3rd Gen Newbie, Teach Me how to 4Runner

Joined the community this week as my Darling Daughter has asked for a 3rd Gen for several years. Unfortunatley it is now time for her first vehicle - thus I now need to learn a new platform.

Read through countless post last night so my short "To-Do" list includes: Timing Belt/Water Pump, Fluid Flush and Fills, and potentially Shocks/Struts...thanks for all the great info.

My more pressing questions are:
1. Security Systems - What do you have and what works well? <Background> 96 SR5 has an aftermarket Lock/Unlock that works, no interior flashing lights, nor controller under the Drivers seat.

Would like Lock/Unlock, Remote Start, Security.....

2. Reputable 3rd Gen Mechanics in the Charleston, SC area - Who can be trusted?

And to kick things off, some pics.

 

Welcome, nice looking truck for a 96'

 

Welcome, very clean looking 96. How many miles are on that baby?

 

welcome, very nice

 

Picked it up with 150k on it.

 

Wow, that is one clean 96. Congrats. Any reputable stereo shop should be able to hook you up with an anti-theft and remote start.

 

Bit of a drive for you but if you can't find anyone local, Eric at Easley Toyota will treat you right. Tell em Ty sent you. Hands down the best service I have ever received anywhere let alone a dealership. They were hundreds below every other shop I went to.

 

Great looking 96. Your daughter has great taste in cars!!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Nice clean looking 4Runner. Security........ If there is a "system" out there, thieves have a way around it! While some systems may slow criminals up, now the police or you must take advantage of the extended period of thievery. Actually we have had a rash of car thefts in the area I live in(rural) and these are just simple punks who learned to steal cars on Youtube. I'm thinking you should sit down with your insurance agent and bring up "actual" replacement cost, and protection for that specific 4Runner, for a '96 it looks great, while it may cost a little more, it may be worth it in the long run.

 

Welcome from Arizona. Lucky daughter.

 

Also new to the 4Runner community and new to the this how do I post a pick of my truck

 

Welcome from Arizona!
Take a phone pic of your outfit and email it to yourself. Download and save the pic as a .jpeg on your desktop then under post a reply click on Upload a file. Choose the file you want and it should appear as a thumbnail on the bottom of your soon to be Post Reply. Add the appropriate message and preview. If you like what you see send it out.

 

Would like to put some big tiers on, she does have some upgrades that I put on after I got her, and thank you @ ironguy

 

Thanks Toy. Great points on both.

Replacement Value Insurance was the 1st call. As you said, a bit more expensive but worth it. Biggest challenge would be to find a comparable replacement 3rd Gen.

As for the 2nd, I agree, Locks/Security ony keep out honest people but as a deterent its getting a Remote Start/Security System installed this week. Like the added benefit of the Darling Daughter being able to get the engine warm prior to takeoff.

Our first trip in it was to haed out to our land for some driving and target practice. She's more accurate with the 9m, .22, and 12 gauge than she is with the parking!

 

1 agree. Luckily in music as well. 90s Alternative must be played in a '96, Right?

 

This is absolutely correct!

 

What a GEM! Congrats!!!!!

 

Warmest greetings!!

1. Auto sound and Security is right up my alley. Have been in tune for decades. Your year 4runner is the easiest (to me) to install aftermarket security as your did not have an existing alarm (unless it has the RS3000 blinking light on the armrest area). There is nothing to uninstall/remove. Straight forward install. If you are ever in the Columbia SC area, come by the shop I help out sometimes, https://www.customkreations.net. Due to Covid it is appointment only but you WILL not be sad. Tell Cisco I sent you. He knows my love for 3rd gens.

2. I dont have anyone right off hand in Chucktown I can recommend you to for mechanic work but I will find out. Again, if you are ever in Columbia just let me know.

Again welcome to the board!!!!!!

 

ok, also new to 4runners, after a lifetime with corvettes/F-bodies/collector cars. Always believed the best trucks were Fords, if of any value, but a partner in my firm was driving his '00 runner with 240k miles when he decided to sell. No Ford I know of goes that distance without MAJOR issues (replacement/rebuild of motor/drivetrain). 2wheel drive, no rust, not using oil, no leaks, always a FL vehicle, I pulled trigger for $1000. Buddies have offered double my money if I'd sell.
Anyway, 28 yoa daughter down from OH, she and wife went and got CC permits here in FL at a gun show, and she wants my Runner, offered her paid for 14 Escalade as an even swap, NOT HAPPENING, but see an '18/'19/'20 Runner in her future, lol.
I disconnected the aftermarket security system he never used (installed by first owner of 2yrs, my seller bought in 2002 with 25K miles), and love this v6 auto 2-wheel-drive truck, perfect for our tent camping episodes.
So no, do not be afraid of high mileage Runners, they tend to be taken care of, search for areas of concern, and be willing to spend a buck or two to enjoy a fun vehicle.

 

Ugh. An escalade swap?

One reason I never moved to a newer 4Runners is because they are all fat ass land yachts now.

I can fit my 3rd gen in compact spots and people can get in/out of both sides without issue. I'd love for the market to bring back the "smaller" trucks/suvs.

 

New Bronco....? Is if full framed?

 

That's one of the nicest colors I've ever seen on a 4Runner! Congrats to your daughter!

 

nice ride...depending on where you call home..security issues w/thieves can be looked at...I've found something along these lines, has kept many a young punk, away from my vehicles....and I'm not afraid to show it...on my property..

 

Yep, I understand and appreciate. 3 yrs in the Corps, 10 yrs as a cop, and 20 yrs as a defense attorney, my EDC is a Star PD. One of my rookies had to Toyota truck in '90, thought it was a cute scoot-about toy. Now I understand the attraction of these smaller V6 Toyota trucks, just fun to drive.

 

in a perfect world, there wouldn't be a reason for me to pull my piece...on my property. Sadly, it's not..hence the huge spikes in crimes, across the board...Being a former combat vet (USAF) I have little patience with those who would plunder..and damage our beloved vehicles, in the pursuit of some easy Pickens.....

 

The Major General is doing well recovering from knee surgery. He got a plastic knee lasts thirty years..,,,

 

Well he is retired then built the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.....,,,..

 

Is that a .45 Long Colt?

 

nope. mid 50's .38

 

LEXTECH in Charleston is the best shop around!