1997 Toyota 4Runner

BEST CAR EVER!

By MRS. CHIEF (CA) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 147,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW...IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR ANYTHING BUT A BRAKE JOB AND ROUTINE OIL CHANGES. THE ONLY ISSUE I HAVE WITH IT IS WE HAVE OUTGROWN IT. BOUGHT IT WHEN MY KIDS WERE BABIES AND HATE IT SELL IT..IT'S A GREAT COMMUTER CAR. STILL GETS 25 MPG...I WILL PROBABLY KEEP IT ONE MORE YEAR."

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I have owned 3 Toyota 4 runners. All amazing!

By Soulsong (CA) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

Pros: "Sturdy, reliable, great turn. radius, + gas milage"

Cons: "None in my opinion."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I currently own a 1996 and 2005 model. The 1996 model is by far my favorite, although because it is a manual and I have had a knee injury, I now primarily drive the 05 automatic. The 05 is more of a luxury vehicle opposed to the 96 model, which is more rugged and in my opinion is the sturdiest, hardiest vehicle I've ever owned, and was built to last. And...there's no plastic anything! I traveled across the country and back twice for two years in the 96. I had it totally dialed in with a built in bed, camping gear, and everything I needed to off-road and experience as much unspoiled land and elements of nature as possible. What an amazing life experience and journey of the spirit I had! Sadly, she's been un-garaged for almost twelve years now, and the elements have understandably taken there toll on the old girls overall appearance. However, regardless of the cosmetic damage she's indured, she still runs like a dream, and I've never had any problems with her. I cannot recommend this vehicle highly enough. My husband and I have said that we're going to keep her and do some cosmetic improvements as soon as we have a garage that we can put her in to protect our investment. If you're considering a 96 4-runner, I can't imagine that you'd ever regret buying one, provided the owner took care of it, and was diligent about having her maintained and serviced regularly. Peace and blessings to all."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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I have owned 3 Toyota 4 runners. All amazing!

By Soulsong (CA) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

Pros: "Sturdy, reliable, great turn. radius, + gas milage"

Cons: "None in my opinion."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I currently own a 1996 and 2005 model. The 1996 model is by far my favorite, although because it is a manual and I have had a knee injury, I now primarily drive the 05 automatic. The 05 is more of a luxury vehicle opposed to the 96 model, which is more rugged and in my opinion is the sturdiest, hardiest vehicle I've ever owned, and was built to last. And...there's no plastic anything! I traveled across the country and back twice for two years in the 96. I had it totally dialed in with a built in bed, camping gear, and everything I needed to off-road and experience as much unspoiled land and elements of nature as possible. What an amazing life experience and journey of the spirit I had! Sadly, she's been un-garaged for almost twelve years now, and the elements have understandably taken there toll on the old girls overall appearance. However, regardless of the cosmetic damage she's indured, she still runs like a dream, and I've never had any problems with her. I cannot recommend this vehicle highly enough. My husband and I have said that we're going to keep her and do some cosmetic improvements as soon as we have a garage that we can put her in to protect our investment. If you're considering a 96 4-runner, I can't imagine that you'd ever regret buying one, provided the owner took care of it, and was diligent about having her maintained and serviced regularly. Peace and blessings to all."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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I Love my 4Runner

By Fatboy (FL) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 83,000

Pros: "Looks, comfort, and power"

Cons: "Electrical System not reliable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"I love this 4Runner, but it is not reliable. I've had a problem with the electrical system, which seems to align with many owners according to Toyota forums, a phantom battery drain. If I want to drive the vehicle the next morning I have to pull the MPX-B and Dome circuits fuses. I have done this for the last year. Noone has an answer. Last dealer said they probably would not be able to find the problem. And at $100/hour charge, just not feasible. This is the only problem I have with the vehicle. Compared to newer vehicles, I still have the best deal around. New 4Runner are $45,000--what a joke."

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Awesome SUV, Buy one Used!

By Steinberg (GA) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 169,000

Pros: "Handling, Power, Comfortable, Ground Clearance"

Cons: "Firm Ride/Suspension"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased a Black 2002 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition with 164000 miles on it for $8400 about 4 months ago. I have driven it a little over 5000 miles so far and am very happy overall with the car. This SUV handles very well considering it's high ground clearance. It has very good power. Seats and Interior is comfortable. It gets good gas mileage at 17/19 and has been absolutely reliable. I would definitely purchase this car again. The verdict is to get yourself one cause they are so worth it."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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By far the best put together vehicle I have owned

By Dragaeran (GA) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 113,000

Pros: "Value, durability, capability, overall balance"

Cons: "Stock brakes and sway bars need to be upgraded"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Tis 4runner has served the family well. From hauling the dogs to hauling our 2 adopted boys. Turned from a family SUV to a work truck over the years. Survived almost being sold and then I repossessed her from the non-paying buyer. She shows her age in a few plastic pieces and the leather is a limited complete seat swap when we bought her and its showing wear, but she purrs! I've had the typical breaks a weak, engine can be rather underpowered and...well that's it. Did have to replace an injector....other than that its been oil and gas. Upgraded the brakes, tires/wheels, sway bars, audio, SR5 to limited leather power seats and headers/exhaust, so she sounds properly "loud", but nothing serious, major or troubling. If you can find one of these with lower miles, medium miles or even high miles, buy it. This is the best setup Toyota has put out to date."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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