I Am Selling My 1997 Toyota 4Runner 5-Speed Manual, V6, 4x4 on Bring A Trailer (BAT)

After 5 months of ownership that was filled with lots of fun memories, I have decided to sell my unique 1997 Toyota 4Runner. This 3rd generation 4Runner is the last generation that Toyota offered manual transmission and mine has it. Additionally, my car has the more desirable V6 engine and it is 4x4 and it has lived its entire life in the salt-free Southern California (NO RUST) and doesn't have any accidents and the paint is ALL ORIGINAL. These factors make this car more desirable and I will definitely miss Old Betty (her nickname). I hope she finds a good new home and keep making memories. Here is the link to the auction listing that will end on 3/6/23 at 11:24am
bringatrailer.com/listing/199...

[@dms1355]

Great video. I had a 1992 with a manual transmission

[@radridesbyehsanshirazi8779]

Nice Dean. I bet it was fun to drive. I wish Toyota would still put manual transmission in their US market SUVs. With the demise of FJ Cruiser in 2014, the chances of us getting another is next to none. Thankfully, they still offer it on Tacomas, Supra, GR...

[@RioGrandeMotorsports]

I have same 4Runner bought it new in ‘97. Won’t let it go. Only difference is mine has the rear elocker which is a rare.

[@radridesbyehsanshirazi8779]

WOW! That is a true unicorn and you are sitting on a gold mine since it's has the V6, 5sp, 4X4 and E-Locker. Keep driving that beauty as it will only increase in value. I would insure it with Hagerty at $25K or more.

[@TyPage123]

I'm n Texas.. Mine has never been in an accident, no ticket, but an automatic. Got it off the Toyota showroom floor in 1997. Since the 2020 pandemic, some of my truck's parts were repaired. Now my transmission is about to go, but don't hv money to fix her (Chloe), but do not want to gv her away. I luv her 🤕😑. She has never given me any problems until 2020 💔.

[@radridesbyehsanshirazi8779]

I love this story. Your car is definitely rare to be a 1-owner for its entire existence. If you can repair the transmission which will probably cost around $1500. If you don't want to fix it, try listing it on Cars and Bids or Bring a Trailer. Either way, best of luck, and thanks for sharing your story🙏

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

🦄fam here! 👋😀 I bought a 1998 4Runner SR5 with 256,000 mi and after doing routine maintenance promptly drove it across country and lived out of the vehicle for about 10,000 mi and 5 months. My only unexpected event was a loose battery terminal. Most amazing vehicle I've ever owned and it is currently still running like a sewing machine with 309,000 miles. This may sound wild to some but if you have one of these 3rd gen 4Runners you know.

[@radridesbyehsanshirazi8779]

Wow... that's an amazing story and proof that these 3rd gens are the best T4R. Obviously, as we both know, they're very reliable, durable, classic, and just cool. My favorite feature is to roll down the rear tailgate window and tilt the sunroof so that I have a nice breeze of air continuously coming in. As you know, this 3rd gen 5speed is on BAT and I'm hoping it finds a new caring owner since Old Betty (her nickname) is well maintained. Here's the link to her auction: bringatrailer.com/listing/1997-toyota-4runner-74/

[@chrisridebike8]

What a time capsule! 266k and it looks mint!

[@radridesbyehsanshirazi8779]

Thank you Chris. One of the most reliable engines that Toyota has offered in a car that's been blessed by living its whole life in California and having owners that kept her in tiptop shape... she'll make memories for many more miles.

[@chrisridebike8]

@@radridesbyehsanshirazi8779 my parents were the original owners of a 2nd gen manual 4WD 4Runner. I learned to drive on it. the 3rd gen is just an improved 2nd gen and I've always had a soft spot for them. I have a 5th Gen now but always love the older ones

[@radridesbyehsanshirazi8779]

@chrisridebike8 nice. My brother had a '92 2nd Gen 5speed as well... I know about the soft spot as mine sold today for $17K on Bring a Trailer. I'll miss her. I still do have 2023 4Runner TRD PRO, which is obviously a 5th Gen like yours...

[@radridesbyehsanshirazi8779]

@@chrisridebike8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHnVqYGCjr6MoJo

[@hamz1179]

Hi I’m currently working out a trade to get one of these , 1997 manual , 4 cylinder, is there anything I should know about before getting one ? Don’t wanna regret it .

[@radridesbyehsanshirazi8779]

They're great cars. 4 cylinders are a bit underpowered but reliable and fun with a 5speed manual. Check to see if the timing belt has been replaced. Also, see if it has any leaks from valve cover gaskets. Besides those check for routine things like brakes, suspension... beat of luck!