1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 3rd Gen Buyer’s Guide (Engines, Options, common problems)

[@UsefulVids]

*OTHER REVIEWS TO WATCH*: Ford: 2005-2014 Mustang Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqPJoZqwmMx_f5o 2004-2008 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqaxiH13bNJpadU 2009-2014 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXrTdGCjfb5jrq8 1997-2004 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5Kul5mLh9R5h7s 1998-2011 Ranger Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHavhqyogL5ki5Y 1994-2004 Mustang Buyer's Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/in6uqp2pZqtor7c Chevy: 1968-1972 Chevelle Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWKkiZmCjdyVb9E 1972-1987 Square Body Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWnSoJ-Kp9qDmrM 1988-1998 Silverado /Sierra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn3WXn6NiNqWoNE 1994-2004 S10 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ7JmHaFrbxpjqM 1999-2007 Silverado / Sierra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp6xZ5Krl9-sq6s 2000-2006 Tahoe/Suburban Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2KYdZmAd9GsZ8U 2007-2013 Silverado / Sierra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYa7hZZrd6yrqa8 Jeep: 1984-2001 XJ Cherokee Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6Cxo56uesqqars Mercedes: W211 E-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6HTnYSKpZd3ibM W212 E-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4q9hKGCr8mBppo W212 Best E-Class(?): kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3-pZqOfe7GGarc W204 C-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKWmk5WoqLaEY7s W205 C-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXm5dYBtdst-nK8 W222 S-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3achmOwetCKmsk Mazda: 1990-1997 MX-5 Miata: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZuxc2CCl9CBibs Nissan: 2004-2015 Titan Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIeplY2bet56pKM HardBody Pickup Truck Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y561h4B4rqublas 2005-2021 Frontier Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4SWZqiteaebhrs Subaru: 2014-2018 Subaru Forester SJ Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6OZameNls1shqM Lexus: 2001-2005 IS300 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6XboIidZd-nntk Toyota: 1995-2004 1st Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaXcmZyFeZ19o5Y 2005-2015 2nd Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4uymXdmgLqSnaM 2000-2006 1st Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6GsqoiZe6yZasU 2007-2020 2nd Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJmrZYike9t9q6s 1991-1997 Land Cruiser Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpXRfqhojN-MiNE Porsche: 2010-2016 Panamera Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZjMppivqNqLmrc 1999-2005 911 996 Buyer's guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKfHfq2Jbb2Xjs0

[@asbestoswanker]

For those of you in-between, mine has been daily driven for 23 years, has 340k miles, and still runs perfectly without any engine or transmission repairs. Beast offroad too.

[@davidgonzalez3252]

What year/trim do you own? I’m in the process of purchasing a ‘96 SR5 .. 171k miles , single owner .

[@asbestoswanker]

@@davidgonzalez3252 I got a 98 sr5 with the sport package

[@asbestoswanker]

@David Gonzalez sport package is worth it only had to change the pads twice on it ever.

[@evangrawer3746]

Hi - I’m looking to buy one, is there any problems like oil leaks/coolant leaks or anything like that occurring because of old age?

[@asbestoswanker]

@Evan Grawer not on mine, however it's only had one owner (my dad) and has been babied its entire life. It hasn't had a single major issue just normal replacements. (Starter, engines gaskets once l)

[@plucknpick6414]

96' 4Runner with 430,000 miles! Still strong! Keep the maintenance up and they last and last!

[@er9ers_fan]

2001 4-Runner SR5 Sport 4X4. Bought new and has 172K miles. Kept up with the maintenance and have had no issues. Front brakes lasted 15 years and 150K miles. Still going strong with the factory alternator, starter, and rest of the electronics. Had to change out the factory C/D Player / cassette tape / radio because the radio preset buttons were worn off, but it was working fine. The electronic antenna is a weak point; it is designed to go up and down when the radio turns off and on, it ends up stripping out every 7 years or so, I replaced it twice, last time I just left it in the up position and disconnected the motor. I live in a winter area and it handles great through the ice and snow. There are some small rust areas on the body that have popped up and I deal with. I got the undercoating done when I bought it and there is no rust underneath. The vehicle still gets the gas mileage quoted on the window sticker when I bought it, about 17 MPG. It is Jade Mica Green, wax it once every summer, still looks great. Best car I ever bought . I will keep it as long as I can.

[@shonuffisthemaster]

"if it were me i would get a 99 4x4 highlander edition 5 speed with locking diff" yeah good luck finding that unicorn lol.

