Please stop talking about the 3rd gen 4runner. I haven't gotten mine yet, and prices are already climbing enough as it is.

I have a 2001 4Runner with 267,000 miles. Living at 7600 feet, it’s a beast in the snow.

Purchased a 3rd gen 2 days ago for $5000 with 145k on it all stock with 1 owner and has maintained records and 0 damage. It was purchased from a dealer in mississippi. Called about it and asked whats the lowest they’d take it was listed at $8000 and the guy working was new and asked a coworker and the coworker said $5000 without even thinking before reporting to the boss and the boss was off so he told me $5000 and i said alright ill be on my way and when the boss found out he was mad. Driveshaft did go out on the drive back home and i dropped it off at toyota and they did a deep inspection of it and they said it was very clean and everything works except for the driveshaft so the total for everything with repairs is $6100 and my family thinks i bought a old terrible car but i tried telling them but they are still disappointed but im going to be driving it when they are on there second car😂

Exploding in value is an understatement. This 4runner is going for 18k at dealerships these days. We are talking 130-180k miles on em as well. It's insane

I own an 02 4Runner. It goes to the grave with me.

I just bought a 1997 limited 4 runner for $500 bucks, and so far I put $800 to the mortar for repairs, and now it’s running healthy and strong, I can’t wait for future mods. I also live in Texas. It now has 352,000 miles on it.

The 3rd Gen T4R is hands down the best vehicle I've owned. I'm currently sourcing one, I own 2013 Tacoma TRD Sport fully built, locked, SAS on 37's. and I still want a 3rd Gen T4R

I worked on a 2002 4Runner recently that had 364,000 miles on it. It was beat to hell but still ran well.

I honestly think TFL should get guys like this together and do offroading videos where like 5 trucks go offroading and do a compare and contrast.

My wife has been driving a 2000 limited 4runner since 2005. It has 230k miles and has never had a single problem. It also is rust free. Its amazing what an occasional bath will do for your vehicle.

Every 3rd gen owner: BUT DID YOU CHANGE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS?

The "questionable" wood you're joking about is real teak, with a poly coating. In 2020 I bought a '99 SR5 4x4 with 214 mi on it for 2K. Southern truck, no rust anywhere. First thing I did was replace the LBJs. Anyone should do this FIRST when buying a used 3rd gen, unless you can verify that the LBJs are fairy new. '99 has the tallest springs of all the 3rd gen. 4Runners. I didn't bother with a lift, but installed OME coils and Bilsteins all around. New plugs/wires and a new radiator. The truck burns no oil and runs like new. The 3400 is one of the finest engines ever made.

I have a 99 that I have owned for ten years. Absolutely love it and will continue to drive it for as long as they make gas.

Good to see a video on a 3rd gen … I’ve owned my 2000 4x2 4Runner since I was 18 when I parents bought it.. I took care of it and maintained it.. currently has 224k miles on it.. as a testament to the reliability of these vehicles in 2020 I hardly used it, and it still fires up every time… Ive only had to replace my starter…love my 4Runner never getting rid of it…

My pops bought this year and model brand new and completely regretted selling it. He never would’ve knew it was really valuable and reliable at the time.

Damn that 4Runner is 🔥‼️

Somehow managed to snag one of these with a rear locker for 4K a few months ago

I have the exact same spec on my stock 1999 4Runner. Can’t wait to build it up a little. Only had it for a few months. 256k miles, super clean in and out, bought for $3800 in Arkansas.

Just got mine for $2800 here in Texas with ALL service records. In the "rare" Green (Evergreen pearl) and no rust. Window sticker says it had pretty much all the options minus the locker :(

Got mine for $500! Couldn’t believe it. Still running strong, no issues. 187k

I’m not a Toyota guy, but I love that 3rd gen. Nice. Thanks for sharing!

I push a 99 Limited with mild lift with bilsteins and K02s. It lives in the woods around Flagstaff, it’s natural environment. The multi-mode with AWD/4 hi/4 low/rear locker is the business. When this one dies, if it dies, I’m getting another 99 limited.

