We bought a cheap 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner! Come check it out...

We live close to the Great Smoky Mountains, Windrock, Royal Blue and other scenic off-road areas here in East Tennessee. Anytime something like this comes up for sale, it's usually sold within minutes or hours! This '99 model is in decent shape except for some bumps and bruises on the body. Mechanically, it's fantastic other than the rear axle needing some love.
The rear axle rebuild will be next in the series and will probably be broken down into 2-3 parts. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss it!

[@jakep8921]

I bought my 98 4runner for $1600 (end of 2021) with a bad transmission and bad suspension. Replaced the transmission with a $500 (145,000 miles on it) used transmission myself, and put $500 into the suspension to fully replace what was needed. Best purchase I ever made, it runs and drives like a champ. These 3rd gen 4runners are a mechanics dream!

[@kauffmansgarage]

Nice! We’re enjoying this one for sure.

[@crosleyfiver8686]

Price is great.......shifter is firm, nothing wrong , I do not think needs bushes, I have a '98 with 204 k miles

[@kauffmansgarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevevice9863]

I bought my ex-wife's 2000 3rd gen SR5 4WD 4Runner with 193K miles, (she bought it new), and it was in what I would consider very good condition. Never wrecked, no body rust, paint in very good condition, surface rust only underneath, regular maintenance, mechanically sound, no leaks and no oil burning. I paid $3500 4 years ago. It ran great, but at 220K I noticed that the heat was taking a long time to get warm. Checked the radiator and it was low. Filled it up and it solved the problem. Noticed a few months later it was running hotter than normal. Checked the radiator and it was low again....no leaks...head gasket leaking into a cylinder. Since the head gasket job was going to be $2500 on an engine with 220K miles, I got the engine and radiator replaced for $5500....used engine with 65K miles. I'm going to drive it until either it dies or I die...whichever comes first.

[@kauffmansgarage]

I feel the same about this one, such a great vehicle and I wish I had looked into these years ago.

[@richardm4706]

These run anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000 in Japan. Most seem to have either 2,700cc or 3,000cc engines.. I found two for sale with tne 3,400cc engine. One had 168,000km and they wanted $12,757 before taxes. Damn hard to get one and the numerous export car dealers snap them up for foreign sales.

[@JoshsWorld]

$2500 for a solid 3rd gen with 4wd is a bargain! I would've bought it if I'd seen the listing before you 😁

[@kauffmansgarage]

Lol thanks for watching!

[@kilgard6462]

wow i would kill for one like that, here in canada were i am a half decent one is like 7500 usd or more if you want anything less then 200k miles

[@kauffmansgarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@eljefeslash]

Holy cow! $2,500 is a steal for that 4Runner. Looks great, and everything works. The dents and scratches are just cosmetic and can be fixed over time. You're still able to open/shut the hatch and doors around those dents, so no worries there. My '98 has 217k and is still doing great. Looking forward to your axle re-build videos.

[@rudyrey5600]

That's a deal my friend, here in Canada in that condition you are looking at $10,000 Canadians and more, thats one thing I like America, you can find almost anything including parts for a lot less money

[@clark2491]

I just bought a 98 with 260,000 miles for 1500

[@StuzzyJMan702]

⁠@@clark2491 that’s a steal brotha! Got a 98 too at 297,000 miles with a rebuilt on it at 286,000. Here’s to another 200,000 miles

[@e90_austin]

Thought this was my old 3rd gen but mine was an '02. I miss it everyday.

[@kauffmansgarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@wolfeadventures]

Even with the body damage and repairs that it needs, that’s an absolute steal.

[@kauffmansgarage]

I wasn’t sure at first but love it now. Would totally buy again!

[@FreshGrey-pm4vw]

I bought a 1997 SR5 in Feb 2023- really have no idea the condition or whether I am getting completely screwed over by the mechanic here in nowhere new mexico. But it sure is fun to drive. Of course mine is not as pretty as this one on the video. I paid $3800. 300K. Already put some money into it such as timing belt, gaskets, battery.