[@Velcrostraps91]

Lol

[@mikegabler5183]

I had a 99 in that configuration! those 4 runners were tanks off road. I now have a Tacoma so I can tow my camper and go off road, but I do miss all of my 4Runners. My favorite was my 94 V6 which had leather, moonroof and a 5 speed manual transmission.

[@mikegabler5183]

@@subtegral I would agree that my 96 was my least favorite.

[@ourkaravan]

I"m pretty thrilled with my 2000 5-speed TRD Supercharged 4Runner with the factory rear diff lock. I've bought and sold 8 other vehicles in the 17 years I've had my 4Runner. These 3rd gens are amazing.

[@Aynalwartz]

I’ve got a 2000 limited 4x4 with the rear locker locker

[@yoimron]

This is the best video Ive ever watched on 3rd gens. Really impressed with this video!

[@masterdriveroftoyotazupr4164]

3rd Gen. BEST GEN

[@matador483]

I got a 2002 with 77k on it. It’s at 160k now. So reliable, has always gotten me where I want to go.

[@MrGreen-dp4oz]

I have a 2000 with 154k on her. How much u think I can get for her she's in really top condition

[@NotSure876]

Nice, I bought an 02 limited last week, with 252k miles. I’m having some maintenance stuff done and adding an external tranny cooler. After only one week, I already love it

[@NotSure876]

@@MrGreen-dp4oz from what I saw here in Phoenix while I was shopping, depending on condition, I think between 7-10k

[@noladol]

I just did a fuel pump and fuel tank in my friends Imperial Jade 1998 SR5 V6 with 200k miles. I hope he decides to sell it to me one day. It's a beautiful looking and driving truck.

[@jeffericks1930]

I've got a 2000 SR5 Highlander I bought 12 years ago. I absolutely love it. It came from Phoenix with 110,000 miles on it and was immaculate, I don't think it saw dirt 'til I got it. I've taken care of it and don't really off road it as I have a '77 Scout for that. It has never left me stranded with 213,000 on it now. The only major work done has been both rear axle seals, timing belt and I put ARB Old Man Emu coils on to lift her back up some. It has the diffy lok, however I do lust after the Highlanders with the 5-speed. You can't go wrong with a well cared for 3rd gen.

[@noahr3408]

Just bought mine yesterday and I’m absolutely in love

[@garywest6890]

Easily the most informative video out there explaining and sifting through all of the trim levels👏👏🥇. Job very very well done

[@joegrahe3958]

Had a 1997 LTD that was absolutely bulletproof- traded it on on the first year Toyota Sequoia. I'm sure it's still on the road somewhere.

[@maralynthomson4375]

Re. Timing belt, it's worth pointing out that the 5zv-fe is a non-interference engine

[@danielfair4675]

I've still got my '98 Limited I bought new. It's now almost 69,000 miles into its life, lol. TRD Supercharged & Borla cat-back exhaust to boot.

[@caelebtorres]

You supercharged a 3rd gen?! That’s crazy

[@c.b.3234]

@@caelebtorres Whys it crazy? He said TRD Supercharged. Toyota made a supercharger for these.

[@FLAWLSS1]

I got a ‘99 4Runner Limited 4x4. Love it! Has 176k miles and running strong

[@hibuddy2768]

nice! i have the same car but 2000 model year. mine has 224k miles and is as strong as the day it left the factory

[@KingWilliam86]

I own 2 4runners, a 97 4x4 sr5 with 152,000 as my daily driver and a 99 4x4 sports with sports hood with only 67,000! My 99 is my toy and garage kept!. I got really butt hurt when I got rid of my 02 2wd sports sun fire red with 105,000 9 years ago so I decided to buy it again in 2018 really reliable vehicles. I’m 35 so This time I own 2 3rd gen 4x4! No 2wd! Never getting rid of it again! Made that mistake in the past!.

[@Mike_44]

I’m in the market for a 3rd gen and I have to say.. Wow, very thorough video covering all trims and options through the years! Very nice! 👍🏻 Thank you.

[@jvogler_art4708]

did you ever get it? I got mine and i've almost rebuilt the whole suspension, installed trans cooler, changed timing belt and water pump, valve cover seals. Lot of work into it hoping it pays off.

[@Mike_44]

@@jvogler_art4708 That’s awesome! Yes, I did find a 2WD in excellent shape with 0 rust and only 128K miles for only $5K. I have since only replaced the lower ball joints with OEM ones. But I have to find the time to do some other maintenance I have scheduled for it.