Had a 3rd gen before and had the same exact wheel/tire setup.. thought i was unique and surprised when I saw the same setup! Love it!

Good looking 3rd Gen. Loved my ‘02 SR5. Drove it for 13 years and put 175k miles on it. Was totaled by hail in CO. With the money I got from insurance and selling it, I made money after 13 year. Replaced it with a 100 series land cruiser. Haven’t really looked back but I know where it is and keep in touch so I can buy it back.

3rd gens are going to end up like Grand Wagoneers, from worthless to priceless just because they suddenly became everyones 'budget off-roader'

I paid 2,500$ 6 months ago 1996 SR5 4Runner 4x4 rear locking differential 1 owner 185,000 miles. I just hit 200,000 the other day . She was a little neglected at the end of her time with the 1st owner. She sat for 2 years as the owners kids went off to the military. I changed all fluids and no problems so far. Now I’m just doing missing trim pieces. Next is the paint as the Las Vegas sun is no joke. I love it!!!

Purchased a 2001 SR5 2WD for $2900.00 with 248,500 miles in March of this year. I had to put new plugs, wires and ignition coils for around $86.00. Great SUV. Even though it is the "gold" color. I have a CB as well.

Had to sell my 98 2wd. Even in 2wd the thing would do light wheeling and I will definitely, get another one.

I love my second gen 4 runner with 332,000 plus miles!!! Replace components as needed and reg oil changes

Bought a 2002 4Runner Limited in March for $4500.00 with 191,000 new tires ,new timing belt,water pump ,new pulleys,new radiator new shocks, new plug wires and tuned up all replaced at 187,000.The only thing that don't work is the CD player going to put aftermarket one in.The color is Dorado gold It's a beauty !

You can create a traction control switch to turn it on and off, its called the Andy mod. Plenty of forums online to guide you through doing it. I love my 3rd gen, im second owner and got it at 120k miles back in 2017 as my first vehicle and im about to hit 195k. Never left me stranded and is a fantastic offroad capable vehicle

I love my 3rd gen! Sitting at about 282k miles and plan to never sell it!

I love my 3rd gen 4Runner! 2WD but can actually take a few small trails that 4x4 go on! You should do a 4Runner and Pathfinder side by side video?

First car my grandmother bought fresh from the lot was a 2002 4Runner 4x4, now with 270K miles it was passed on to her son in law to myself. It’s in pristine condition, we’ve been maintaining it, keeping everything at OEM specs… except for the tundra front brakes. I’m planning to keep it as a daily driver, road tripper, and as a capable off-roader. I trust this baby to last me another 5-10 years.

My moms first car was the 2001 4 runner now handed down to me! Love it a lot and I’m already putting a lot of money in it. Lift kit, timing kit, suspension rebuild. Next would be head gaskets which I never done at 200k

Yeah I really got a great deal on my 2000 Limited 4runner. It is the covered Green ext. with tan interior. Not a spot of rust on the body or the frame and a J model made in Japan. I'm looking forward to this build once in done I'll do a video. I paid $2600. when I went to a used car lot looking at 2 Silverado's. As I was getting ready to leave I saw this 4runner in the back corner of the lot. I asked it that for sale and they said yes, it was covered with a lot of dust and dirt. As I inspected it while they got e keys I crawled underneath and saw not a spec of rust on the frame or body & said to myself if this runs good I'm buying it. Brought the dealer down from $3500 to $2600+tax and she is an amazing daily driver. But I'm looking forward to building and sharing with everyone out there. BTW I just bought this rig in the summer of 2022 in Michigan but whoever had this before me really took care of it. A treasure find and video hopefully later in 2023😊👍🏾

I just bought this exact model, a 2001 limited 4x4 black/silver 170k miles. It runs but odo doesn't light up so I need to fix that and valve cover is leaking but no rust or leaking axles so I'm excited to clean it up and start modding lol. I want to do a 2" lift and 33" tires and get one of those swing out arms for spare tire.

