We Bought A $5,000 4Runner & Here Is Everything WRONG With It!

[@jvogler_art4708]

I got my 4x4 sr5 for 6k and it had so much wrong with it but I fixed it all myself fully within a few months. Bushings, suspension linkages, timing belt, water pump, valve cover gasket, radiator, coils, wires, all new fluids, external trans cooler, oil cooler, interior detailing, exterior detail, after all that much needed maintenance then finally I got a new set of aftermarket bilstein shocks and toytec coils and tundra brakes. Cant expect to buy a 25 year old vehicle and have it be perfect but it was a fun project and I learned a lot. After all of this was done it was way cheaper than a newer vehicle and just as functional and nice as a new 4runner imo

[@starforcefighter]

Awesome with the external trans cooler to bypass the radiator itself. Don't forget to change the differential breather valve & can seize up after so many years if you go off road. You can modify it with a kit to bypass the breather valve to the fuel neck to let it purge higher. I know you will enjoy many years from the 4runner with all the maintenance you done👍

[@bluesky-ud9wg]

Nothing was "wrong" with it, all that you stated were Maintenence items...

[@FredPena-rd5cf]

Im doing that with a Mazdaspeed. Loving the whole experience. Im less mad about expensive repairs in this thing. And i got it 100% ready for another 100k.

[@baljindersinghsidhu3959]

Great🎉❤

[@amafid]

My 97 currently has 356,000 miles... Runs like a champ.

[@leetos.4915]

Wow…any major repair at all?

[@amafid]

@@leetos.4915 starter

[@bekabeka71]

So does my w163 1998 ML 💪🏼 it’s a beast

[@gorgon4061]

Originally owner of a 99 4Runner, 347,000 miles. Just maintenance/ wear and tear repairs, still runs like a dream for 25 year old truck!

[@bekabeka71]

@ same with my 1998 ML💪🏼

[@OhYeahAboutThat]

I bought that almost identical 4Runner new back in 1999. Mine was a black Limited with the same Oak interior. I can still remember how it smelled brand new from the dealer!

[@karansinghbhangu237]

Some moments are cherished forever ❤

[@danf321]

I bought my 1999 Dark Jade Green 4Runner 4WD with 150k from a used car lot for $5500. I’m the 3rd owner, and I sequentially did some proactive repairs for minimal $$. In the last several years, the worst thing that’s happened is a $350 starter replacement. My son had a 2024 4Runner Pro, and his is way more advanced, but I love my 20 year old classic that still runs like a Swiss watch.

[@scubbarookie]

Wow! Nice find. Even though it seems all great and gravy... Eventually; you'll have to replace all the common stuff that wears our and is known for that reason. However; congratulations, you've found a rare gem and these are the stealth, Spartan rigs of the 4runner world, also known as the 3rd gen, best gen, for a proven reason! Instant subscriber! Thank you for sharing, and looking forward to more videos! Take care fellers!👍

[@Team4runner]

were doing most of all that now... its a lot

[@bobbygrey5859]

15:20 That's how I bought my 2000 Limited fully loaded & paid $2650. for it. It's a J model made in Japan with zero rust on the body or the frame plus I bought it in Michigan. I'm currently added to this vehicle and plan on keeping it for the rest of my life. This is a great running truck too, I'll do a video once done already have vids saved to load on the progress of her.

[@denisaliosmanov9859]

we are waiting for the video bud

[@gary_beniford]

where else are they made?

[@brianreilly6523]

We just sold a California owned 1999 SR -5 4-Runner with 250k miles for $6,500. It was the Jade Green so-called Highlander variant with an inch or so of lift from the factory. We bought it for $13k with 140k miles and owned it for 10 years. She was a very solid vehicle but did go through two sets of catalytic converters, valve cover gaskets, the preventative ball joint and radiator replacements and new paint on the hood and doors from the sun. It was a bit of gas hog but a fantastic go anywhere vehicle. The slider back window was a nice feature. We installed a new replacement carpet that freshened her up nicely and a rebuilt clock. Our daughter loved taking her to the ocean with the surf boards squeezed inside.

[@huntersmith8724]

my 4runner that I bought in ~2018 is almost identical to this. The only difference is mine's a 2000. Same color(s), factory diff locker, same interior, and even the same tan husky floor liners. I don't have the original floor liners though. Mine has spent it's entire life in FL and GA and thankfully I can also say the frame is almost spotless. I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys do with it.

