decided the next vehicle I purchase would be a Toyota.
Said Jeep:

'99 Jeep XJ by Bucky Images, on Flickr
I was undecided upon which model, as I liked both Tacoma and 4Runner. The big seller for me though, well not my choice, was that a 4Runner in good condition was obtainable within my budget, as opposed to having to get a Tacoma that more than likely needed work. 4Runner it is! I scoured through several threads, which lead me to narrowing down my selection to a '99-'00 4Runner. As said in several other threads, this model had some of the best features for the 3rd Generation 4Runner. All I really desired though was the RR Diff Lock. I scoured Craigslist here and there looking for a replacement vehicle, but was in no hurry. I had a nice, comfortable car to drive in my girlfriends '05 Honda Accord and this was a process I did not want to rush. Well, one Sunday morning a gem popped up and I was sold, virtually. I made plans to see this vehicle, and it appeared just as good, if not better, then the ad. All maintenance was up to date and had a brand new set of tires with only 1,xxx miles logged. This is it, this is the one I had been hopping for.
Without further ado, this is my new-to-me 2000 Toyota 4Runner "Highlander", RR Diff Lock equipped!

'00 Toyota 4Runner Highlander. by Bucky Images, on Flickr

'00 Toyota 4Runner Highlander. by Bucky Images, on Flickr

'00 Toyota 4Runner Highlander. by Bucky Images, on Flickr

'00 Toyota 4Runner Highlander. by Bucky Images, on Flickr
Description:
*177,xxx miles
*RR Diff Lock
*Toyo Open Country A/T 2.
*Cloth Interior
*Maintenance up to date. $2k in receipts for work done within the last month. SCORE!
*Tinted Windows
The owner took good care of this vehicle, and really exceeded my expectation of what I wanted... I am pretty happy to say the least!

 

[Moving Chicane]

Welcome! Both of those rigs (old & new) look very nice (and perhaps TOO clean)!!!

 

[Derek24]

Wow that is clean! Good find, and it always pays off to not be in a hurry! Many more miles to go in that runner!

 

[ttora4runner]

Nice, score.

 

[MCObray]

Welcome! Both of those rigs (old & new) look very nice (and perhaps TOO clean)!!!

Thanks. I like to take care of my stuff!

Wow that is clean! Good find, and it always pays off to not be in a hurry! Many more miles to go in that runner!

Yeah, it was a good fine indeed. I was really not trying to be in hurry, but it was right in my budget with all the right options. Thanks, I cannot wait to log many, many more.

Nice, score.

Thank you. I am stoked!

 

[shmabs]

that thing is gorgeous! what are the plans?

Mike

 

[MCObray]

that thing is gorgeous! what are the plans?

Mike

Thanks Mike. Plans areto add a few accessories. This 4Runners, as stated, has exceeded my expectation and only require a few misc. parts that would make it be where I want.
My plans:
B&M 70268 Transmission Cooler. Ordered.
WeatherTech Front Floor Mats. Ordered.
Sleeping Platform/Storage in the rear interior of the vehicle.
2" Old Man Emu suspension (Coils & Shocks).
Bump up a tire size (Duratracs/KM2s).
Sliders.
ARB Bull Bar Front Bumper.
LightForce auxiliary lights.
Rear bumper.

 

[Willman]

That is one clean "Highlander"....177k on the clock....that is ready for another 177k.

Nice rig.

 

[JWP58]

Damn good looking 4runner. I've always like that body style. Honestly I kinda wish I wouldve got a 4runner...

 

[MCObray]

That is one clean "Highlander"....177k on the clock....that is ready for another 177k.

Nice rig.

Thank you Nic. I was keeping my eye out for something clean and straight for the most part. Ah yes, so I have heard... many more miles of fun to come!

Damn good looking 4runner. I've always like that body style. Honestly I kinda wish I wouldve got a 4runner...

Thank you. I was set on a limited, which this model is essentially, but the hood scoop and cloth interior just added that much more awesome-ness to the circumstances. Why not have 2 in the stable? A Tacoma & 4Runner, hell maybe even a FZJ80, would be one dream of a driveway.

 

[Vantage]

Beautiful highlander. One of my favorite 3rd gen's.

Do 3rd gen highlander's come with the water resistant perforated seats?

 

[MCObray]

Beautiful highlander. One of my favorite 3rd gen's.

Do 3rd gen highlander's come with the water resistant perforated seats?

Hey, hey thanks! I liked the 4th Gen 4Runners, just not the price. I love the clean, sleek look of a well-kept 3rd Gen.

I do not believe 3rd Gen T4Rs came with water resister seats. I have cloth though, and I love them. Down the road I would like to get some Wet Okole covers for the front.

 

[MCObray]

I ran through a tank of gas today. 90% highway and 10% city. Gas light came on and drove about 15 miles afterwards. I ended up getting 16.7 MPG, and filling the tank with 13.226 gallons at 220.8 miles. I know these tanks are 18.5 gallons, and supposedly most can get 15 gallons out these tanks. I have heard that a well maintained T4R can achieve 20 MPGs highway. I'm more curious about range, as I want to know how long I can go. I'm not to worried about these numbers, as I knew what I was getting into before purchasing the 4Runner. Anybody chime in with their experience? Thanks.

 

[rickashay]

Like I already mentioned, VERY nice rig Mason!

Glad you showed some patience and waited for "the one". It's not always easy to not let your frustration or impatience in finding an older used vehicle, get the better of you. You scored a gem!

I look forward to the build and subsequent photos. What size tires are you bumping up to? 265, 285, 255? Good call on the B&M Tranny cooler, might also want to consider doing the lower ball joints, especially if you will be lifting it soon. (Although, I wouldn't be surprised if the PO already did them judging by the condition of this T4R).

Subscribed.

 

[MCObray]

Like I already mentioned, VERY nice rig Mason!

Glad you showed some patience and waited for "the one". It's not always easy to not let your frustration or impatience in finding an older used vehicle, get the better of you. You scored a gem!

I look forward to the build and subsequent photos. What size tires are you bumping up to? 265, 285, 255? Good call on the B&M Tranny cooler, might also want to consider doing the lower ball joints, especially if you will be lifting it soon. (Although, I wouldn't be surprised if the PO already did them judging by the condition of this T4R).

Subscribed.

Addison,

Thanks for stopping by. Your 4Runner, as well as photography, are certainly a inspiration as I will be taking some bits from your documentation and applying it to mine. I'm new to metric size, so whatever one size is taller than my current tires (LT265/75/16). I really dig the width of this tire, so ideally I would like to stay with the same width. Ball Joints will be done when the Runner does get lifted. I have read a few threads, specifically the "3rd Gen 4Runner Buyers Guide", where there was pictures of ball joint failure... certainly do not want to experience that!

Thanks.