Auto transmission and engine in a high mileage 4wd

F

fjc32

New member
Hi Fellow members:

I am looking to buy a 280K miles 1999 auto 4wd. The car is well maintained by a car mechanic owner.

How long will the Auto trans last? Assuming trans fluid is changed regularly.

How long will the engine last? Assuming oil is changed regularly.

The reason I ask is that I see a few cars with auto trans or engine rebuilt at less than half of 280K miles what would be the cause of that?.

In addition, is there anything to look out for? the car passed smog.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Wow, either you've got a small budget or you are very adventurous!

1. The auto transmission will last a while but not forever. Any car of any make/model will experience transmission failure sometime in it's life. Generally speaking, 200-250k seems to be the limits of normal operation. If this one has been well taken care of then it'll last longer. When you drive it (don't buy it without driving it) pay attention to how it shifts. You want firm, short shifts. Any sort of wandering or hesitation while shifting (feels kind of like it's coasting in between shifts) means it's failing.

2. The engine if well maintained will last 300k+ easy. Just look around this forum and there's plenty. Some have claimed up to 500k miles. It won't run all that good, but it shouldn't quit on you.

3. If the owner has neglected to change the transmission fluid, these transmissions fail pretty quick. So the people who didn't had to fork out the cash for a new one. They are pretty unforgiving. Mine has a 3 year old transmission as well, the PO fried it with the supercharger since he didn't change the fluids.

4. See this really helpful thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html#post706217

Biggest things are probably the timing belt, radiator and lower ball joints.
 
There are too many variables to answer your question with any validity. "Well maintained by a Mechanic" could mean lots of things. Then there's the question of how the vehicle has been used.

I'll just say that there is a member on here that the last I heard, was getting close to 800k miles on his all-original drivetrain '99 V6, auto trans. 4Runner. He drives lots of highway miles, and has it serviced regularly.
 
gamefreakgc said:
Wow, either you've got a small budget or you are very adventurous!

1. The auto transmission will last a while but not forever. Any car of any make/model will experience transmission failure sometime in it's life. Generally speaking, 200-250k seems to be the limits of normal operation.
Click to expand...

Eh if it's been maintained and not a pink milk shake at some point they'll last for some time. About as long as the engine itself.


Other then that I agree with everything else GF has said.
 
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