Used 2000 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews
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Bulletproof Daily Driver
Duane Mason, 01/19/2018
updated 08/11/2022
2000 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SUV
22 of 23 people found this review helpful
This is a review of 4-cylinder, Manual Transmission model. For those unacquainted, that is the excellent 2.7 Liter, 3RZ-FE, with the superb, W59 manual transmission. Mine is bone stock, and set up for Street. It has a weekly commute of 20 miles both ways, on mostly freeway. Well, I bought this car used, it had 130,000 miles. That did not worry me too much, because it is a Toyota. Furthermore, it was built during a time, when Toyota was more hard-nosed. Back when they were more hungry, and had more swagger. There was no rust, the carfax looked reasonable, and my mechanic inspected it for about 30 minutes. He said it looked good, then I bought it later that day. Right now it has 284,000 miles on the odometer, and the car doesn't seem phased at all, by the high mileage. My goal is at least 350,000 with this car. My initial reaction upon seeing, and driving the 3rd gen 4runner, was the impressive Build Quality. The car has an aura of excellent construction, in every category. The engine is strong, torquey, and loves to be in the low and mid-range rpm's. (It gets pretty weak around 4.5k+ rpm's, so it is rather useless to push it too high, in the powerband). I have heard some complaints about the 2.7 lacking power. Well those people must be driving the Automatic version. (The Auto cannot put as much power down as the Manual. Especially on hills, or passing situations, where you can easily downshift with a clutch). The transmission is high-quality. It goes through the gears with a fluid, confident feel. When I changed the manual transmission oil, to Redline MT-90, the shifting became even smoother. (Hence I will keep using Redline MT-90, for gear oil changes, it works very well with the W59). While driving, there are no creaks in the body panels, or annoying sounds that emanate from the interior. The 4runner is spectacular on the freeway. Even at 100 mph, the car is solid and assured. It eats up miles at high speeds, like a GT car. The Base model is pretty lightweight at 3,440 lbs, and Rear-Wheel Drive, (my favorite). The 4runner has decent weight distribution, and it handles well, (for an SUV). The steering is light, yet has some substance, and the driver gets decent feedback from the road. In stock form, It is actually a fun driver's car, and quite nimble for what it is. Onto the interior: My lowly "Base" model, has very comfortable, cloth seats. They are plush and provide just enough adjustment. The steering wheel, is some kind of imitation leather, it seems. It is very comfortable to the touch, with a heavy-ish feel, excellent build quality. The instrument panel is pleasing and logical. Overall the interior is great, I love it. I have taken 6 hour+ road trips, in this car and it is comfortable the whole time. Another thing is, the back seats can fold forward, and then you have a 6-foot truck bed, inside your 4runner! Awesome. This car is the perfect size imho, for a mid-size, all-around, very reliable daily driver. The MPG is pretty good for what it is. I'm no Bean Counter, and drive hard, yet gas money hasn't hurt me. The major repairs, and their approximate costs I have had to deal with during my time of ownership: Rack and Pinion replacement, Lower Control Arm (driver's side), Differential U-joints, Clutch, Brakes and Rotors. Other than that, I do synthetic oil changes every 6-7k, and other basic maintenance, like changing tires, rotating tires, etc. It is a low maintenance car and I am shooting for the long haul, 350,000+ original miles. One final thing I must stress about the 4runner: Many people fear their cars. Thinking, validly, that their car may fail to start, or leave them stranded, etc. In the hard struggles of life, I know that this car has my back. As long as I give it minimal love and maintenance. It has never left me stranded, and when it had an issue, you could tell that a problem was developing, over a period of at least 3 weeks, (like the Differential U-Joints). It never simply "gave out", like many other, inferior cars. The 3rd gen 4runner is a Warhorse, I love it. Hence, I can see why so many people respect these cars, across the world. And why they are preferred so often, in brutal, war-like environments, in the Middle East and Africa. The 3rd gen 4runner is dependable, trustworthy, fun to drive, comfortable, plus it looks good. Could not ask for a better daily driver.
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Be sure before you buy
Jay, 07/28/2009
2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have only had my runner about 2 months, but there is lots for me to say. I love my runner, but it lets me down ALL the time. I bought it with 128,000, it currently has 132,000, and in that short time I have done: Rear axle repair (leaking oil) both sides, rear and front brakes, new rotors ($1100 bucks) New tires Michelin LTX All Terrains (4) $800, flywheel cracked, $735, started went out, $220. I bought it for $6400 bucks and have now put in over 2 grand. If you buy one and I recommend you do, buy a good well maintained one, because if you don't you can end up like me, up to your neck in repair bills. RECOMMENDATION: Buy one that is a one owner well cared for car.
Best I've ever owned
Mike S, 05/20/2016
updated 05/23/2017
2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
Had my girl from 6 miles, drove her till she had 233,245 miles. It kills me that she had to be scrapped due to the frame rotting out. I found out this is a known problem. I'm infuriated that this is a known issue that was not taken care of by Toyota. I loved that car and loved everything about it. I know this may sound ridiculous, but I am saddened every time I see another one on the road. I miss my 4Runner. Nothing else was wrong with my girl other then the frame rotting out. Interior looked new, exterior still shined, and she was a tank in the snow. I never worried about the weather because I knew she would always get me home. I have no doubt that she could have hit at least 300,000 miles with normal maintenance. Gone but never forgotten.
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Over 100,000 miles and no rattles
NOLA lady, 09/22/2006
2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is the most dependable vehicle I've ever driven. When we evacuated NOLA during Hurricane Katrina, we left the vehicle parked in our driveway (we evacuated in my husband's newer model 4-Runner). Mine sat in over a foot of water for at least a week and was hit by flying debris (probably part of our roof). When I started it up three weeks later, the engine turned right over; I was one of the only people on my street who just got in the car and drove it away. Since then, we've dealt with canyon-sized NOLA pot- holes, street debris, and true off- road conditions every day. Not a problem. She has cosmetic battle scars, but not a single rattle. 113,000 miles and going strong.
Great
d-dub, 04/11/2016
2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I got this suv with 180k on it and I plan on having it for a long time! It is very reliable and great for those snowy Colorado winters. I also use it to haul my atv. Perfect for what I need. It is a second car so I should have it for years to come. Lots of DIY support online if you want to maintain it yourself. It is not overly complicated like newer vehicles out there but it will last much longer.
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