We Took an Old & New Toyota 4Runner Off-Road & The Cheaper One Shocked Me! 

Am always left amazed how u guys go off-roading as a pass time yet here in Uganda with the state of our roads, we pretty much off-road daily when going to work or home. 4 runners here are called hilux surf. They rarely break

If only rust wasn’t a thing for us in the North east. 3rd Gen is iconic

Dear 3rd gen owners, Change your lower ball joints with OEM every 100k. That is all.

We did Imogene and Engineer Pass last month on our 2000 4Runner. 225k miles on the odo and it climbed over everything in it's path without lockers. Been in the family since new, and it got us back to Kentucky without any problems. Great vehicle! Will never sell it.

98 4 runner. had it 20 years just flipped 444444.4 miles yesterday !what a perfect truck !!!😀😀still cold air , never pulled heads. has had 4 timing sets and two rear axles. oil pump quit at 400k and then fuel pump . no big stuff. oh a freeze plug on front passenger side of block went bad. i just epoxied the thing . still runs beatiful .clean .no leaks.

I've owned one each of 2nd, 3rd, 4th (current vehicle), and 5th generation 4Runners over the years. The only one I wish I still had was the 3rd gen. Great truck.

It didn’t look like the old 4 was even aired down. Impressive!

Man that guy needs a haircut! Haha. Thanks for having me back guys, always a fun time shooting with the TFL crew! I’d love come back and do some rougher trails, I know the 4Runner can handle it!

So at $12K for the old 4Runner, you can literally own nearly five of them for the price of the new one, and the Gen 3 looked every bit as capable as the new one on the slope they went up here. Yeah, spending big bucks on a new one and keeping it for 25 years makes sense, eventually in terms of $, but only barely. Bonus with an older model is no cringing when a branch touches it and no worries about mods voiding your warranty. I haven't owned a car in warranty for nearly 25 years, don't miss it, because of all the bucks saved on purchase prices.

3rd gen, 5th gen, doesn't matter. It's a Toyota. Best vehicles made. Grant's pretty cool.

I know the camera can't always show the terrain but honestly it looks like any stock generation 4wd 4runner can make easy work of that section of trail. From the guys reaction this is his first time off road. Good for you! Get out there!

Bought my '02 brand new and has been my daily driver for the last (almost) 20 years and 196k. Did the full Alpine loop, side trails into california gulch, devil's punchbowl, imogene, black bear, ophir, mosquito pass, and many trails around central co and vail, where I live, with the truck bone stock except for TKO tires although I lost my muffler in the punchbowl. Skill (and nerve) is far more important than tech. Now have a 3" toytec lift, full 5 piece armor, front and rear bumpers and sliders from Shrockworks and it is even more capable even still on 31's. Still no winch and never needed it. Upgrading to 33's next with re-gear to 4.56 and an ARB rear locker and will be nearly unstoppable. Always garaged, no rust, maintained religiously (90k timing belt changes, not 100K). Love the 80 series LC and my wife has an '09 200 series, but those cars are bigger (as are the 5th gen) and just think smaller 3rd gen is more nimble and hits the sweet spot on everything. Best vehicle I've ever owned and will never part with it. If you want it, watch for my obituary!

I have a 99 4runner limited and I absolutely love it. Has taken me through some very rough situations. 2019 rav4 hybrid is my daily though, needed better fuel economy. EDIT: mine has the rear locker

This is were Tommy shines !! I really enjoy his off road content, and when he can talk about the history of Colorado. Great work TFL crew. 😁😁

My 3rd gen 97 Limited w/Rear Locker always kicked ass offroading although i upgraded to a GX470, i have to admit the 4Runner did the same thing as my Lexus does even tho it was a 20+ year old rig... 3rd gen is the best Gen!.

Love seeing these old vs new comparisons! This was not that "shocking" though! Of course a lifted 3rd gen, with the owner driving it, can make it up without any drama. If Grant would have TRIED to get it stuck, he probably could have - at least for a little bit.

You can get a manual transmission with the 3rd gen 4Runners. If you get an inexpensive older 4Runner, when you go off-road you don't have to worry about scratching and denting a fancy new expensive 4Runner.

Hey Grant, good to see you popped a new radiator in that thing. The 3rd gens will lose head gaskets just as readily as the 2nd gen if they're left with their OG rads.

