Definitely agree. The 3rd gen is stand the test of time and will always be remembered as a legend. Save up some cash and buy one asap before the prices keep shooting up and they become rare.
I've got a 2000 4Runner 4WD w/227K on the odo....been in our family since new. Put a 2" lift with Bilstien 5100's, OME springs, SPC adjustable upper control arms, new lower ball joints, new front axels, front diff drop and 17" Level 8 rims w/ 285/70/17" Falcon Wildpeak AT3W's and it looks great. It is not quick at all, but I did get 18.2 MPG across Kansas fully loaded w/ 1 adult passenger averaging 75-80 MPH, and I was pleased with that....(I did use the GPS to get correct mileage due to the increased tire size). That thing climbed up Engineer pass and Imogene Pass, and went over every obsticle like a mountain goat...(without diff lockers)....Just an extremely capable vehicle.
@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks Thanks! It has been babied all it's life, and I bought it from my Ex when she got a 2020 4Runner. It is finally set up to do what it was meant to do.
@@dlim1984 I haven't done anything with the panhard. If I lifted it more than 2" I would spring for adjusting it. My alignment shop said that the adjustable front upper control arms really allowed them to dial it in to get the alignment as close to factory as possible and also to adjust the caster to help with tire clearance.
Ok….. I have to admit - you gave me the best laugh I’ve had this week…. Your 5’8 and find the interior cramped??? I’m 6’4 and have zero issues with space…. And yes, I have a 3rd gen as well….. how much space do you need??? Lol…. And yes, the Toyota tax is high…. As for finding used parts…. Good luck!! Best I’ve found was in a 4Runner club I belong to - but you have to be quick - as soon as someone says they are parting out a 4Runner - jump on it or you’ll loose out…… as for what to do with yours - build it up and have it as a weekend warrior rig…. Don’t sell it, you will regret it down the road….
Im actually 5'10" not 5'8" lol I just dont like to feel cramped and I have bad knees.... Looking more and more like Ill be keeping it longer than I expected.
Wasn't really looking for one but I found a decent one for a decent price and I have to say no regrets so far. Great camping vehicle, take bottom cushion out the backseat and they'll lay all the way down im 6'4 and can stretch all the way out and with the rear glass rolled down plenty of air plus hardly ever have to use the 4x4 with the rear locker
maybe a Subaru would be a better fit . 4runners are ONE of the greatest off road machines man has ever built . my dream is to one day visit the Tahara plant in Japan my next born will be named Masaaki Ishiko and we aren't even Japanese
@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks hahahaha... None whatsoever? I know of some gx owners complaining about sensors and electronics when crossing rivers /off roading.. Any comments?
@@emilchireno it’s like comparing apples and oranges really. Haven’t heard any issues with sensors and water crossings. I’m pretty familiar with both and I’d say they are both about the same underneath in that regard.
@@emilchireno i have a 2005 gx and it’s true. Unfortunately the gx has thousands of cables, sensors and too many electronics that can get annoying with water crossing. I crossed a river and the next day the gx computer was dead apparently 600$ later it was a bad computer ground and the only explanation had to be the water. That’s why I bought a 01 sequoia it has way less electronics and now I have both
I have a love hate relationship with mine too. Mainly because it just ate the 4th gear and spit a bunch of metal pieces into the trans pan but ya know hahahaha
I think the gen3 looks naked without the AVS bug deflector. Definitely best gen though. I love my 2000. It will likely outlive me. And I bet you will regret selling that one after you fix it up better.
The 4Runner is originally the Hilux Surf in japan. It’s completely the same aside from the steering wheel location. So you have to keep in mind that it was designed for the Japanese market. In japan everything has to fit on the tiny streets of japan. So that’s why it’s so narrow. I live in Japan and I have a 3rd gen Surf. It’s probably the best vehicle for exploring this place. I love that it’s narrow, I’m 6ft tall and I feel comfy in it. Maybe I’ve just been here too long lol. But I understand why it’s made the way it is. It’s suppose to be useful. And that narrowness translates to the outside of it as well. It is a true “go anywhere and come back home” vehicle.
Fun fact, the 4runner was invented by a guy who owned a Toyota dealership in Nebraska (I think) by using a Toyota truck and it was built by Winnebago. The Surf and 4Runner are all based off of that original build. Weird.
I'm 6'6" with a 2002 limited edition and it's great! 295k miles and still going strong 💪 only needs oil, spark plugs, air filter (K&N) and a new water pump. Been in the family for years since 140k miles. Oh and a new Gas Canister around 220k miles and shocks, they sag allot go with an after market brand shocks!