[@Mike_44]

@William Perri In South FL. It has been an awesome car so far. I also replaced its radiator with a brand new OEM one as well as the rear drum brakes. Front brakes service coming up soon.

[@8avexp]

I found a very nice '98 SR5 4x4 with a 5-speed and rear diff lock. No rust at all; looks brand new.

[@Mike_44]

@@8avexp Very nice, congrats! I have been enjoying my ‘00 RWD LMTD for a year and a half now and I do every maintenance on it myself. Very easy to work on it and a super strong/reliable rig. Enjoy yours!

[@cecilnoriega7276]

Love my tan 2000 limited. 195,000 miles and going strong.

[@garyhaley6377]

Bought a 2002 4RUNNER LIMITED with 191,000 has new timing belt,new water pump,new radiator,new tires,new exhaust.Runs like new . :)

[@mikeypotts4732]

How much did you pick it up for?

[@kodyadams5589]

I have 2 1999 4 runner LIMITED s one I just sold with only 57,683 miles on it for $ 19,200 . The other I am keeping

[@willcarlton3906]

I LOVE MY 3RD GEN. Bought a 2002 Limited last year and it only had 130,000 miles Its still a great car for daily driving.

[@sircoolant8365]

I'm buying a 3rd gen that has 330k miles on it. Wish me luck

[@alexg1422]

Bought a 2000 limited 4x4 with 130,000 in January! Put 3,000 miles on it so far and have no problems.

[@h.r.puffnstuff8705]

Buy two or three for daily transportation. Me? I like everything operating like new. Fix, mod, drive repeat. Rotate thru them.

[@MrGreen-dp4oz]

How much?

[@MrGreen-dp4oz]

@@sircoolant8365 price?

[@liuses5gaming205]

Just got A 98' that needs some work for 500$ excited to dive into it

[@ericseery7164]

just scored a 2000 4x4 with the 5 spd and diff lock 180k miles. no rust all stock

[@davidtrevino5211]

How much are those going for where you live?

[@mikegabler5183]

I had switched from Nissan trucks to a 94 4Runner when we started a family as the 4Runner's had a lot more cargo area than a Pathfinder. that 94 was an absolute beast off-road. I also had a 96, then a 99 with the Highlander package. All of my 4Runner's did very, very well off-road. I ditched the 99 when the frame started to rot and picked up a Tacoma TRD Off Road. The Tacoma's don't do quite as well on the trails as the 4Runner, but they do a better job towing my camper. I guess everything is some sort of compromise!

[@WerkToday]

Very well done video I've become a subscriber and thumbed up thanks for taking the time well done.

[@inspectahenjee76]

Have a imperial jade mica with oak interior 99 sr5. Cali truck rust free has locker. Stock other that a roof rack. Been the most capable and reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Changed ball joints, starter, battery, fluids, and other miscellaneous normal wear items but never anything major and it has almost 300000 miles. As long as you take care of these trucks they are built to last just know the common faults and keep it from rusting and I think you have a cockroach of a car on your hands that will survive the next apocalypse

[@jamesdixon2857]

Hell ya , my 2001 4runner has 364000 miles on her engine and transmission , she still driving on the road and she's no stopping. Long live 4runner.

[@Gretzky2857]

Just curious what things you’ve changed out over the years. I have an ‘02 with 175k and haven’t done lower ball joints, radiator or shocks/struts etc. Have always stayed on top of all fluids but even though it runs great I’m wondering if I should replace these parts to be on the safe side. Any information is appreciated thanks!

[@jamesdixon2857]

@@Gretzky2857 i changed my balljoints and struts at 20000 miles, i would suggest to do the balljoints and struts ans sway bar links by 200000 miles. All iv done to her is normal maintenance and iv replaced the radiator twice do to old age but other then that no major issues. Keep up on the oil changes and timing belt and your good

[@Gretzky2857]

@@jamesdixon2857 thank you for the info!👍🏼

[@jamesdixon2857]

@@Gretzky2857 no problem, if your has a timing belt , buy the timing belt kit and do it every 60 to 80 thousand miles.

[@JuanMedina-sk9vp]

Awesome thanks for sharing this beautiful video with information.

[@hunterjohnson4954]

Love my 2000 sr5! Not a Highlander but it does have the elocker. Most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned!

[@Mike_44]

I’m going to look at ‘00 model now with only 136K original miles.. it’s a 2WD not a 4x4 though.. I wonder if a conversion to 4x4 is possible..