[@Alloyman6419]

An actual, intact MSRP window sticker! Wow, what a find! A true time capsule that I would laminate if I were you!

[@cgbum4063]

I have a TX 02 model, no rust. Since I’ve owned it I’ve literally replaced all of the parts that need replacing at 200k. Timing belt kit, radiator, v/c gaskets, plugs & wires, air intake rubber hoses, tundra brake up grade & rear breaks (extended break lines), all bushings, steering rack, wheels seals, fuel canister, lower ball joints, tie rods, upper controls arms, wheels tires and of course lift kit (bilstein/ OME), shifter bushings, dash lights, even did the tack weld upgrade on the steering section to eliminate the loose steering. I like more than my 5th gen pro 😂

[@davidwhite7399]

Can’t wait to see what you do with it. Love my 3rd gen.

[@FoxholeIndustries]

It was tough to take my boards off. Looks so clean and complete with them but now it looks much more badass. So much I want to do to it

[@michaelpalm2210]

I love the looks of these 3 rd gen 4 runners. You got a good one. Unfortunately ,for me in New England ,rust kills them in under 15 years. .........so I have a 5th gen 4 runner SR5. Have to wash them constantly in the winter

[@Stevespecs]

Had a 98 bought it new, sold it in 2017, and it’s still running strong for the current owner. Great truck, great memories.

[@CaptainFALKEN]

1:00 exactly this! This is why I'd build my own over buying a super clean/modded one. They all have the valve cover leaks. All of them. Over 10k, I'm getting a 2010 4runner or V8 4th gen

[@Shmity1962]

I have a 1996, bought it new and have done all the maintenance myself. I’ve over maintained it through the years and have treated the frame every year due to living in the rust belt. I would never sell it and just bought a 2024 before the V6 is gone. I’ve done my valve cover gaskets twice. The only aftermarket part is an all aluminum radiator

[@joshuaortega7757]

Just found your page and subscribed ! Running a 2000 SR5 and was happy to hear all the maintenance you guys talked about doing is everything I've done as well . From the gaskets to the axels and rebuilding the rear diff . Found mine for $4,000 in California 😬 . But not 4x4 and no rear locker .

[@dylanbroyles9195]

i have a 1999 limited exact same color. just hit 240k miles and its still going strong all stock and clean

[@FoxholeIndustries]

I got a 160k 4Runner 3rd gen for $7k in fantastic condition. Last week. Had everything checked. Right now needs nothing.

[@joepalomaresatx1]

So is the repetition from the little guy necessary? 😂

[@lukewallace6979]

Thought the same thing, trying to finish every sentence

[@jamesh.edwards6188]

Great find congrats! Don't you get a lot of rusted vehicles in Colorado with all the snow you get?

[@Team4runner]

Good question! Surprisingly Colorado is pretty good about rust. Usually some general surface rust but nothing ever concerning.

[@IamLuisAlvarez]

I got a guy selling one for 7300 I'm wondering if I should get it It has 210000 miles frame is clean no rust srs model i havent checked tye transmission oil for coolant cause we uave different schedules. Do you think that price is crazy or if everything checks out should i get it?? I been thinking about it for 2 weeks lol help

[@julioserna5659]

Hi ! does putting bigger tires hurt the automatic transmission ? thanks !

[@bekabeka71]

It does if it exceeds certain limits

[@camojosh]

Looking at buying an 02, why did you say you were looking for 98-00? Just curious if there’s issues I need to know of

[@starforcefighter]

Check the valve cover, they are known to leak. Look if the stock Denso radiator has been changed. Asked when timing belt has been serviced. Check underneath to check for frame rust. Inspect front lower ball joints, inspect rear tires for rear axle seal leaks. Check the differential breather valve if it has seized.

[@camojosh]

@@starforcefighter Thank you I’ll keep my eye out. I had a rear axle seal leak and my driver side front lower ball joint fail on my Tundra. I guess theyve got pretty similar issues

[@TimmyCramer]

Awesome! Best trucks!

[@jgcruisers]

Nice truck. I have a 2002 limited with heated seats and have checked others at the junk yards and the wiring is all there. All you need is the switches and the heating elements 2 per seat, or get seats from a limited that came with heated seats and swap them.

