The 1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited: A Timeless Classic
Let’s take a trip down memory lane with a 1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited, a robust example from an era when vehicles were engineered to conquer more than just the commute to work. This beast, dressed in Desert Dune Pearl and Silver Metallic, proudly flaunts Oak leather interiors and is powered by a sturdy 3.4-liter 5VZ-FE V6 engine matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. It’s the kind of vehicle that doesn’t just whisper adventure—it shouts it.
Decked Out for Comfort and Adventure
The 4Runner boasts some serious gear, including a sunroof for those sunny drives, electric rear windows, and those chunky 16″ alloy wheels that scream rugged. Of course, who could forget the Bilstein shock absorbers and the neat extras like front disc brakes? Inside, it pampers with power-adjustable front seats, chilled air conditioning for those scorching days, cruise control for the highways, and a Kenwood Bluetooth stereo to keep the beats rolling.
Interesting note: The first 4Runner rolled off the assembly line in 1984, paving the way for decades of off-road adventures.
Good History, Though Not Without Its Tales
Acquired by the seller in 2025, this particular 4Runner has been through its share of road stories, offered with service records and a clean California title in the name of the seller’s LLC. Yet, the Carfax report exposes a battle scar—a front-end collision in 2008. No worries, though. While the right fog light remains a no-show and there’s a dent here and there, this truck tells tales of survival, not surrender.
Roll into the scene with those 16″ alloy wheels wrapped in 265/70 Cooper Discoverer ATP II tires, perfect for tackling any terrain. Alongside that, we have the star contestants—the Bilstein shock absorbers, assisted by front discs and rear drum brakes. In recent updates, the steering rack was refreshed in December 2021, and the front pads and rotors were swapped out in February 2025.
Many SUV enthusiasts compare the driving experience of the 4Runner more favorably to the Hyundai Veloster or even the VW Tiguan when it comes to off-road capability.
Interior: A Mix of Vintage and Functionality
Step inside to find a juxtaposition of comfort and old-school charm. The Oak leather seats, both front buckets and the rear bench, invite you with open arms. The dashboard and panels, accented with woodgrain trim, exude a classic aura. Cruise control, a digital clock, and that Kenwood stereo cater to the needs of the driver. Whilst functional, the AC underwent a full recharge, with a new compressor and a spruced-up right rear window motor. Alas, the climate control display tells tales of time, sporting a few cracks.
Fun fact: In terms of reliability, many enthusiasts will claim that the 4Runner ranks up there with legends like the Honda Accord!
Behind the Wheel: More Than Meets the Eye
The four-spoke steering wheel has earned its battle scars, wrapped in a bit of rustic paracord for grip and style. Nestled behind, the instruments include a 110-mph speedometer and a tachometer baring a redline at 5,500 rpm, along with gauges for coolant and fuel. The digital odometer reads 247k miles, with around 300 added during the current ownership. Yet, there’s a whiff of mystery—an odometer rollback hinted at in a 2014 Carfax entry, making the true mileage anyone’s guess.
Under that rugged exterior, the 3.4-liter V6 hums a powerful tune with a factory rating of 183 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. It’s seen some TLC in the form of a new timing belt tensioner, idler pulley, water pump, radiator, and oil cooler seals all replaced in 2024. Plus, fresh fluids from a recent oil change and coolant flush keep the engine purring.
Power and Transmission
Dare to take on the road? Power is driven to the rear wheels with a four-speed automatic transmission, ready and raring for whatever journey awaits. Be it city cruising or the great outdoors, this 4Runner doesn’t just promise versatility—it delivers.
Ah, the Carfax report. A diligent document listing the storied accident and the cheeky odometer rollback encore. Yet, the 4Runner stands proud, with a legacy of reliability and strength only a few Hyundai Veloster or VW Tiguan could dare to rival.