I used to have a 90 series Landcruiser Prado, which is mechanically identical to the 3rd gen, with the same 5VZ engine (although we also had a diesel option), they really are a surprisingly capable vehicle, with the right rubber and some aftermarket lockers, they are brilliant.

Now put a new 4Runner up against a GX470. That would be fun to watch considering you can pick one up for $10-$15K and it’s crazy nice for the money.

Tommy I just love these video comparisons you guys do. I must say that the 3rd gen 4runners were one of my old school favorites. Please keep these sort of comparisons coming.

TFL, how about hitting up some harder trails in the 3rd Gen! This was nothing.

I've watched this and some videos similar to it-- and I've decided--- I'd rather spend a few thousand on an OLDER 4runner than buying ANY new vehicle for several reasons. 1- I can customize the heck out of it 2- I won't worry about getting it scratched 3- I can have a barrell of fun with it and not worry 4- it will STILL last probably my full drving life time left on my older years- 5- it's just MORE FUN without the HUGE expense of a NEW vehicle that ISN"T AS GOOD to begin with.!!!! THANKS --

It's funny that the recommendation for a daily driver is to get a 5G but a 3G used to do just fine as a daily driver when the 5G wasn't even on the design board yet, lol.

The third-generation 4Runner is one of my tastes for a body-on-frame SUV. They have better protection than a unibody crossover. Also, these older 4Runner's from the late-90's/early-2000's (third-gen only) handle better and they are the safest vehicles in the world, even if they do not have electronic stability control (ESC) on most newer vehicles.

I like the simple lines of the Gen 3. The new one looks like there is just too much going on in the front end.

Just purchased a 1998 4Runner with 210K miles, and it's probably the favorite Toyota in my garage (including a 2006 Tundra and a 2021 Tacoma). The thing is just a rolling classic.

My mom had a silver 3rd gen 4RUNNER, we loved that thing. It was fully loaded and had the wide fenders just like this one does. Miss that car man. Ima get a 09 limited 4RUNNER and lift it hopefully pretty soon

2018 Off road with some OME springs, Biltstien shocks and 33” Tko’s. I added diff breathers and a better skid plate too. Probably the best vehicle ever.

I have a 2022 4runner but the sr5 4x4. Would love to see you guys try to tackle a lot of these obstacles with just atrac before using crawl control and the others, just to see how mine might do. Love the Chanel

I got a 96 limited with 276k on the original motor. 5vz is a motor that wont self destruct if the timing belt fails, you dont have to worry as much about it as you would on a 4cyl honda. Ive had to do basic maintenance and replace the radiator and 02 sensors. I also replaced the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals. Ive also replaced my CV axles for" peace of mind" on the trail. I run bilstein 5100s with about an inch of lift up front. 4wd still works like new, locker included. I drive this thing between california and idaho several times a year. I take my kid to school in it on weekdays and hit the trails on weekends. 3rd gen is a masterpiece. I need an excuse to do a 1uz swap. I have no official mechanical training, i do all the work myself. These things are not hard to work on compared to newer cars. Cheers.

Love the old tacomas and 4runnees with the 3.4. The 4runners are also quiet on the interstate too when traveling. They are also easier to MacGyver the rear locker so it works ANYTIME too. (Grey wire mod) Unable to mod the new locker mechanism. :(

Nothing like a 3rd Gen!

The other best feature is the back window that goes down and the hidden rear wiper like a Tahoe or Range Rover.

I daily drive my lifted 3rd gen and she handles the highway like a boss!

We should do more of the new vs old. Like Defender (new) vs Defender (old), Broncos, Jeep Cherokee (XJ), etc... There are a lot of folks with older 4x4 and looking to upgrade. This will give them an idea on whether it is worth the upgrade.

Yes! Finally some love for the 3rd gen on TFL!

The 3.4 V6 was also used in some model years of the first gen Tundra as the base engine. Then they moved to the 4.0 in the second generation before discontinuing both the 4.0 V6 and 4.6 V8 for the Tundra.

300,000 miles on my 3rd gen and still going strong!!!!

My 3rd gen with a 5 speed and a rear elocker was 2K 10 years ago. Absolutely rock solid.

0:32 the guy has a Colorado plate, but the sticker in the bottom right of the windshield is a Texas DMV sticker. LOL.

I love it! My last 3rd gen was all In, $4500. And previous owner had already installed a 3” lift. I love that Toyota truly means you can GO PLACES!

I have a 2000 Limited with rear locker (plus a 97 and a 98...). I just took the 2000 on a big road trip and did some crazy trails, unbelievable what that thing can go through.

