Buying a 4 runner

Hello all!! As you can see I’m new to the forum here and I’m excited to say I’m looking for my first 4 runner!! My son is now 5 and likes to hike and go camping so a 4 runner is a perfect fit. Dependable/strong/fun suvs.

I’ll start also by saying I’ve done lots or mechanic work on all vehicles I’ve own, not claiming to be a pro but when buying any type of car there is always routine things you should check.

I’m looking for any pointers or “oh that spot/thing” tips when checking out 3rd gens. Looked at one today and it was very clean for an 01 but wasn’t sure if timing belt was ever done and it has 200 on it. I can handle that job just looking for any other pointers I should be aware of.

Only thing I’m questioning is how the 4wd acted when engaging and disengaging but I can look up the proper way to do that.

Thanks all and hope to be a normal member here soon sharing memories!!

 

Welcome. My first 4-Runner was a '98 Limited (lease trade-in) with 75k on it. The Lady that owned it had put a set of some fat Pirelli Scorpion's on it. I think it was just a freeway flyer because there wasn't a scratch under it. The dealer showed us the service records for it and it was just all routine service junk. At 160k we had the timing belt replaced and sometime around then, I replaced the electric antenna. In the time we owned it, we drove to Montana twice and a trip to New Mexico/Colorado for some camping. In 2010 we traded it in to the same dealer with 275k on the clock. That 4-Runner served us well. And now we have a '16 4R, TP. But I must say, the stock Dunlops wore out with only 9k miles on them. 70% mountain driving. My go to tires have always been BFG AT's.

Steve

 

Thanks all this helps a ton!! One question the rear window switch doesn’t roll down the back glass but putting the key in the rear hatch it rolls down that way.. fair to say motor works and it’s a switch or wiring issue?