96-98

Why are there so few 96-98 4Runners for sale? It seems as I'm looking for a 3rd generation the majority of my choices online are 99-02.
thanks!

 

I would imagine that each model year’s average miles increase by about 15k miles annually. So a ‘96 might have on average 40k-50k more miles on it than a ‘99, and an ‘02 maybe 90k-100k fewer miles than that ‘96. Older ones simply may be dropping out due to higher miles.

 

That does make sense that more have fallen off or out of the mix due to mileage. In a perfect world I would find a 99/00 with leather interior, chrome bumpers, 5 star rims, less than 100K miles, and in excellent condition. This dream seems to be unrealistic because those combinations are difficult, if not impossible due to features, models, etc.

 

Here is the example of what I’m looking for

 

That's a 99-02...
I noticed on the roads there are much more 99-02. They made 57717 more 4runners between 99-02 than 96-98. Over the years the 96-98 have probably been more likely to be junked because it really feels and looks like an old truck compared to the later 3rd gens. It's likely a bunch of small reasons applied over 22 years to give us the huge discrepancy in the number of 4runners from the 2 sub-generations.

 

You'd probably be better off on BAT, just be prepared to pay a premium for a low mileage example. As far as leather, I suggest Katskinz, super easy to DIY or just bring to a shop

Active '99 https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1999-toyota-4runner-113/

'98 that sold recently https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-toyota-4runner-89/

 

That's going pretty far back. I've driven at least 650k miles since '96.

 

It is going far back! That’s why it’s so hard to find a good one. I have the money saved, and the 97 that presented itself is very nice. However, my goal would be the 99/00

 

i have a 97 4R with 309K, running strong.. good luck on your hunt!

 

I said it before and I'll say it again, if you find a 4runner that ticks all the big boxes (like having 4wd, a certain engine or transmission) and it's good otherwise don't worry about the year. Most of the updates Toyota did can retrofitted yourself later on.

The miles don't really matter, most of the work will be fixing worn rubber bushings and cracked hoses, you could argue ultra low mile ones will be more work sense sitting vehicles degrade faster. All 3rd gens are at least 21 years old, garaged or not. If the engine runs strong when you buy it, it'll work as long as you are willing to take care of it.