In my ongoing automotive ADD-addled search for a 4WD SUV that can handle light towing duties, and camped in, I've noticed 3rd gen 4Runners seem to be at or near the bottom of their depreciation curve. I've seen rusty ones in the 2-4K range, and less rusty to (claimed) rust-free ones in the 4-7K range. I've already verified online that a sleeping platform can be made for them that is 6.5' long, and they have a 5K towing capacity, which is likely over anything I would do.
I also did a search on the board, and found multiple discussions about 4th and 5th gen 4Runners, but none for 3rd gen. Any personal experiences? Anything particular I should look for on them, especially at high mileage, since most of what I have seen is in the 200K-300K range. I've gotten the impression the drivetrain is reliable, although the 3.4 has a timing belt, so need to have an idea when it was last changed if I buy one.
A buddy has one, along with an LS swapped stick shift second gen. His experience with that V6 3rd gen, granted with slightly oversize tires, is what prompted the LS swap. He said it was fine here in indiana, unloaded, but he took it out to Colorado camping with a roof tent, dirt bike on a hitch hauler, etc. and said it was frustratingly anemic. That said, it sounds like the gas pedal was buried in the firewall most of the time and he had no mechanical issues whatsoever for a whole summer of pretty aggressive abuse. Towing an open trailer or something may be fine, especially around town. Probably not enough juice for the wind drag of an enclosed trailer.
EDIT - my buddy's stock one is actually a facelift second gen with the 3.0 V6 so my comments about being anemic may not apply to the 3.4.
In reply to eastsideTim :
Hard core 3rd gen 4 runner guy. Rust rust rust and rust kills them. Belts are a decently big job on them just because of the crank pull bolt. They are basically unkillable trucks tho.
Prices are going up on them. I bought 3 in 2015-2018 all with under 100k on them for right at $3500
