Manual 4WD 4Runners? (And other questions)

Hello everyone,
I am currently in the market for a 3rd Gen 4Runner. My current vehicle is a manual Veloster. I really enjoy having a manual transmission. My main complaint about my Veloster is that it is by no means an offroad vehicle. (I don't have any offroading experience, but I would like to get into it.) My Veloster can even be a pain on the road due to its tiny clearance. My roommate drove a 3rd Gen 4Runner and I really enjoyed it. My parents used to have a Ford Expedition which I enjoyed, but they sold it years before I could legally drive it. I also think it would be too big for me.

With all that in mind I am looking for a manual 4WD 3rd Gen 4Runner. I have a few questions about this venture:

1. Is it worthwhile to go for the 4WD?
2. Is it worthwhile to go for the manual transmission?
3. How difficult will it be to find 4WD + manual combo?
   • When I search Kelly Blue Book it pulls up 10 in the whole country, so I suspect it will be hard
4. What should I expect to pay for one?

 

Well the later 3rd gens had no manual option. Not sure what year it was dropped but I know 2001-2002 are out.

These cars were a bit of a premium family car back in the day. And family cars are sold with automatics in the US. So yeah. I can imagine it's going to be rare. Prepare to travel to find one.

I for one, think a manual 4WD 4Runner is probably got to be hands down the best for off-roading.

 

Yes get 4wd.
Yes the manual is worth getting. 1996-2000.
It will be more difficult than all the rest of that genre to find.
You should expect to pay a premium for it. Especially if it’s in good condition. They are becoming more rare by the day so if you come across one you like, make the decision quickly or it will be sold.

 

Manual is definitely worth getting. I have a 98 4wd manual and test drove a few autos before I got this one and personally prefer the manual.

 

Very much worth it, I found mine with 180k miles and paid 5.5k for it.

 

Thanks everyone for the responses!
I've ended up with an automatic 2wd, but I'm going to consider getting a 2nd one that's manual 4wd.

 

I have a 2000 with manual transmission and 4wd took me 11/2 years to find it but completely worth it. I tow my boat all over California pulling a boat out of the water in 4 low is so easy on the engine. Also 4 wheeling is way better I would say. Be patient and you’ll be happy you did. Good luck happy hunting.

 

I drove 400 miles to get mine and I definitely over paid, holy shit I over paid. DONT BUY 4RUNNERS IN AUGUST. Is it worth it? Yes, the thing has been reliable, practical, and best of all it defied my parents who said it would be none of those. I got the base engine which leaves much to be desired (and improved) but driving it is fun and it is good in the snow.

Don't pay above 7k even for one with a rust free frame and an nice undercoat.