I thought I'd enlist the experts before I make a decision.

96', 303,000 miles, engine top and bottom end rebuilt, car otherwise seems fine aside from drivers side window actuators aren't working properly; windows roll down but roll up very very slowly.

Price is under $3,000, rebuild records are available, smogged, but I'm worried that in 3 months it will need a steering column, axles, trans, etc.

I know 18 years and 303K on it means anything is possible, but realistically, how long does a decently taken care of 4runner last? What are the common issues with this type of mileage?

Thank you

my brother currently drives the 96 and it has around 310,000 on it purchased new.
a common thing with the 96 is the head gasket likes to let go. we have done 3 of them over the years via the dealer. because it has a new rebuild i would imagine your fine for another 100K miles or so.
Some things i would check with that vehicle so old is rear axle seals (easy job, generally go around 100K miles or so)
Lower ball joints, we replaced my brothers at 250K miles and i was amazed they had not self destructed yet.
if the trans drives and shifts fine you should be good. they tend to keep going.


I would check for rust with that kind of miles. rust can be a big problem on the frame rails so do plenty of poking around to make sure its all solid. surface rust is fine. but if you see any sort of hole rust on the frame i would be worried for some money to go into patching and fixing.

Other wise post pictures if you can so we can further see what there is and pick out possible problems and also the good!

Awesome, thank you. I'll find what comes up when I go see it.

I recently aquired a 97 limited with 360k miles. The engine and transmission have never been rebuilt. The former owners didn't do regular services like oil changes either.

Engine runs great (except for an alternator issue) as does the transmission.

Did they mention why the engine was rebuilt? I've seen some 1996's with 300k that have not been rebuilt so it is very possible to get to that mileage. Is the transmission original?

Don't worry about the head gasket issue. That was a recall back in the 90's on a small portion of 96-97's that has been resolved by now unless the repair was done incorrectly.

We bought a one owner 2000 Limited for $2500, runs strung, shifts great and had 264,000 miles on it and everything works perfectly.

I haven't a clue on the California market, but here in Texas that would be a little overpriced.

Just bought mine a few weeks ago ('96) with 328K.......head gasket blew out yesterday. It has a new radiator and T stat......sneaking suspicion tells me it definitely overheated at some point. Hence the new radiator and T stat. And hence the now blown HG

Considering that it has what sounds to be a mostly unknown service history to you while making it to 328k, I would say that it being a 1996 model year has nothing to do with why the head gasket failed. What are you expecting from a 19 year old 4Runner with 328k? If anything that is slightly impressive.