I’m in a 2000 SR5 4x4 with rear locker. 206,000 miles and going strong. I have a 3 inch lift with 33’s. The gas mileage is horrible with this setup (about 11-12 miles per gallon) or 200 miles on a highway run. BUT I get a lot of compliments and offers to buy, and I know this is something I want to hang on to because I really do think they will become priceless at some point.
My 97 Land Cruiser also suffers from being relatively cramped inside. Specifically the leg and knee room is sparse. Even the newest models are cramped feeling compared to a Sequoia.
I get what your saying. I have a 2000 limited and the size is a bit of a dislike of mine other than in the city they’re perfect and mine does get me down my fishing holes with ease. If I had to, I would buy another one.
I totally get it. Those GX models are awesome I wouldn’t mind having one. It’s hard to go to a smaller truck. I found a 3rd gen locally with 316k miles that runs ok so I picked it up for pretty cheap. Slowly replacing parts and doing maintenance but it’s my daily and is totally fine for that (except mpg 😢). I think with limited parts availability and rising prices it’s not as good of a platform to build as it used to be. Personally the 4th gen/gx platform is probably the right choice if you can afford it.
I’m 6’6” and drive the same one as you and I feel like I fit ok. Makes my FJ feel huge ha. Will be doing a walk around video of mine soon. I know what you mean with the working on them. Can be a process. Nice video!
I have a 2007 Sequoia and a 1997 4runner... I love them both but you are definitely right about the size of the 4Runner it is really small... But for some reason I like driving my 4runner, in the city and back and forth to work.. sequoias just too big sometimes
Are you seriously complaining about the steering wheel...? Sport hood is sexy and you can either have the steering wheel redone or do it yourself. Its a popular car and parts get harder to find the older it gets. You're focusing on regular parts that wear out vs how reliable it is.. my 2 cents..peace dude!
Am I complaining about my trashed steering wheel? Yes. Am I complaining that all 4runner wheels go bad? No. I never complained that parts wore out unduly.
In your guys opinion what is a green 3rd gen 4runner SR5 2wd with a new paint job and new timing belt and NGK spark plugs go for with 188,000 miles? I'm in the midwest no rust on the frame. It has a front black Safari grill guard and tail light guard and a touch screen radio in it . Very clean rig so let me know plz 1/16/22 I know prices are high during Covid times
@@ddemier Damn they must not have known any better lol thats crazy. I have a 2wd too I'm just hoping to get my $3500 back maybe $4k since I'm putting a lot of work into it. Its got a ton of miles left in it but I imagine it will be hard to find the right buyer.
Hi Job, would really like your input on this! I'm looking into overlanding vehicle and have narrowed down to the 4Runner, Xterra, and the Lexus GX470. With all things considered: Price, daily drivability, off road ability, replacement parts price, etc... Which one (model & what generation) would you pick and why? Thank you very much! Hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks thanks for taking the time! I really appreciate it. I budgeted 10k for everything but am willing to put in another 5k (if needed needed) but I really hope I don't have to. Not looking for crazy builds, I do like practicality... More of a daily driver that can go do some overlanding. By the way, can you fit a 4x8 plywood/sheetrock flat in any of the vehicles? Thank you!
@@free2chasehappy Well GX get terrible MPG, xterra and 3rd gen are a little short on storage space for overlanding. Cant go wrong with a v6 4th gen. For 10k mileage will vary. Make sure to check frame for rot. Id spend 10k and use 5k for preliminary maintenance and mods.
Hope all is well with you and your family. Do you still have the 3rd generation 4runner? I sense the Lexus is better for you and your wife as a daily driver. I have a 2006 Highlander 4cyl 4WD. In one year no issues reliable, good in snow, my baby Landcruiser. Would like to get a 3rd gen 4runner but in the Northeast they are hard to find ( I see 1st gen Highlanders all the time.) I also have a desire a 2001 - 05 Lexus is300 - they ste also hard to find. Keep up the good work on your channel!
I bought my 2002 4runner new almost 20 years ago (obviously). I suspect the reason there aren't a lot of used parts available is that the parts so rarely need replacement. If it's small for your purposes, well, that's your issue, not the truck's. My leather steering wheel is in perfect condition, so I don't know what the deal is with yours. Anyway, comparing it to the Lexus is pretty dumb. Otherwise, I learned a lot.
Thats why this is a love/hate review, all just my opinions, this isnt a fact based point by point car review. Obviously this and the GX are not comparable vehicles, I only "compared" them because I own both.