[@MrGreen-dp4oz]

@@Mike_44 just do your self a big favor and buy a 4wd😌

[@Mike_44]

@@MrGreen-dp4oz I really wish man. But I have looked high and low and honestly haven’t found one around me for 100 miles as clean and a great price as the 2WD model I’m getting. I already saw the 4WD conversion is possible, maybe I’ll do it.. 😉

[@Mike_44]

@William Perri Hmm not the greatest.. it’s a heavy rig, but everything else is awesome. I’d say it honestly does between 15-17 mpg in the city. I’ve been meaning to measure it. Timmy the tool man has the best DIY videos for it.

[@thunderbox1928]

I have a 99 4Runner 234k on it runs like a dream daily driven as well.

[@Savage-cy5gv]

I still have my 99 SR5 4Runner, mild lift, 33x12.5’s and Tom Woods drive shafts. She is not the most powerful rig on the trails but she’s a goat at lower speeds.🤣

[@kodyadams5561]

BEST 3 RG GENERATION WAS THE 1999 LIMITED, HAD BEST STEREO FROM TOYOTA HAD 16 INCH WHEELS AND 3.4 V6 ENGINE.

[@TheCarpentersSon]

Driving a 98 Limited 240K miles as my daily paid 3K, also had a 93 2nd Gen paid 2K 124K miles, love both but 98 has more power but I miss the tailgate on the 93 which drops like a truck.

[@3sgtepwnzr]

97 2.7cyl 5 speed rwd, 320k. Been through two floods.

[@alexhafko5667]

Just got mine a little bit ago. 02 4runner limited with 284k on it. Paid 4300... but wound up needing a rear axle housing and a new transmission. Expensive... but worth it in my book. I was going to wait on the axle and just temporarily seal the rusted out parts, but state inspector said no you arent. No axle, no registration. I know the engine is solid. Had it apart to do knock sensors and valve cover gaskets. Clean as a whistle inside. Makes good power. I know it will definitely go another 284k.

[@victorc426]

Sweet bro. I got mine too like 3 weeks ago. I work at a Transmission shop and the guy was having transmission problems so instead of fixing it he sold it to me. Can’t wait to have it up and running. Adding an external Transmission cooler and timing belt ASAP.

[@nikkinik11]

I just bought a 2001, 185k miles for $6500! I love it

[@jasperbumgart1891]

The only thing that Toyota makes that's tougher is my triple-locked 97 Land Cruiser. Talking about a tank!

[@CR500R]

The true "needle in a haystack" dream 3rd generation 4runner is a 1999-2000 4x4, with a manual transmission, sport package, e-locker and sunroof.

[@hibuddy2768]

i have that minus the manual transmission :( still a beautiful car and a dream to drive. first and only car

[@jaymoar3561]

No sunroof, people don’t like it more things to break.

[@davidtrevino5211]

​@@jaymoar3561 Agreed I own 3 vehicles with sun roofs , wish they didn't come with it. 2 WJ Jeeps and one 2001 4runner 4x4 SR5 .. To its defence though the Toyota is the only one that still works perfectly...

[@colinjames2383]

What a great video! Thanks for sharing

[@5t341tH]

Great video. Any chance you can save all the images into a webpage or pdf file?

[@4runner4life7]

I got a 2002 Limited 2wd 4runner. Almost 223,000 miles and it almost runs like new. Only problem I have now is a surging idle only with the AC on. Just got it recharged by my mechanic, hoping it was just undercharged, but it still surges up and down from 600 to 1000 rpms in about 20 second intervals. I also hear a clicking noise when the idle goes up and down maybe from the compressor. When I turn AC off it idles perfectly right at 600 rpms. Any thoughts of what it may be. Air has always blown cold before and after the recharge. I have a video of it on my channel as well

[@freestyleskyline]

sounds like you have a vacuum leak somewhere

[@donovananderson39]

i had than fiexed it with my fan clutch

[@Bimmer-Fonz]

I just got a 97 4runner with the 3.4L with a 3 inch lift. New steering rack and new cv axles... for free lol. Alignment was whack n buddy was moving provinces so he couldn't take it

[@dflet03]

3rd gen is the best ifs 4runner

[@razzymarcus8044]

Can u do one on the 70 series land cruisers I’m looking to buy one short wheel base model and I can’t ding any info

[@rodom303]

Do this for 2nd generation grand cherokees or grand cherokees in general

[@jaymoar3561]

No those things break down always, garbage!

