Close to buying a 3rd gen

First off, hello from Tacoma world...haha.

So, I'm close to buying my first 3rd gen 4x4 and...my 6 month long search is almost over.

There are two opinions:

1.) A green 1996 with 33" tires, a dumb looking carbon fiber hood, but the factory rear locker. 260k miles. $6900

2.) A silver 1999 with stock tires, no diff lock, but it has the multi mode center diff. 315k miles. $4400

I'm leaning towards the 99, since the multi mode is rad and it drove better.

The 96 needs brakes badly, and both appear to need their rear axle's to be resealed. I don't really see any rust. The 99 looks like it needs valve cover seals but I cannot tell.

Opinions?

 

pics?

 

Shit I forgot to upload them

We've also got a new contender... A 2000 4runner, limited trim. Rear locker AND the multi mode transfer case. 220k miles. $5600

However, I'll have to drive about 2 or 3 hours, coordinate the logistics of meeting him while also having a mechanic available to inspect it, and doing all of this on a weekday with PTO since those are the only days he is available... Damn

 

that would have my attention between the three you mentioned

 

Yeah I decided it is worth it to drive down there to check it out. Maybe it will be the one

Going to check, the timing belt, lower ball joints, rear axle seals, transfer case, and general engine codition (clean, slap covered in oil, etc). Anything else?

I've heard about the pink milkshake, how do I check that?

Alright, so the seller of the new contender seems a little sketchy...claims he is only available after 5-6 which is an issue since I cannot take it to a shop.

 

I would move on from that one then too

 

Of the first two, what are your thoughts?

 

without seeing them it's hard to say with any certainty, I usually would favor the one with fewer miles to start with and see if there was excessive wear or something else that seems hinky.

 

The 96!!!!

 

Okay, reasoning? Just trying to get different thoughts in my head to help decide...haha

 

Well the older the better usually. That’s inflation. And seeing how their gonna pay Mexicans $3.50/hour to build new ones now....

 

Aren't all 4runners built in Japan?

 

Someone on here I think Wally said The new ones will be built in Mexico. And GM’s going rate is $3.50 a hour....

 

Well I'm not buying a new one haha

 

Both are a bit pricy if you ask me, but that could just be for me and my region here in Nebraska.

Id go for the first one though for sure if the frame isnt too rusted, and if everythings in working condition. Offer closer to $5k or $5.5k if anything. Worth a shot maybe unless thats all theyre going for in your area. I got my 98 with 185k miles for $5k for reference.

Good luck regardless of what direction you go in your hunt for one of these babies!

 

Yeah here in the south east, a 4x4 3rd gen with less than 200k miles are basically 8-10k, add the rear locker and/or limited trim and the price sky rockets. Haha

Visited a dealer in South Carolina with the gf today and they one this guy had was just too ehh... BUT, tonight I found a new listing in Alabama, 2 hours away, may go check it out tomorrow. 150k miles with the multi mode transfer case but I can't tell if it has a locker. They are asking $8999.99

 

Alright, I'm waiting on a call from a dealer in Alabama. The 2,000 4Runner , 4x4 limited, mentioned above is priced at such as they just are currently dropping a new engine into her. As soon as the guy has it hooked up and has done the initial break-in they're going to give me a call so I can come test drive it and check it out.

155,000 miles, the multi mode transfer case, new steering rack, NO rust, no paint/clear coat issues, and a new engine. Warranty on the engine as well. All for $8999.99 (or so we will see after some haggling talks)

This is probably a one-time chance opportunity so I'm most likely going to buy it

 

Sounds a pretty good vehicle for the price! Im guessing it had a blown gasket issue perhaps? Either way, newer engine on them to make the whole thing come together in the end, and a low/no rust truck, thats pretty solid.

Best of luck! Post pics if/when you get it or get one!

 

I'm going to find out more details soon, he said it "knocked non-stop" and was "basically un-driveable"
The new engine should be finished (installed and initial break in) sometime today. I'm really hoping when I test drive it that everything feels fine. Transmission, transfer case, etc.

Here are some photos from before they started the swap.

Edit... Also... Are those 17" wheels? If so...does that mean I can do the big boy tundra break setup?

 

Also, photos of the new/newer steering rack.

 

I just posted a 99 Limited 4WD with rear locker and 230K in Lexington KY. Thinking about selling. I have a larger description in the marketplace

 

Man I just dropped off a 2001 at Toyota to have them check it. What are you asking?

 

I am thinking the 4K range but am willing to negotiate some.

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/rqqeyitmk4epek9/AADjoeWnEkIRO3sVaLYBJIQca

Here are some pictures of the interior. I have included a few pics of areas that have some issues. Tailgate has a small ding, drivers door small ding from and elk (lucky that it was just a busted windshield, knocked the side view mirror off, and that dent) and then also some rust in the rocker on the passenger rear door. Let me know what you think. For the right price I would meet you half way.