I have a 4th Gen 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 4WD. 187,000 miles with 3 inch lift with upgraded shocks and some AT3s. Only issue is the cracked dash but it’s not terrible. With 0% rust very well taken care of. Great SUV/Truck and anyone looking for one I hope you find it getting harder and harder. I paid $14k for mine with the lift and tires already done. I drove a 2006 with the V6 and 100k miles completely stock which drove great. But the V8 once you drive it you don’t want the V6. Good searching everyone sorry if you thought I was selling mine. They are out there!

Northern New Mexico hu?? well that's a great deal, i mean for 6k I would expect something with 300k+ miles and extreme rust or a major mechanical problem like transmission, but this guy is really lucky Good for him

i just got my third gen for a daily and picked one up with 67k original miles

You can disconnect the trac control system by pulling one of the chords by the break booster. I forgot which one specifically but it works really well. No more “cutting of power”.

Got mine for 2600 4 years ago, but I had to put a lot in it to get it where it is now, 261,000 miles strong! 1999 Limited 2WD

I had 2 third gen 4Runners and a 2nd gen. They are a beast off road and I will put them up against any stock Jeep. I currently rock a 07 Tacoma and would love to go back to a 4Runner for off road. I have son's with cars and have too many cars at my house and need to be able to tow my camper, so I will gladly stay with a Tacoma for now, but still love the 4Runners.

Bought a 2002 sr5 4wd original owner 124 thousand plus miles excellent shape cant beleive found one in that good of shape. luv it

Omg this thing is clean! Makes me wanna do some work to my 2000 4runner. 😬

I just bought 2001 with 200k miles I’m super excited to add to it

I love my 1997 that I’ve owned for 23 years. It’s been bulletproof.

If you are ever in Southern California, I will be more than happy to show you my 2002 4 Runner. I bought it brand new, in 2002 and only has 160K mileage on it. It runs great, I prefer driving it than my Lexus 2010, which I also bought new in 2010.

In 2018 I bought a 2000 limited with the rear locker for $2k sold a year later for $3k, kinda regret it now seeing these crazy prices.

An Isuzu is also a great alternative they are the true pioneers of Japanese reliability

Going from a 99 Xj to a 99 T4R was the best thing I could have ever done. Even just the stock options from factory surpassed the Xj

I love my 3rd gen! I’d like to see more videos on it actually wheeling

1999 and 2000 are the best years to get; mine has 2wd, any time 4wd, center locked H4wd, and Low4wd drive center locked with or with out rear elocker enabled. WOW what a mouthful!!!!

I just bought a 99 Limited w/ 187k miles. My Son in law bought a brand new one so I grabbed his 99 for the price they quoted him for trade in. It's just a fun car for me, I had no idea they were a thing!

i got mine in san diego for 2K!! it has bilstein 6112’s. built right UCA’s,fuel wheels, toyo tires, sound system upgrade. OMG i get excited just thibking about how much of a steal i got it for.

Every time i see one I’m like damn “Wish I could afford to own 2 vehicles 😔”. Id take that thing on dirt roads

I love the 3rd Gen, my favorite 4Runner body design. My sister in law has an all black one that they've just restored that I'd love to buy off them but they won't let it go.

Got mine with 70k wrecked hit in rear passenger side fixed have around 14k with 235k miles on stock running gear I love it Thank you

That’s a pretty nice rig and sits just right with the 3” lift on 33’s.

Found a 2002 with 160k for $4k last month. No rot, little surface rust on underbody. Runs like a champ, cold AC, no tears in the leather, couldn't be happier. No stop making videos on them so others can still find deals! 🤣

I love my 02 limited in thundercloud metallic. I bought her at 220,000 miles and now it has 298,000. It has bx built headlights, jdm led turn signal mirrors, gm alternator upgrade, 231 mm tundra brake upgrade, apple carplay and a ton of maintenance items. All im waiting to do now is install my bilstein 5100s and ome coils with jba upper control arms, and get a jdm spoiler. But yeah thats it for my build

I purchased mine from a company that only put 130,000 miles and bought it for 4K. They were desperate to sell it and well I’m so glad I did. Soon to be upgrading suspension and wheels.