[@rodom303]

@@jaymoar3561 then why are 60-70% of them still on the road with 200,000+??? I have a I6 Laredo and V8 Overland and they’re both over 230,000 with no issues... the i6 is bullet proof and the V8 is a good powerful engine when taken care of. Just like all the other ones out on the road and even the ones in Europe, including the diesel version. They made millions of these jeeps, you just happen to have experience with the lemons or vehicles who don’t get taken care of properly. Not saying they’re the best car in the world but far from constantly breaking down. Gtfo with that garbage nonsense.

[@jaymoar3561]

@@rodom303 only good thing about those are the engines. Everything else is dog shit garbage especially the transmission. Windows go out all the time, electrical problems etc. Jeeps are known to be the least reliable vehicles. I agree that the older Jeeps are better than the Fiat crap but nonetheless people only buy them cause of the name and looks.

[@willaputney3947]

I DRIVE A 2002 with minimum maintenance so far, 195,000 miles. My first one a 1996 I gave to my son-in-law he drives to work every day with many many more miles

[@dundeeecroc]

What is a 1997 Toyota 4runner with the v6 and 5 speed with 304k miles worth? it is in clean and immaculate condition.

[@JRP77]

De donde sacaste la informacion de las opciones bro

[@ddemier]

In your guys opinion what is a green 3rd gen 4runner SR5 2wd with a new paint job and new timing belt and NGK spark plugs go for with 188,000 miles? I'm in the midwest no rust on the frame. It has a front black Safari grill guard and tail light guard and a touch screen radio in it . Very clean rig so let me know plz 1/16/22 I know prices are high during Covid times

[@davescheer5038]

I just bought a 2002 4 runner 3.4 - 2 wd with 187000 mi. three days ago for $4600 it was a family vehicle and needed a battery , steering rack boot , and a detail job , runs like brand new , ( I’m going to replace the timing belt , water pump , hoses , and radiator just to be safe )

[@cpmjr]

bro donde puedo ver la info de las opciones plese bro

[@chrisadams2656]

What are those units of torque at 4:35?

[@SantiagoAriasEskapa]

What´s better.. 2nd or 3rd generation?

[@rangerdoc1029]

3rd is popular cause it's not a computer with wheels

[@ryanburdeaux]

good vid

[@sup3182]

My dads loud 4Runner is louder but idk why it’s the ssrg v6 limited

[@PanchoPistolas45]

Do a 4th gen!

[@UsefulVids]

Stay tuned!

[@PanchoPistolas45]

@@UsefulVids thanks boss. Your videos are very helpful

[@UsefulVids]

@@PanchoPistolas45 4th Gen Video just uploaded!

[@h.r.puffnstuff8705]

Yuk. Thems so ugly they had to put a V8 in them No? Name another 4runner generation that got a V8...

[@anotheran]

Had one years ago. They handle so poorly on roads - where most of these spend their time. They're tall, narrow, and body roll. It never felt confident at speed on any curves. The V6 always felt under-powered and poor coefficient of drag meant pushing it past 140km/h always felt like a struggle. Moreover, the 4WD system on the '98 and older is so primitive. It is crazy that people would want and love this thing.

[@southtrunk]

it is a short wheelbase truck, but so are the highly valued vintage Land Cruisers-Land Rovers. mine loves to cruise at 75 to 80+ mph and has no trouble at 90.

[@calzonsin2]

I'm selling my 4runner 2000. 😢

[@Shakshuka69]

Rust, rust, and more rust.

[@DaSamNudge]

In my experience - 1999 SR5 Sport Slow Unreliable Parts cost way too much Alternator breaks every time it sees mud Uncomfortable seats Just buy an XJ Cherokee

[@alexhafko5667]

If you are dunking it that deep where water and mud can get into the alternator, I can see why you would think its unreliable. Even the best offroaders arent designed to also be boats. youre over the breathers on your diffs, trans, and transfer case. if youre that deep in, youve probably got water into the cabin too. Also again its an offroading suv, so why does it need to be fast? If you slam over rocks and boulders at 30 or 40 mph, you wont last long out there. Sounds like you are doing things with this truck it wasnt designed to do. If slamming trails and rocks and dunes at high speed is your thing, go buy a ford raptor or a ram trx. Those are made for what it sounds like you enjoy doing. Just buy the right vehicle for what it is you want to do with it. Get the right tool for the job so to speak. In your case, the 4runner was not that.

[@kikosmith2088]

Unreliable? 😂😂 Parts cost too much? Lololl

[@turnerlouis3518]

They are better sweet and style