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Nice cars, especially for the prices they are going for these days. We looked into them a couple of years ago for my wife, but ended up getting her a sparkling 'brand new' 96 4Runner (manual trans).
Watch out for:
1) Bevel gears - the earlier XC/AWD cars (including the 2000) can't stand to have the front and rear tires differ in size by any appreciable amount. And they tend to wear the fronts faster. Basically, rotate those tires front-to-rear *very* religiously. And if you mangle a tire, bite the bullet and replace all 4. And never tow it with one set of wheels on the ground. That $1500(ish) bevel gear is just waiting to grind itself up.
2) Electronic throttle actuators. Interesting idea - replace a $15 cable with a $1000 electronic actuator. Sure, I'm sure there were reasons (cruise control is just a bit of software floating around the system now, traction control has its mitts on the throttle setting), but then they went and chose the Italian Lucas, Magnetti Marelli. Although I hear Volvo is (finally) taking on some responsibility here. I think I heard they were offering free replacements, and reimbursements if you had a receipt? Don't know how long they will be doing that though, wouldn't hurt to ask at the local dealer.
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I'm JohnMc, and I approved this message.
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