[@reddemon52]

I picked up a 97 white sr5 4x4 with clean body no rust. the frame underneath minimal rust frame still black from factory if does have Miles 200k truck rides smooth . but I will switch lower ball joints and radiator for peace of mind.. the timing belt il gamble on that a bit more but will change also and I paid 2k for truck

[@anthonylorenzo49]

Inherited a 99 Limited. I live in the DC region and frame is in great condition a dent on the rear bumper from my kid who is student driver. Hit a tree backing up. Never off roadbed but 4WD and lockers has been tested in the snow. Looking forward to the series as I will be following closely.

[@pabloandrs6141]

New to the 4runner Fam, cant wait to see what yll turn this truck into

[@daletek1]

Curious why you'd omit '97 4runners from the search?

[@revlimitdesigns]

Great find! We love our locked SR5 2000!

[@Team4runner]

They are the best. We both have had a couple and they just feel right at home 👌

[@ROOSTER333]

Ive got a 2001 limited, a 99 SR5 (my baby, shes been pampered on her internals) is there a place i can sell these too people that will appreciate them?

[@bigweedbandit1012]

There's a few toyota forums I'm sure you could find someone one

[@georgesalcedo2735]

My hi beams engage when I use my turn signal, I had the signal switch replaced but the issue came back. I’m assuming the headlights engage when I turn two clicks, when I click once the issue doesn’t happen but the head lights aren’t as bright.

[@MrGusto-ch3wc]

My 99 has 35s and has like 375k It doesn't leak oil. And the AC will have you bringing a sweater in the summer. 3rd gen 4runners are tanks sent from Asgard lol

[@RT-wb5ye]

I wanna do this so bad, can’t find any of them in my area less then 8k lol Toyo tax. Great video guys 🤙🏼

[@brentyancich]

No shame on fixing it to oem standards and keeping it mint ...

[@TheSaturnV]

2000 Black/Oak Limited with diff locker, put new leather on the front two seats and never letting her go.

[@angelageier1574]

I have a 99 4 runner. My AC comes on when it wants and sometimes I can control it and other times I can't. Is it just a loose wire or what?

[@crgmonroe]

Loved your video. A little constructive criticism: When you guys are pointing out things in the engine compartment, it would preferable to see what you are referencing rather than having the camera on the hosts. I have subscribed!

[@DanielAvila-ce9dt]

I bought a 2000 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 limited from auction for a steal 2,200 dollars only thing wrong with it was that it vibrated like on low idle or stop lights only thing it needed was all 6 new injectors😂mind you it had 330k miles but I still have it,and my god it runs like new absolutely mint condition aside from the seats obviously has some tears but everything else works great ac

[@Team4runner]

Heck yeah! Can’t beat that! Definitely something about this generation of Toyotas 👌

[@TheSkapaw66]

Last month, 11/24, I had someone back into my 2001 while parked. Luckily, the guy tracked me down and his insurance covered it. Basically the same damage to the tailgate, maybe a little more. Cost to repair with new tailgate and paint was $3,700.

[@davescheer5038]

🌴 Hey guys great find 👍🏼 it’s a project vehicle,but gen 3’s are so worth it , like you I found one but mine isn’t a 4 runner mine is 2002 S-R5 2 wd, which for me was great it’s got 197,000 on it runs great but needed some of the usual maintenance that the previous owner didn’t want to do , I didn’t have any paperwork or history on the truck except an oil change sticker from a garage in Sebring fl. And a bunch of Disney stickers on the back window, ( soccer mom’s ride ) I bought this truck as a small boat tower, it’s a 3.4 V6 , not the greatest on gas around 21-23mpg but I’m in it for reliability in the long run ,it’s clean the under side looks like show room ,it’s got a few door dings and a small ding on the hood other than that it’s a clean body , mine was $5000 , I’ve replaced battery, radiator, valve cover gaskets, plugs, wires, air filter , oil change and filter, pcv valve, cleaned mass air flow sensor, replaced a leaking brake unit on firewall , ( still needs timing belt , water pump , pully bearing job yet ) just replaced a rear main seal tranny pan seal replaced Tran’s fluid filter new trans tail seal , also fixed right rear leaky axle seal replaced bearing , so there’s been a lot done but this is a J truck built in Japan and it will probably outlast me ! I’ve had a bunch of other vehicles in my life but this is one I’m in love with , I’m feeling lucky that I found it 👍🏼

[@marcuswashington461]

This body style is still the best looking in my opinion..I have a 2019 I will never sell it..some neighbors have 2 of this body style and I ask them at least once a week if they want to sell it!!!