Loved this. More 3rd gen stuff please!

I have a 2000 3rd gen with a rear locker and its a beast off road. I love having the manual 4wd shift since i have had some problems with electric actuators in the past.

Great video Tommy. Are you planning on testing your new jeep on the tougher trails? I'd really like to see how capable it is. It's been very impressive so far.

Hire that dude for the channel. He is a natural.

You guys need to do an xterra review. Either the first gen or the 1.5. If you’re ever in NYC you guys can borrow mine

Man loving Grant! Bring this dude back. Love ya Tommy - don't stress, don't go anywhere. 👊

I just recently got my first Toyota. 96 t100 with 210,000 miles and it runs as good as any rig Ive had with a quarter the mileage. I am very much an old Toy fan now.

You answered my request I love the 3rd gen!! Great video!!

I actually met Grant out in Hidden Falls ( in Marble Falls, Texas) back in early 2020. small world.

I stole a '97 with locker from my niece for 1500. It was a 2.00 hose for the throttle body pre-heater hose that was leaking. All in with maintenance, tires, rough country 3" I'm @....6k? It'll get 27mpg on flat ground @ 60mph. She isn't getting back.

Thank you, Tommy, a good review of a great often ignored model. Heads up - not all Toyotas are chain nor are they all clearance engines. Timing belt water pump at 100k, pretty standard (my 96 Audi A6, 2012 Accord 3.5). 4Runner vs Wranger, guessing one has the nod for off-road (Wranger) and the other nod for a daily driver (4Runner).

I test drove a 2022 TRD Pro yesterday and I completely think that my 2002 SR5 is a better vehicle. No disrespect to any of the other years, but the 3rd gen is a godamn monster. Good vid!

You must have read my mind. Just yesterday I was pondering how these 2 compare off road. The new gen is the size of a Seqouia from the early 2000s

Nice 3rd gen. "Never broke down. Never left me stranded." Neither has my 2000 Tahoe with 348k miles. And I haven't even replaced a timing belt yet. There are a lot of good vehicles out there.

4th gen with v8 is where it’s at!

I'm impressed. Reminds me of my 1992 SR5 4Runner.

The years for lockers for the limited trim is 97-99. SR5 with the TRD package in any year. Your button on the side of the T-case is similar to an FJ80 Center diff lock it is just selectable. I have a 2000 limited and a 2000 base. The limited is stock with 306k and the base is a 2.7l supercharged with a 5 spd manual, 3 inch suspension 1 inch body lift, and 35 x 10.50 r17 kenda clever tires, also 5.29 in the differentials with an ARB rear air locker.

I had a 2001 Limited 4runer with a rear locker. Never stranded me and never stuck!

I have a gen 3 with the rear locker. It’s an SR5 with a 3” lift and 33” m/t’s. It’s honestly the best vehicle I’ve ever owned.

nice toyota vid. my 3rd gen manual still going strong on those trails

I once had a '84 1/2 4runner gen 1. Solid front axel ,manual front locker, 2 inch body lift sitting on 33 by 12.5 BFG at's. 22r with a 20r head and removable hardtop. The best of road vehicle I've ever owned. Sadly destroyed by hard use and road salt.

Awesome video! I’m dying to build a 3rd or 4th gen 4Runner but I’m from a Jeep family and may be excommunicated.

awesome video!

I remember how excited I was when the 4th gen was replaced by the boxier 5th gen. Boxy SUV (body on frame) FTW!

I have had three 4Runners (94,96,99) and 2 Tacoma's (07,21). I loved them all and took the miles well over 200k on all except the 99 (frame rot). The 4Runner is a better off-road vehicle compared to the Tacoma, but the 4Runner does not tow my 4300# camper. My favorite 4Runner was my 94, just a beast off-road! Favorite Tacoma? my 2021, but as I said, I loved each and every one of them. I would not trade one of them for any Jeep. How boring to be in line and watch 12 Jeeps go over an obstacle........even better when you are trail leader and go over or through an obstacle and the Jeeps can't or have to start spooling cable to get where you just went.

I have a 2000 4runner that has the push button 4wd with hi an low lock and the locking rear diff

Love the music in this video. Reminds me of my favorite band Versengold

The next gen Crawl Control as tested on the latest Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is absolutely silent. TThough personally I don't mind the sound, at least you can hear that thing is working. Obviously it will appear on other new Toyota SUVs and trucks soon. You can check how it works in the TLC 300 on the SUV Battle channel.

