That's a lot of money. What does it Need vs. what Extra do you want to do to it? Or are we talking most of that going to optional stuff like stereo, wheels, tires?

Preventive maintenance stuff doesn't cost anywhere near that much (e.g. new OEM radiator & related parts, OEM LBJs are the most critical things - rest is based on need/desire).

Assuming worst case scenario, I meant.

Assuming there isn't something major wrong with the engine or transmission that thing is immaculate, I'd get it.

how is it immaculate?

Not a speck of rust

Yes and no. The engines have a timing chain which is superior to the V6 belt. But it is crucial with this engine to do valve adjustments, if you don't the valves burn up and you will have to replace them. I think its pretty much a tossup in terms of reliability.

The 3rz-fe is without a doubt easier to work on than the V6. You get 1 mpg over the V6, but it lacks power on highways. I consider that listing to be a good deal, the interior and frame seems decent and for California its great. 3rz 4x4 are sort of rare.

In this day and age that's a fair price. The market is nuts today. I won't be buying a used car right now.

I wonder how cruising MPG compares between the 4 and 6's. If you put fat tires on both, I imagine MPG is similar. The 4 cylinder is slow as hell, but they're all slow.

I worry about the transmissions going before the engine, but if overheating, the engines will go. Anything can fail, these are old vehicles.

If you find a gem, it might be worth the investment. Some people will buy a project vehicle, something that runs and drives but needs major work. Everything is a gamble. I'm like you, I wanted to pay a little more for a good one.

If i get it, it will be a daily driver. Is this a good daily driver?

Relatively speaking, no, but I daily drive mine. I have a 2000 v6.

How is the 4runner I showed you on this thread not a good daily driver?

My 2 cents - a daily driver means reliability. While 3rd gen 4runners are amazingly capable and reliable, they are also 20 years old at the least. The big stuff won't break if maintained well, but there are many wear items (brake hoses, coolant, radiator, bearings, ball joints, fluids, etc.) that should be replaced (not just inspected) if you want to not think about it any more. Not cheap, but buy once, cry once.

There is no guaranteed reliable vehicle, period. However you can shift the odds in your favor by having these replaced prior to depending on it every day.

This truck looks good and drives good but unless you have receipts for all/most of these items, there will be uncertainty. If you buy it for a low price, and aren't someone to do it yourself, then just budget it in. You will still come out on top probably. I just did a full replacement on my new to me 2002 SR5 4WD. Probably spent $2-3k on all OEM stuff. I did the work myself. Not done yet.

Trying to fill in blanks for you, each situation will be different.

~JasonP

I daily my 4 cylinder, it's perfect for that. In fact the marginal mpg increase makes it better than the V6 for that.

The lack of power only becomes noticeable on the open highway or overtakes. The engine is adequate for most daily driving, but mine is helped by the manual transmission. The automatic might make it worse, but not that much worse.

The towing weight of the 4 cylinder is lower than the V6.

It's a ~20mpg, 20 year old SUV... it was NEVER a good daily driver in the big picture. Doesn't mean it can't or won't do the job, my wife dailys our 4runner... we also have 3 other vehicles to lean on if it has issues (granted, 2 of those are older 'toy' cars, but she drives those to work on weekends and holidays when the traffic is lighter). Plus I'm free to come get her at a moments notice as I work for myself from home and have a background as a mechanic. That's only happened once with a failed vacuum line, but it's something we take into account.

Anything you plan to push into DD status will really need a Through overhaul. Not just skimming the surface of the couple major items, but a truly deep dive to take care of all the 20 year old rubber bits. You're going to pay through the nose to get someone else to do the job simply because it's time consuming. But if reliably getting back and forth is important, while doing it Safely and comfortably, it must be done. It's arguable whether or not that money is better spent just buying a newer vehicle.

The ideal situation is to be vehicle agnostic, instead of looking for a brand or model you instead hunt for the vehicle with the best maintenance within your price point. Most people can't do that though, a vehicle is too tied to their self image. Still the best use of money for a point-A-to-point-B tool.

How many miles is your 4 cylinder 4runner? What year is it?

I will budget around $5000 for repairs it will need if I get this 4runner I showed you. I will pay a family mechanic. Will that amount be enough?