[@Team4runner]

Keep asking! These trucks are a must to have in one’s fleet🤘

[@ticovida6990]

Great machine. Have one my self amazing. Any chance you replace the front bumper I love to buy the fog lights . I’m Denver to . Sheer

[@imnotamused23]

Heated seats were only an option on the '01 and '02 model years, not '96-'99.

[@Team4runner]

That’s right! May have to add some aftermarket ones🤔

[@johnaustin2276]

That woodgrain center bezel tends to get really brittle compared to the 96-98 one's and if it does break they are very hard to find replacements. The passenger side is the same as the drivers seat bottom. 😊

[@FoxholeIndustries]

I got the exact same one. 99. No tip on the leather. Hasn’t been modified at all. Don’t think they even ran 4wheel drive. Window sticker in the glove box. Mine was 39k new with locker and spoiler and upgraded stereo option. No cold weather package.

[@JakeKelsick]

any follow up vids to this? I have the same one and have a few niggles that i'd love to fix. How can i get in touch with you guys?

[@bajar.m.6953]

Don’t forget to replace the lower balls join, they have and issue, I replace them on my ‘97.

[@Team4runner]

One of the first things we replaced! Stay tuned for the next update video👊

[@bajar.m.6953]

Nice. 👍🏽

[@jackpremiumaccount]

You’re telling me the ball joints actually did last that long?

[@BigBoyz33]

​@jackrogers6792 the highest mileage balljoints i have ever heard of these things was 232k OEM from a 2002. Freakin insane the owner let it go that long without changing them.

[@ajhjelm6122]

I just bought a 2000 sr5 in Colorado Springs with 299k miles for 3k

[@JustinSeara]

Holy fuck, this gen of 4Runners has gotten so expensive. These used to be $5,000 for a perfect one not even 15 years ago

[@Jlb-fz7nl]

Must reseal the half moon plugs when doing the valve cover gasket’s

[@GSek11]

Yup, for me that's what was leaking, not even the valve cover, just the half moons

[@Jlb-fz7nl]

@@GSek11 I own a newer version of the 5th gen and the timing chain cover is leaking and I’m gonna start tackling it when it gets cooler outside

[@PiddlinWilson]

Just got a 99 limited 4wd from origonal family old lady owned lil clear coat peel on passenger side fresh timing belt an doesnt leak a drop stack of reciepts window sticker spotless undercarraiage has dent pn same side of bumper 4300 an i got me a stocker 🤣put shifter bushing an airfilter about all ive done gonna change all fluids soon

[@nbprotocol5406]

I have a 99 limited that has 185k now. The upper and lower ball joints and all the suspension rubber should be replaced with uretane.then it will handle like a race car.

[@josediaz1609]

Bought a 3rd Gen yota for 3k currently fixing it its now worth 9k so happy

[@chrischillin5762]

i have a 2001 sr5 4wd with 98k miles. It looks and drives like new.

[@Uilani-g4m]

Wow... I just bought a 99 forerunner for $5200 with 209k miles, in way better conditon than this one. Body is in amazing condition, engine purs, drives great. Seems I got a great deal? Here's hoping it'll last me a while.

[@JRsBullet]

I am literally going to look at and possibly buy a 1 owner 97 limited 4Runner tomorrow for sale at $5500. Hopefully it’s a good deal. 🤙🏽🍻

[@fastmtnbiker]

Toss those seats into a dumpster. Most uncomfortable seats ever. Other than that, it's a good looking rig.

[@andrewblomdal9167]

That is a lean, clean, machine!!!

[@Team4runner]

😎

[@jasonmeilleur2069]

I like my 4runner limited edition. It's the best

[@ChanceBerryman]

Some b roll of the vehicle during the first 10 minutes of just talking about it would have been cool

[@gdazco]

I had that exact 1999 4-runner and it was an absolute lemon. Non stop issues the entire time I owned it.

[@ChodaStanks]

Thanks for the info, I got a 1998 Limited 195,000 Im gonna sell soon. Im the only owner

[@jeremyking3986]

I have the chance to buy a fourth GEN really clean with 200 K miles in a V-8 but it has a rusted frame up in Michigan. I’m leery about buying it, but it’s only $2500. What do you think?

[@Nebuchadnezzar1501]

If anyone knows who can repair a 2005 4Runner AC control unit please message me. Toyota said the part has been discontinued I’ve gone through two eBay units that were duds. Any help is appreciated.

[@iidemorolize]

So when he's giving good info to help he changes angle away.

