Storz
Explorer
In the market for an SUV and came across this. Thoughts?
https://watertown.craigslist.org/ctd/5917490473.html
https://watertown.craigslist.org/ctd/5917490473.html
Thoughts on this 4Runner?
- Thread starter Storz
- Start date
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
Poke the frame for rust and do your regular due diligence, but looks like it was well kept and not abused. Nice find.
SnoViking
Adventurer
I have a '99 and know a little about them. All in all it looks pretty good, besides the terribly dirty engine bay. It's a bit of a hodge-podge; It started life as an SR5 but it looks like it was ordered with (dealer) or someone (PO) tried to turn it into a sport. It has sport fenders, locker, and seat fabric, but it's missing the sport hood scoop and the chrome bumpers should have been painted to match the body. The chrome bezel around the license plate should be painted also. The bumpers are known rust issues and may have been replaced. Not sure about the hood. Definitely check the frame and floor boards for rust. Also check the upper and lower ball joints. You can also check the engine for oil leaks around the heads (its fairly common but not a huge deal breaker). Check and see if the radiator has ever been replaced. If not, do a search for "Pink milkshake" on the 4runners and educate yourself.
Looks pretty clean inside though!
Looks pretty clean inside though!
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
Patrick, good points. Dirty is one thing, filthy is another.
The window sticker lists large painted over fenders, color keyed running boards, sport seats, but doesn't say anything about having an e-locker (which may not be what you mean, since that wouldn't be available on a 2002). It appears to have the center diff lock (the switch next to the dash dimmer, right?) so it has TRAC/mutlimode 4WD, which is listed as a standard feature on the window sticker.
I don't think anyone is trying to make it a Sport or Limited or whatever. I think it was just an SR5 with options. Perhaps it was ordered that way or a dealer got it that way for some reason? But being on the window sticker that was the way Toyota built it at least.
The window sticker lists large painted over fenders, color keyed running boards, sport seats, but doesn't say anything about having an e-locker (which may not be what you mean, since that wouldn't be available on a 2002). It appears to have the center diff lock (the switch next to the dash dimmer, right?) so it has TRAC/mutlimode 4WD, which is listed as a standard feature on the window sticker.
I don't think anyone is trying to make it a Sport or Limited or whatever. I think it was just an SR5 with options. Perhaps it was ordered that way or a dealer got it that way for some reason? But being on the window sticker that was the way Toyota built it at least.
SnoViking
Adventurer
Sorry, you are correct. I meant to say center diff locker. Yeah it looks like it was ordered with a bunch of options. My guess if the original buyer wanted the Sport but they were sold out or not available so he/she added the sport stuff on to an SR5. I was trying to read the sticker to see how late the 4runner was sold. If it was nearing the end of the 3rd gens models may have been short. I know the feeling (I was breifly shopping for a 2016 4Runner in the trail premium.... none were to be found. I could build up a trail, or get a SR5 premium.)
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
I read the VIN as JT3HN86R329072421
I plugged into the Toyota website and looks like they have service records back to at least 2008 at Waite Toyota, which is the listed dealer on the window sticker. It's probably legit and maybe a single owner.
I plugged into the Toyota website and looks like they have service records back to at least 2008 at Waite Toyota, which is the listed dealer on the window sticker. It's probably legit and maybe a single owner.
Last edited:
p nut
butter
Back in 2000, a friend purchased a new 4Runner (2000 model), SR5. Her sister did as well. Both came with color-keyed flares, chrome bumpers. In my area, this was more common than say the narrower black clad flares, or that strip of tin foil they used to pass off as flares. I don't think anyone was trying to turn it into a Sport. This was a popular option, which is probably how most dealers ordered them.
_
CDL was available on all 01-02 4Runners (and I guess technically 99-00 Ltd).
_
Regarding timing belt, there seems to be a sticker on top of the TB cover. Check that out when you see it in person. It should have the mileage and date of the TB service.
Storz
Explorer
Last edited:
SubalpineRanger
New member
Worth a look. I personally prefer the pre 99, I like the j shifter transfer case. I have read too many pita issues with the center diff lock. I would start with an offer of $5000 ish. Love my 98 with rr diff lock.
failure to train is training to fail
failure to train is training to fail
p nut
butter
Rear locker was available up until 2000. Center diff wasn't available until 01 (except 00 Limiteds). But I have never heard of any issues regarding CD. What have you experienced? I had both a 98 and 02 4Runners. 98 was fine, but I liked the subtle refinements on the 02. Plus the AWD capability was great on-road. Neither gave me trouble, though. Only annoyance with the 02 was the overly sensitive TRAC/VSC system, which you can now defeat easily.
SubalpineRanger
New member
What I have seen involving CD locking is vacuum/electrical issues engaging and disengaging. Does not seem too common.
failure to train is training to fail