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Just pulled the trigger on a 3rd Gen!

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Malinois38, Jan 26, 2021.

  1. Jan 26, 2021 at 5:20 AM
    #1
    Malinois38

    Malinois38 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2020
    Member:
    #18729
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    Pa
    Vehicle:
    2002 SR5
    First of all thanks for all the great information from everyone who contributes to this site!
    I am a Tundra guy and we are a Toyota family. Recently joined this site and have been researching 4Runners for my 15year old son’s first vehicle. Had all intentions of traveling south for an older 4Runner in better condition than my rust belt area. And then it happened...
    I found this 2002 SR5 with 161K for $4,900. Here is a few pics of my craigslist find. Was posted late Sunday night, I responded & took Monday off work because I thought it would not last a day. Frame is actually decent, body is excellent. Both bumpers replaced, hitch/running boards removed. New timing belt, Nittos, wheels off a 2015, shocks/springs and radiator all new!
    After I got home and in the garage, I found some touch up above the windshield & kinda freaked out. I totally missed it & looks like they tried to fix a little rust & repainted the top area of the roof above the windshield. Oh well, I own it now & probably not a deal breaker. Also, had 7 owners which seemed like a lot, but it looks like it was pampered inside/out. Hope I did ok, time will tell.
    BTW the look on my sons face...priceless!

    01A0718E-EC04-406F-87D0-4AB2FBED1568.jpg
    EECE0780-9205-428E-945E-6789C4495943.jpg
    D12EB7DF-7A2F-4A18-AFFC-D27D4B14E565.jpg
    4E86C51A-6EED-4B8E-B341-85CBBB092669.jpg
    73ABA44D-0739-41CF-8C97-27846CC42E36.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2021
  2. Jan 26, 2021 at 6:39 AM
    #2
    Ahdofu

    Ahdofu New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2020
    Member:
    #18506
    Messages:
    295
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Vehicle:
    1997 4Runner SR5, V6, Auto, 4WD
    It is a great looking 4Runner. The issues that you've noted are minor in my opinion and the fact that your son is loving it, tops it all. You're a great dad.
     
    Malinois38[OP] likes this.
  3. Jan 26, 2021 at 9:40 PM
    #3
    4runner_3rdgen

    4runner_3rdgen New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2021
    Member:
    #19136
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1996 4Runner limited
    Looks like a great buy! Out here in California that car in that shape with the miles goes for a minimum of 6 to 7k
     
    Malinois38[OP] likes this.
  4. Jan 27, 2021 at 1:46 AM
    #4
    Toy4X4

    Toy4X4 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2020
    Member:
    #15580
    Messages:
    6,728
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Vehicle:
    2020 Offroad Prem. 4-runner
    RevTek 3" front- 2" rear leveling, JBA uca's, LED interior lights, Cooper 275-70-17 AT3 LT
    Welcome from Wisconsin!
     
    Malinois38[OP] likes this.
  5. Jan 27, 2021 at 2:54 AM
    #5
    JET4

    JET4 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2018
    Member:
    #8147
    Messages:
    3,595
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast, Va.
    welcome
     
    Malinois38[OP] likes this.
  6. Jan 27, 2021 at 12:36 PM
    #6
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #6172
    Messages:
    7,542
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    Welcome.
     
    Malinois38[OP] likes this.
  7. Jan 27, 2021 at 1:43 PM
    #7
    negusm

    negusm New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2019
    Member:
    #11745
    Messages:
    1,876
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner SR5 4WD
    So check if the windshield is new. That may be the reason for the touch up you noticed.

    Honestly though, that place is probably the last place for these cars to rust out on, so if it was repaired due to rust and they repaired it properly, you should be good for quite a while.
     
    Malinois38[OP] likes this.
  8. Jan 27, 2021 at 2:19 PM
    #8
    Malinois38

    Malinois38 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2020
    Member:
    #18729
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    Pa
    Vehicle:
    2002 SR5
    Well, funny you mention that because the windshield is new! But the new paint runs 4-6” back & is the length of the windshield. So, I’m gonna just chalk it up to a mediocre paint job. I ran a magnet over it to make sure no bondo & it’s all good.
     
  9. Jan 27, 2021 at 2:36 PM
    #9
    negusm

    negusm New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2019
    Member:
    #11745
    Messages:
    1,876
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner SR5 4WD
    Any variation to the geometry of the roof can pop a windshield. Most any autobody man can tell you a story where a car came that was hit in the rear corner and had a broken windshield too.

    So it may still be related. I'll agree it's not probable.
     
  10. Jan 27, 2021 at 11:29 PM
    #10
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2020
    Member:
    #17209
    Messages:
    1,184
    Gender:
    Male
    Memphis, TN.
    Vehicle:
    1997 4 runner limited
    upgraded suspension, large all terrain tires
    nice ride....greetings from Memphis....here's my '97 Limited

    4 runner 4.jpg
     
    Malinois38[OP] likes this.
  11. Jul 26, 2021 at 1:41 PM
    #11
    SnowBunny56

    SnowBunny56 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2021
    Member:
    #22015
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    North Texas
    Vehicle:
    1999 3rd Gen
    Toyo tires with Fuel wheels, Carhart seat covers, getting started with some suspension mods
    Welcome from Texas, Very nice ride!
     
    Malinois38[OP] likes this.

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