[@Mityob67]

Cool video Love it

[@billhogue9523]

I have started having valve cover leaks with mine at 320K. I will never not drive a 4Runner.

[@sewj8046]

That's a maintenance issue, not necessarily a weakness in vehicle. They are to be changed at 100k.

[@51249ca]

in my area, $5k (albeit CAD) won't even buy you a Toyota Matrix

[@Team4runner]

They are out there! Sometimes it takes a while to find the right one though👊

[@dand33911]

A J shifter, with push button 4x4? Am I seeing things or?

[@Team4runner]

Yep yep! That’s right! Center locker and rear locker 🤌

[@dand33911]

@Team4runner Weird. I have 2 1998s. One has the j shifter with the button on the dash for the rear locker. One has a button to activate 4x4 on the high/low selector. I've never seen a j shifter with a button on it.

[@b1nary625]

@@dand33911 On only the 99-00 limited models, there was a special "multi-mode" transfer case, which makes the vehicle both a part time and a full time 4wd vehicle. The stick behaves like a normal j-shift, but when you press the button in the "2wd" state, it can toggle between 2wd and awd. I have also heard that the multi-mode j-shift is larger than the j-shift found in sr5 models, and often times has to be replaced with a traditional j-shift to fit a crawler box. Can't say for sure but this is what I saw on someone else's build

[@dand33911]

@b1nary625 Good to know! I prefer the old school J shifter to the push button. I have seen a few 99/2000 models with the button that must have had what you're talking about.

[@johnriley8713]

$38k in 1999 money, WOW

[@bigpapi2866]

i have a 1998 runner 5 speed,i put a mother from japan i must admit i love my runner,wife wants me to sell it,but i cant,i have spent maybe 7000,new ac ,new timming belt,new tires,new battery,and so forth

[@michaelpalm2210]

That sound deadening under the hood looks like it had a rodent nest at one time. That what mine looked like. Mice!

[@Junior.01J]

Esta nueva

[@vaughnlarsen22]

HAVE THE EXACT TRUCK IN ABOUT THE SAME SHAPE== PUT BA,LL JOINTS ON YOURS !!

[@okanulke6227]

I don't know what you expect. You got way more than what you paid for it. When I sell a car, I always avoid people like you. " Everything is WRONG with it ''. That thing will run another 200k miles without major issues!

[@hawaiisurfski3602]

Change the license plates to Ontario and say “eh” after every statement and you guys would have Canadian Car Repair, eh?

[@richvanorden7026]

Not a 25 year old Toyota out there with 200k let alone a 4 Runner worth 5k

[@HoodsGlobal]

***Rare find for sure.

[@valerioromero3713]

That’s what I’m looking for… how much?

[@godblessamerican5541]

Am jealous can I buy it 😅

[@Team4runner]

Always gotta keep an eye out for clean 3rd gens 🤌😎

[@christos881]

Nothing more annoying than people who list items for sale and take days to respond.

[@daytonabeachUSA]

Yuppies

[@OverlandOrange]

Why TF do people post sh*t for sale if they're not going to f'in answer their own ads????????????

[@politesob]

That is minty for 200k miles

[@ronaldrussell5481]

Well, you two have something to keep you bu$y for awhile.

[@Team4runner]

Yet another hobby truck I don’t have time for haha

[@timothythompson4036]

Guys, come on. Buying a vehicle with 200k miles? Of course, there are huge problems. I wouldn't pay 5k. Forget it.

[@KeithBriggs-si7hs]

Obviously these guys have no clue what a 4runner is. I just sold a 2002 with 276k on it, greatest truck ever, just bought a 2006 Sequoia. Learn your crud guys

[@edwardkeaton4972]

All minor issues

[@TveeV-xc8qj]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@MontyGumby]

frigging gas guzzler

[@jasonjason9866]

geez, get to the point!

[@gncc600]

You two gay or what?

[@666myname666]

Notiig much they are hill billies

[@TxMx214]

You really over payed for that piece of junk. 5k and you still have to spend a time fix that thing doesn’t seem worthy but you guys do seem to love toyota trash but go ahead keep that shit.

[@_soggy_chips_ahoy_253]

Seeing the comments im glad i got a running one for 3k all it had was sunroof and oil leak my brother really gave me a steal

[@RT-wb5ye]

I wanna do this so bad, can’t find any of them in my area less then 8k lol Toyo tax. Great video guys 🤙🏼