3rd gen 4runner vs FZJ80

[J-man]

I guess ill chime in too. I have 4 - 4runners. A 97, 98, 99, 2000 & 03 cruiser (100 series). The 4runner is downright a workhorse of a vehicle. Its bombproof 3.4 will run a long darn time, the tranny, axles & electrical systems are stout. I drive all of them like they're stolen and never miss a beat. My wife's cruiser is a comfy cruiser. I know your looking at an 80 series, but if you have the time go sit in a 100 series...luxury with power and traction to go with it.
Negatives of all the 4runners = seats. Im 6'6" and while i can fit, i modified my seat brackets so they can slide another 3" back - made all the difference in the world to me. But still on long drives...undesireable. The limiteds have more cushoined seats, auto climate controls & sunroof are nice - worth it in my opinion to find a limited, and most have the rear locker, but only the sr5's came with the 5spds. Either way you decide to go...your still getting a toyota.

 

[Redline]

WOW! Anyone that owns "4" 3rd Gen 4Runners really likes the platform!!! :sombrero:

I guess ill chime in too. I have 4 - 4runners. A 97, 98, 99, 2000 & 03 cruiser (100 series). The 4runner is downright a workhorse of a vehicle. Its bombproof 3.4 will run a long darn time, the tranny, axles & electrical systems are stout. I drive all of them like they're stolen and never miss a beat. My wife's cruiser is a comfy cruiser. I know your looking at an 80 series, but if you have the time go sit in a 100 series...luxury with power and traction to go with it.
snip...

 

[purdueXJ]

I think ultimately the 4runner will satisfy all of my needs it sounds like, it's bigger than my jeep, has a frame, and sounds like it shouldn't be too hard to find a nice solid one even if it has higher miles. Also since I have to travel pretty far to go on any real "expeditions", it will be nice to have something that I can still take through the local off road park.

 

[BajaRunner]

I have had 2 3rd gen 4runners and I am very biased. I think they are the best trucks out there. I think the 80 series are a close second though.

Wait and get a 4Runner with a locker. Its worth it. They will go wherever you want.

 

[kookulkan]

I'm considering selling my Jeep early next year, and replacing it with either a 3rd gen 4runner or an FZJ80. Other than the obvious differences, size, solid front axle on the 80, what would be the pros and cons between the two. Both would be higher miles for the price I can spend, probably around 150,000 and maybe higher if I were going to go with a 4 runner since they seem to be more pricey.

That is true about the higher price but I have a 98 4Runner with 212,000 and it is stronger then ever. I just had it smogged and the tech told me it was about 30% cleaner then average. Never replaced anything but standard timing belt, brakes, oil type of thing. I get about 19mpg on the highway and have a 3" suspension lift and a 1" body lift. I'd go Toyota all the way.

 

[Cackalak Han]

I've had two 4runners and now a Cruiser. I loved my 4Runners. One with a TRD SC, which was pretty fun.

All cars have pros and cons. For me, Cruiser fits me better with the family and it's safer. Parts are a bit more expensive but very stout. Towing is easier as well.

If I were single, I'd probably go with another 4Runner/Tacoma. I like the size and the mileage better. Actually, I'm looking into getting a Tacoma (98-04?) as the next vehicle, as I really miss having a truck. (SUV w/ trailer is NOT the same ). Definitely keeping the Cruiser, though.

 

[Cackalak Han]

...but I know a Grandma with a clean, stock 2000 SR5, A/T (I would prefer a 5-sp.), white w/grey lower body paint, that has something like 80k on it. She has it maintained at our local Toyota dealer, religiously. If she drives less than 3,000-miles in 3 month she has the oil changed- even when the service adviser tells her she could probably go a couple more months (I agree), she says Change It. I've told her a few times, if she wants to sell her 4Runner please offer it to me first. I can see this utility wagon as a great stock winter/dog/all-rounder, OR a blank canvas that I could build to suit my needs if I wanted it to be something my 4th Gen isn't [like maybe adding a straight axle to the front ]

Ha, I occasinally see this blue 3rd gen 4Runner (96-98) at my local Target, usually parked in the handicapped spot, in IMMACULATE condition. Paint has the show room shine, interior looks mint and the odo reads something like 60k. Thought about leaving a note asking for first dibs.