Good on you Grant. You managed to find the one Toyota that hasn't rusted to the ground. Very very very rare.

In Australia they are called a Toyota Surf , had one and very sad I sold it . Brilliant car ! Had the 2lt Diesel Turbo version

Got mine for $6,500 back in February with 183 on the clock. Lovin’ it so far!

4 runners under 200k miles run close to 10k here. I went with a wj 4.7 vari-loks and 6.5" lift for the same.

A beast, I love my 4Runner, what a Tank!

I got a 3rd gen 4Runner :) got it for 3200 with 179k this year

I own 2001 Toyota Tundra SR5. Bought it brand new (had like 8 miles) and still drive it as my daily….now has 256k miles on it, but I expect another 200k at least outta this 3.4 quad cam engine. I run Bilsteins, had new upper and lower arms installed, timing belt changed every 80k miles, still stock radiator and I run Michelin Defender M/S tires….best vehicle I’ve owned!!!

Everything I've heard/research I've done confirms the 01-02 had the official a-trac. It's just always enabled and you need to install your own switch to turn it off (vs. having a dedicated a-trac switch in the new one). I've got an 02 Limited and the traction control works like a charm offroad, you can hear the brakes on each indiviual wheel locking and unlocking to keep the power to the wheels that have traction. I did the Andy Mod 2.0 and it works great for doing donuts or when you want to just power through snow/mud. Supposedly Toyota made the decision to swap the rear locker for a center locker + a-trac because it would actually be an advantage offroad...

I have a 2000 with 243000 miles. I've never needed the locker, but it's nice to know its there.

I got my stock 1999 Limited with 270,000 miles for $3750 two weeks before COVID hit...scored pretty hard, esp considering I'm in Southern California.

Hm that 4Runner looks familiar…and so does that guy who needs to get a hair cut…wait a minute…

This is this is probably my perfect spec of 4Runner

I own a 97 4runner 4wd with factory rear locker, it is the best vehicle I have ever owned and I've owned quite a bit of different toyota 4x4s- 1st gen tundra, 1st gen tacoma, 3rd gen tacoma, 5th gen 4runner and a few 22re toyota pickup 4x4s all great vehicles with pros and cons but honestly with my 3rd gen 4runner the only one single con I have is the lack of usable cupholders, other than that it is perfect and if they made the exact same car today just like how they did in 1997, no bs I would pay 60k for it. It's over 24 years old but every single thing works on the vehicle (210k miles) even the stock ground clearance is pretty damn good, not to mention the short wheelbase and approach, departure, and break over angles, off road it is an absolute beast and on road it puts a smile to my face to drive. I prefer to drive it over my kdss 2021 4runner.

My idea of "budget" is a

Back in 2000 my wife and I drove from the east side of Iowa to Omaha to purchase sight unseen our 2000 SR5 Gen 3. We had seen the color (Horizon Blue I think) on the Tacomas and there were 2 on transports. One going to North Dakota and the other to Omaha. Called the dealer and said let us know when it arrives and we'll drive out and pick it up. It is the 4th of 5 4 Runners we have owned. 1986, 1992, 1995, 2000 and 2018. Still have the 2000 and the 2018. About 175k on the 2000. Also have a 2007 FJ Cruiser that we bought new (daily driver) and I still have my 1978 Land Cruiser FJ40 that I purchased new and has 62k on it. Obviously love the Toyotas. That black with the silver trim with the black wheels and BFG's looks awesome.

Went from a 98 to a 99 and both my limitedz have been absolutely amazing on and off road.

