Best years for 4 Runners?

[Schattenjager]

I am helping a buddy search around for a new rig. He is letting his 07 Tacoma go back to the bank (apparently they have workable deals to do this now-a-days) but wants a reliable, modern SUV that can wheel in Colorado without a lot of spendy mods. He was looking at Dico's but is seeking something with more parts availability and better reputation for durability and reliability. Nothing at all against the Land Rovers (I have had a few myself) but it seems like a 4 Runner is the right size for him. He has no family, just a giant mutt.

Here is what he is wanting:

A modern rig - not so old you can't find parts / service easily

Dependable systems - no chronic problem history

Robust 4X4 - did any of these ever have solid axels?

Easily maintained

Not overly prone to rust problems

Less than $8500

I have search around Craislist and have seen every make and model over every imaginable price range.

Can you make any recommendations for him to consider?

Thanks!

 

[kcowyo]

'99.

.

 

[Rallyroo]

Robust 4X4 - did any of these ever have solid axels?

Unfortunately, 1985 was the last year model for solid axles all around on the 4Runner.

 

[Cackalak Han]

What about an FZJ80? Solid axles, double locked, etc. Can be had for $7k or so then rest on basic maintenance.

4Runner wise, I'd say 99-00. If you want an auto, go for the Limited with the multimode transmission. For manual, get the Highlander/Sport, because they look cool.

 

[Vermejo]

Another vote for 99 Runner, and with luck one that's e-locked. This model was the highest off the ground stock. Some would say the best made and most reliable in the 3rd gen model years.

 

[greg mgm]

I have a 91 3.0 auto 4Runner. They are reliable for sure, but the 3.0 isn't great on power. My suggestion is to go with 3.4 or bigger if he can afford it.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I have a 91 3.0 auto 4Runner. They are reliable for sure, but the 3.0 isn't great on power. My suggestion is to go with 3.4 or bigger if he can afford it.

Also going with a 3rd gen or newer would be best for the foreseeable spares availability. The 1st and 2nd gen, particularly the '84-'89, mean as much time at the junk yard as the dealer or NAPA. A few internal parts are starting to become unavailable from a dealer, like 22R oversized rings are no longer available from Toyota. The aftermarket is strong still, though, for the earlier trucks. Helps that the 4Runner and pickup from 1984 to 1995 are pretty much the same.

Personally I would assess the budget and just simply find the newest 3rd or 4th gen that meets the available money with lowest miles. Also depends on how serious he intends to be with the offroad part and if he wants a stick or auto. I personally am no fan of autos and so I would be looking at 2000 and older because of it, but lots of people don't care (4Runners are automatics only from 2001 to present). I think the early 4th gen, i.e. 2003, 2004, V6 SR5 4Runners are getting price competitive with the 3rd gen with the benefit IMO of an even better engine and I think better highway ride (important or not, depends). They'll usually have low miles, too.

I think in any case, with any 4Runner, he'll just need to ditch the running boards, put on AT treads and sliders and he'll be fine on 90% of the roads and trails in Colorado.

 

[CA-RJ]

Another vote for a 3rd Gen. The 3.4L is very reliable and there are tons of parts available.

 

[BLKNBLU]

Tough to do as a 1st gen owner, but I'd have to agree with the 3rd gen votes. Plenty of power, comfortable, all the modern conveniences, lots of aftermarket support, and very little drop off in economy from the 4 banger. Plus, some of them are now old enough to be relatively depreciated, making them a good buy.

 

[Schattenjager]

Thanks for the input!

Is there anything to the "special package" that included a supercharger? There are a couple on the market. Was this a factory / dealer option or an aftermarket kit?

Thanks again for the help!
:elkgrin:

 

[CYi5]

Thanks for the input!

Is there anything to the "special package" that included a supercharger? There are a couple on the market. Was this a factory / dealer option or an aftermarket kit?

Thanks again for the help!
:elkgrin:

You got it, dealer option or added on later by the owner. There was no factory supercharged edition.

Oh, and 99 if he's going to keep it stock, 00 if he's going to lift it...sorry if I didn't read what you said, i skipped to the end. Limited w/multimode transmission + elocker = best of all worlds.

 

[CA-RJ]

You got it, dealer option or added on later by the owner. There was no factory supercharged edition.

Oh, and 99 if he's going to keep it stock, 00 if he's going to lift it...sorry if I didn't read what you said, i skipped to the end. Limited w/multimode transmission + elocker = best of all worlds.

Wasn't it the automatics in the 00-02 4wd/AWD models that had problems? I thought I remember hearing about early failures in them.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Wasn't it the automatics in the 00-02 4wd/AWD models that had problems? I thought I remember hearing about early failures in them.

No, it was 01-02.

 

[Martinjmpr]

The 3rd Gen 4runners are sweet but if MPG is not a consideration I'd also say go for the FZJ-80. There are a bazillion of them in CO.

 

[Schattenjager]

Why is a 2000 better to mod than a '99? He is keeping it simple - 3" OME lift, front bumper and he already has a ton of gear (winch etc.) Thoughts here are appreciated!

I think the Cruisers are too big for what he wants to do. This rig is going to be 'paid for in full' and will represent a long term relationship for him. The cruiser's gas and gear would offset his goals a little. With fears of gas prices skyrocketing again, he is really focused on the 4Runner.