[@kauffmansgarage]

If you’re wanting to learn more about it, do lots of reading and join some online forums specific to the 3rd gen models. Tons of videos on here too. They are great vehicles!

[@FreshGrey-pm4vw]

@@kauffmansgarage thanks - I am trying to gain some knowledge. there is a mechanic shortage where I live, many who are here are often not trustworthy.

[@digitalkov]

You did good. It's a great price! I picked one up last year, a 5spd manual. So I had to pay up Toyota tax plus a 5spd tax :) haha.. Looking forward to see your build!

[@kauffmansgarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@derrickmedina2449]

I had to chuckle a little when I heard the doors close. Such a simple thing but many many cars would not sound like that after 10 years, let alone 24 years. I had a 3rd gen for 16 years from new so those doors, I am familiar with. Today, I am still treasuring my 2015 from new.

[@kauffmansgarage]

I agree! Still feels and sounds solid even being as old as it is.

[@SammyKurts-ku2ht]

I have a 2000 4Runner on. 5 inch lift and 33 inch tires 280k miles no lights on the dash runs like new ! Still stock timing belt that’s next on the list with the water pump !

[@kauffmansgarage]

Nice! These engines are not interference engines so if the timing belt goes no damage will occur. I’d probably do it though if it’s original. 😁

[@charderothelupe]

What a fantastic deal even with those issues.

[@stuartarneaud218]

Sweet lil project bro and the price is nice

[@kauffmansgarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@wranglercody8422]

$2500 is an absolute steal for that. Those 4Runners are easily worth $20k in that condition, you could probably get $25-30k if you fixed the body damage and diff.

[@kauffmansgarage]

Diff is fixed but I don’t think I’ll be tackling anything further regarding the body. Thanks for watching!

[@allanbrogdon9372]

I am retired and 2 years ago I was looking for a car. I found a 4- runner for 2,500. It looked decent and I told the guy selling it I would not give him money unless we go to the tag office. He could only meet me on a Sunday so I gave it a look. Oil leaks interior looked lived in. I was not allowed to get on the highway. He was a jerk. He asked if I had the 2300 and said I got a discount because he didn't switch the title when purchased 3 months prior. I looked and it was in Vietnamese he was white. I said no I don't have but 2,000 now he was pissed thinking I would buy it now. You said you would pay 2300. I said no you said you would take that amount. He totally ignored me saying I won't give you money until the tag office says it's legit. I bought a Yukon now I bought a 2000 Montero sport for 1200. Probably spent another 800 to get it reliable 160,000.

[@kauffmansgarage]

Sounds like you met a scammer! Good thing you didn’t buy it.

[@kauffmansgarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@johnchambers12]

Very smooth running, and no leaks. I would not go cheap on repairs. My family just bought a car that leaks like crazy for double the price with as many dents that is going TOO a new driver. I can fix it up once the engine is clean so i can see it.

[@luisrawr]

2500 !!

[@kauffmansgarage]

Lol yep!

[@702Wolfi]

Sounds and runs like it has plenty of life left in it. 4Runners or nothing for me.

[@kauffmansgarage]

Yes, it runs and shifts great!

[@dalefrolander3583]

Looks like you got a nice 4runner. There's a third gen 4runner up my street that is the same color as yours and is in really nice shape. I picked up my own 2022 last year and hope it lasts a long as yours. About those dents: I think you should look into Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). It's amazing what they can do if you get someone that knows what they're doing. Here's one video of many on the subject, the guy is annoying, but his results are amazing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5y9mqiDnqhsbZo

[@kauffmansgarage]

Thanks for watching! I will continue to work on the fender and should get back to it soon. I have temporarily knocked the dent out and filled with body filer so far. My paint didn’t match that I bought and I’m getting roasted at work over it. 😂

[@DavidPavlovich2]

You should be arrested for robbery 😂

[@kauffmansgarage]

Lol