I love mine, found a 01 sr5 for 5,000 in michigan, ran the carfax and turns out it was a california 4runner for over 15 years since it was new. minimal rust but heavy dmg from deers lol

There's a reason values are so high--ask someone who has one if they want to sell and the answer is always "what else would I get that's this good?" 2000 is the last year of the manual transmission and factory locking diff, and with a 290 hp supercharged engine and only 3850 lbs to lug around, it's very quick and still returns just under 20 MPG with 32.5" tires. Newer 4Runners are automatic only and are carrying as much as 900 lbs more curb weight. Love my 3rd gen.

Just bought mine, 2001 4Runner SR5 in a beautiful dark green metallic color, 215k miles for $6,500

Had a 96 with 127k I got it for about 2800 in 2016 ish. Used it to get my 4th gen. I miss the size of the third and how light it felt, but really the v6 in the 4th is just better, and the 4th all round is nicer to me, plus 300+ miles of range on a tank of gas even lifted and larger tires is a giant plus.

Shot in the dark, but if you ever want to sell it…. I’m here LOL

Come to WA state we got a but load of these starting at 3k, no rust up here even in our rain belt but they dont salt the roads here like they do in Midwest/east coast areas, i feel for you rust belt states, up here its just sand that hoses off easily

I have the same 01 4runner pushing over 290k original miles. Great trucks!

The 6th needs to look like the 3rd and I love my third gen

Found a 3rd gen 4runner 4x4 on Facebook marketplace selling for $14k. I have a 2wd 3rd gen and the catalytic converter gave up already at 235k miles.

I got an 01 3rd Gen with 300k miles unfortunately it’s 2wd but I still love it nonetheless, never selling it!

Nice rig. 4Runners are die hard! Great off road.

nice 4 runner, my taco has the same engine.

I had a 97 4Runner that was an absolute tank.

glad to see this car on the channel!

Bought an 84' 4x4 5speed base trim truck 150k miles for $1500 back in 2014, most of the pickups I looked at were around the same price. Still have the pickup but has gone through many changers since I've owned it. Not much of an 84'single cab 4x4 4cyl truck no more, the only thing left from the 84' is the front axle and the transfer case. So technically I own a 84-2004 pickup SR5 TRD V6 (3.4l) 5speed geared to 5.29 on 33's (for now), getting 23 +/- mpg (Not really what it was built for), with a 4" suspension lift. My original 4cyl lasted 650k before I did a V6 conversion, and only because of a bad aftermarket (Oriley's) water pump overheating the engine made the conversion happen even sooner. The 3.4l is a really good engine for Toyota, yes it make lack in some places but to fix that you'll need more displacement. A lot of Toyota trucks an 4runners die do to owner neglect, you do your due diligence and your 4runner should almost last forever. Theoretically speaking.

Great Hope you make video on 3gen 4runner offrode 😍

Wow, my mileage in an F-150 with 33”s is about that.

These late 3rd gens look similar to a Trooper from the era

So this is the dude that came out to the ranch with the TJ Rubicon. That would be a tough choice, I think I'd have to keep the 4Runner and also buy the Rubicon.

My 97' still has clean taillights 😁

Very cool 4runner, I have the same 2001, first mod was the factory rear locker, in combination with the center locker its unstoppable 🏔

I OWN A 2002 LIMITED! TOYTECH 2.5 LIFTED, TRD WHEELS, KO2s 33", ADDICTED OFFROAD BUMPER, BADLANDS 12K BLU TOOTH WENCH. OVERLAND ROOF RACK. OH MAN YOU CAN SINK MONEY IN THEM. BUT I HAVE NO REGRETS! I HAVE OWNED MANY TRUCKS NEW AND USED. I LOVE THIS TRUCK. THE IOWA RUST BELT HATES MY TRUCK SO I SPEND $$$$ PROTECTING/REPAIRING. IOWA LOVES ROAD ACID IN WINTER! I THINK THE AUTO INDUSTRY PAYS THEM? NICE TRUCK, EXCEPT FOR WHEELS IDENTICAL TO MINE. GREAT VID.