Im about to get a 4runner, are either of these good?

seanxgodfrey

seanxgodfrey

New member
As the title says im am about to get a 4 runner, i had a jeep but then got in a wreck and dont want to go down that boxy road again.. so i wanna get one of these bad boys, im 18 and just got the money from the insurance and have nailed it down to these two cars

1997 4Runner


1996 Toyota 4runner limited 4x4

the first one is nice but has some interior issues and nothing has ever been replaced... he said his parents maintained it and everything and nothing major has been replaced. im looking to turn this into an offroading/DD car so which would you guys choose?!

-Sean

oh and can 2wd offroad or should i just get 4wd
 
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I think they both look great. If your offroading will be nothing more than dirt roads or fire roads 2wd is fine but 4wd is a basic must for "off-roaring"
 
whitswelder said:
I think they both look great. If your offroading will be nothing more than dirt roads or fire roads 2wd is fine but 4wd is a basic must for "off-roaring"
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well i'm not looking to crawl or anything but just incase i get stuck in that situation is 4wd really useful?!
 
I bought my 4runner from phoenix a few months ago. It took me about 2-3 months of searching before I found a good one. Definitely go for a 4x4 rather then a 2wd. I was looking for one around the 150k miles marker but there's marker because the price difference between them and the 200k miles 4runner wasn't that significant. 200-300 dollars if that.

Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with the 4runners at 200k miles. Lots of people on here prefer them because most of the maintenance issues have already been addressed and they can go straight from there. I personally like to do all the maintenance myself after buying a new vehicle just because I don't know if the last owner knew what they were doing or if they did it at all.

whats your price range?

Also have you seen this?
4runner buyers guide
It helped me decide what 4runner to get and what to look out for.
 
RoyVfx said:
I bought my 4runner from phoenix a few months ago. It took me about 2-3 months of searching before I found a good one. Definitely go for a 4x4 rather then a 2wd. I was looking for one around the 150k miles marker but there's marker because the price difference between them and the 200k miles 4runner wasn't that significant. 200-300 dollars if that.

Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with the 4runners at 200k miles. Lots of people on here prefer them because most of the maintenance issues have already been addressed and they can go straight from there. I personally like to do all the maintenance myself after buying a new vehicle just because I don't know if the last owner knew what they were doing or if they did it at all.

whats your price range?

Also have you seen this?
4runner buyers guide
It helped me decide what 4runner to get and what to look out for.
Click to expand...

I've got 6400 atm and was looking to spend less than 5k so i can have 1k or more to put into new tires and stuff like that and no i have not checked that guide!
 
$200 extra for less miles, 1 yr newer, and the diff lock.... Def worth it in my mind. Diff lockers are a little rare, and very capable stock off rd package. I just spent $1500 to buy and install a locker. For a little extra money for your initial purchase, you'll save yourself a bunch in the long run if you get into off roading.
 
seanxgodfrey said:
So even though it's had no major replacements I should hope on it?! What usually goes out in a 4 runner after 150k mi
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well, according to the buyers guide sticky LBJ is a good idea to replace after 150k...
TIMING BELT / WATER PUMP- Every 90k miles. This service costs $600-$700 at most dealers. Make sure the seller is up to date on this one!

-TRANSMISSION FLUID- About every 40k miles. At the dealer: $80 transmission service.

-DIFFERENTIAL FLUIDS- About every 40k miles. At the dealer: $130 4x4 differentials service.

-LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT- About every 150k miles. Sooner on lifted vehicles.

-SPARK PLUGS & WIRES- Every 30-40k miles. Less than $50 for everything, easy DIY.

-ENGINE OIL- 3k miles for regular oil, 6k miles for synthetic.
Click to expand...
 
seanxgodfrey said:
So even though it's had no major replacements I should hope on it?! What usually goes out in a 4 runner after 150k mi
Click to expand...

Big thing is the timing belt/ water pump Around (around $300). Should have been done around 80-90k if I remember correct. These things are pretty solid, but have a few "minor" things to look out for. Take it to a trusted mechanic to look over if you can. Check out the buyers guide before you make the dude an offer, lots of good info. I've owned a 3rd gen since 1997, they are amazing.... reliable, dependable, and very capable.
That said, check the hood popper, and gas filler door popper work, as well as the glass in the rear hatch, and the rear hatch itself work propperly. Also check the parking brake works with out sticking... All these things should be ok if you are out of salty/ NE climates. Oh, and if ur check engine light comes on 9 out 10 times, change your o2 sensors.... but don't worry about it... lots of info on this forum
 
I sure wish I could have found these in my area, they would go for around 6 to 7 thousand here. I would have jumped on the rr diff lock in a heartbeat.
 
It says the 96 received a new motor at 200K how long ago was that since the mileage is not shown? If not long ago that is a good deal and also has new shocks/struts. Also check insurance since year can play a little bit on insurance. Like others have said also the rear diff is a plus for off road....but a new motor is nice as well since that means all motor maintenance is fresh on it.
 
mforce said:
It says the 96 received a new motor at 200K how long ago was that since the mileage is not shown? If not long ago that is a good deal and also has new shocks/struts. Also check insurance since year can play a little bit on insurance. Like others have said also the rear diff is a plus for off road....but a new motor is nice as well since that means all motor maintenance is fresh on it.
Click to expand...

I think im just going to go with the locker cause I'll just replace timing belt/water pump asap
 
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