Right now I have the opportunity to trade my rust free 99 Jeep WJ to a 3rd Gen 4Runner. It’s a good looking 4Runner but I’m planning on checking out the rust to see how bad it is. As long as it’s not rusted out underneath it I’ll be a proud owner of a 99 Toyota 4Runner tomorrow

The 2001 4 Runner in Limited trim had 11” ground clearance from the factory.

On the newer Toyota/Lexus 4x4, can you use crawl control and MTS at the same time? I thought you can only use one or the other.

Early fifth gens are in my opinion the best bang for your buck 4runners. I may be a bit biased owning one but I paid 16k for mine about a year ago with just under 100k miles . It’s a lot more modern then the 3rd gen although and still the same basic platform of the newest ones, he said he’s spent about 14k on his 3rd gen so it’s really not far off at all. Not sure how prices have changed since I bought mine though.

Hi Blaze! 3rd gen 4Runner is still very capable. Really like the turd pro 4Runner, but I'd pick a GX460. You can get 5-6 year old 40-60k GX460's for 30k or so. You do need a mild lift or bumper trim and they get something like 4 gallons to the mile actually 15 city/19 highway and require premium. At least it's better than the Landcrusier 13 city / 17 highway. Prado diesel you can't get in US is the best choice 7.9L/100km or almost 30 mpg.

Great stuff- Does the trd orp need to be lifted to accommodate the trd pro wheels and tires?

Rear E-locker was option on 96. My 96 limited has it.

That 3rd gen 4Runner is one of my bucket list vehicles.

My 99 4Runner Limited has center and rear lockers it's one of the Holy Grail 4Runners

I would like an older 4x4 like that. I’ve always wanted one of those old boxy Isuzu troopers.I just can’t spend $50 and take it off roading.

My 3rd gen usually surprises the jeep guys on the trails. 96 sr5 with V6 manual trans and stock electric locker

Driving to work this morning I realize that the latest gen 4runner is the same size as the 1st gen sequoias and I bought my 02 sequoia for 2900 and have only maybe 5000 total so far into it including the price of the rig

I have a friend that had a lifted 3rd gen it was a nice little truck. I bought a chevy blazer so we can both go hit the trails and he traded his 4runner in for a dodge ram. I was disappointed.

It would be great to see TFL compare a TRD OR with KDSS 4Runner with a non KDSS one.

I take my 2000 4runner with the elocker on trails like that stock lol there's nothing shocking about this. They're beasts off road and will keep up with any of these more modern trucks and suvs

I love my ‘97, she takes me everywhere!

When you said the new 4Runner was fully loaded with A-track, I got excited and heard 8-track. I need a new SUV with an 8-track player. Does anyone offer that as a retro-stereo option?

I daily a 97 shitbox with 300+ and I love it

I miss my 3rd Gen! I’ve got a 2019 TRD Pro Tundra but dang 15-20k for a FULLY loaded off-road beast, makes me think…

11:36 I also have Apple CarPlay and rear view camera on my ‘99 Toyota 4Runner… 😜

Finally I've been waiting for a video with a 3rd gen

I love my 1st gen Tacoma! I just can’t keep the front wheels on lmao

i’d be down to be in your videos🥰I have a 96 4runner and half the time I don’t even use 4wd and I don’t get stuck mine came with 4.10 gearing in it too

Finally a video with a 3rd gen

Wonder how impressed he’d be going up against an 80 series land cruiser. I’d happily put my triple locked 80 up against any much more expensive modern Toyota.

The sad part about all of these smart 4wd systems is they allow more dummies on the trails.

Is that an Aggie ring? Makes me miss my third gen. But I’m enjoying my 2007 limited quite a bit as well.

Let me know when you need another local third gen 4runner on an episode! I'm local and would love to be on your show. I also love car and trucks and have a lot of useless knowledge on all kinds! 🙃

You keep referring to the extra power in the new one but I remember reading an article a few years back that stated the 1999-2004 with the 3.4 was the quickest 0 to 60 due to it being so much lighter. I do think they were referring to the pickups and not the 4Runner's though. Not sure if that is still true in 2021 but it would be interesting to find out. The new ones are quite a big bigger then the 3rd Gen you were out with today so is the 270hp enough to make up for the extra weight vs the 190hp 3.4 I think 3rd Gen had?