What Is The Best Year Of Toyota 4Runner?

Toyota 4Runner with 271,000 miles running like new....

[Mike_]

3rd gen 1998-2002 of course! Just changed the oil on mine today. 😊 Only 138K miles on it..

[emilynomi]

I have a 2000 Tacoma, my mother has a 2001 4Runner, my brother and father both have newer Tundras. All original owners. We all keep our vehicles in tip top shape inside and out. My mother's especially looks like she just bought it yesterday. Having the oldest Toyota I have been doing most of the maintenance myself. Your videos have helped me in the process. Thank you Peter and keep up the good work!

[tundramanq]

I smiled when I saw the cassette adapter so you can hook up your own music player. I think all the V6 Runners were made in Japan. My 94 V6 SR5 4x4 truck was also. Only replaced the dome lamp and the rest was scheduled maintenance. Passed it on to my nephew in 09 and he sold to a friend for more than he paid me last year. May never die.

[LinColorado]

I love all these late '90's to mid '00's Toyotas -- rock solid years!

[DonnerPassWhisky]

My mom bought one of these 1997's new and it's still running great. Around 200, 000 miles. Biggest maintenance issue was the rear differential and wheel bearings replaced recently but otherwise fine. Lived in a garage it's whole life so still looks good

[sturvinmurvin]

I get more looks than a Lambo in my mint 99' with 225, 000 miles. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

[RockymtnGuy]

Made in Japan during the best manufacturing era. Hence why it's so impressive today.

[jsnow]

I have had a 5th gen for 3 yrs and absolutely fell in love with it, I will keep it forever. I have put in around 20k into it to get exactly what I want and can use. I have been looking for a 3rd gen to restore but the prices are insane!

[dougfairweather]

I have a 95 Fourrunner (The last year they were sold in Australia) and I love it to bits... the 3VZ engine runs smooth as and has great pickup!

[kenk]

...I've heard that 3rd gen 4Runners are the best (year 1996-2002), and out of that, year 2000 is best...I've got 2...both 3.4 V6 and 2WD...bought used for around $5K each and I
could not be happier....just do the recommended maintenance and you're good to go... 🙂

[MHZ]

My 00 T4R LTD 4WD just hit 273K! I bought it 7 years ago with 232K on the clock, best $5K I've ever spent. To 300K and beyond!

[gncc]

Have a 99 Tacoma and a 00 Limited 4Runner. Both are 200k plus and showing no signs of needing replaced. Best vehicles I've ever owned.

[ericwhitehead]

Have a 2003 4Runner Sport, 2wd. It only has 176K on it. The Texas sun is doing a number on the paint (wife's old car, never waxed it), but still runs like new. Love it!

[MarzNet]

Hey Peter. That is a prime example of Toyota quality. I drive a 2006 Matrix 4WD in Northern NJ with 210, 000 miles and it drives like a new car and the exterior and interior are in mint condition. Just did oil change number 41 on it. Also, it has lived outside it's entire life.

[Katy-Did]

Everything is made so cheap now. Older Toyotas are amazing! We have a 1992 SR5 4x4 Ext Cab Pickup that we bought new in 1991...it is in great shape! Our 2001 Tacoma double cab 4x4 SR5 (bought new) was noticeably made with cheaper plastic when compared to our 1992 Pickup. Both are running great with over 220, 000 milage on each.

[fgoogle]

Bought my '97 4runner in 2008 with 250, 000 miles (paid $3600). Approaching 340k and still in love with it. Added 2019 TRD wheels, looks great... still runs and shifts smooth. Toyota quality is unbeatable.

[BIGRtgbyhn]

I think you are spot on about the 4Runner - I have a 2000 4Runner Limited with a 3" lift. Looks similar with over 335000 miles. It's perfect inside and out. It's unreal how good Toyota made that truck. I don't think any of their newer models will hold up like this. I bought it brand new, and I drive it about 30-40 miles a day around NYC. I love that vehicle. Very little rust spots. I can't complain. I do all the maintenance myself on it. Last year I dropped the tank and changed the fuel pump and fuel filter. Just yesterday I greased the drive shaft bearings.

[tonyisme]

320k Here ...on a 1990. I put the orig tire cover back on it, after treatment restoration. It has historic Vehicle plates now...mine lives outside in the elements, not in garage. iThe paint is faded on top, but its the best type of paint & clearcoat. there is a guy in my county (says a mechanic) with 600k on his... With fluids stick with the user manual suggestions. Oil with elevated zinc & moly levels to reduce cam wear, as off the shelf oils have lower levels of zinc & moly to attain extended catalytic converter life, per Gov regulations & oil industry in the last 25 years.. My cams have been replaced.

[zrcr]

I always get compliments from passengers who ride with me who are shocked to learn that my 4Runner is 22 years old with 243, 000 miles. Interior wear is negligible.

[M_Phillip]

I have a 2002 4 runner w 340k miles Wish i could get my 97 5 speed 4 runner back.