1997 4runner with 260k miles or a Brand New 4runner?

A

alan.absalon

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I saw this 1997 3RZ-FE 2.7L 4X4 Automatic 4unner on sale in the California central valley for $5500. What are your thoughts on this rig in terms of long term ownership, say seven to ten years, as well as an overlanding rig? It has 260k miles on it with the original engine, owned by one family according to the carfax, and never been involved in an accident.

Should I pass on this and look for something newer and lower miles? Is 260k miles too high? When it comes to maintenance, I can only do oil changes. Thanks!
 

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That thing looks C L E A N. No rust?! Seats are in immaculate condition. 3RZ? Much want. Had one a long time ago and wrecked it. One of the worst mistakes of my life. Even with it being auto trans, I don't care. If I had $5500 and no 4Runner, I would be signing the paperwork TODAY. Maybe try talking them down to $5000 and see if they'll bite? Either way, I don't think it's a bad deal at all. Just depends on what you want and what you're looking for. I would absolutely jump on it, though.

260K is not too high. It's up there, but not by much. My daily is an 01' with 314K on it. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. I hope this works out for you and you're able to pick it up. If so, would love to follow and see you create a build thread for it, too, even if it's just maintenance and so on. Luck!
 
JoeT4R said:
That thing looks C L E A N. No rust?! Seats are in immaculate condition. 3RZ? Much want. Had one a long time ago and wrecked it. One of the worst mistakes of my life. Even with it being auto trans, I don't care. If I had $5500 and no 4Runner, I would be signing the paperwork TODAY. Maybe try talking them down to $5000 and see if they'll bite? Either way, I don't think it's a bad deal at all. Just depends on what you want and what you're looking for. I would absolutely jump on it, though.

260K is not too high. It's up there, but not by much. My daily is an 01' with 314K on it. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. I hope this works out for you and you're able to pick it up. If so, would love to follow and see you create a build thread for it, too, even if it's just maintenance and so on. Luck!
Click to expand...

Thank you! Did you see the carfax? Owned by one family.
 
alan.absalon said:
Thank you! Did you see the carfax? Owned by one family.
Click to expand...

Indeed I did. Even better. My truck was owned by a gentleman, then his granddaughter for like 2 years, then to me. So "in the family" also. Do they have maintenance records? Like physical receipts?
 
JoeT4R said:
Indeed I did. Even better. My truck was owned by a gentleman, then his granddaughter for like 2 years, then to me. So "in the family" also. Do they have maintenance records? Like physical receipts?
Click to expand...

I will ask the owner for maintenance records today.
 
Good grief, not this s*$%t again:

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/305685-1997-4runner-260k-miles-$5500.html

Buy it, don't buy it, whatever... the horse is not only dead, but the puddle of remains has dried up and blown away.
 
Any maintenance records consisting of more than oil changes?
Look at the forum Buyers Guide to get idea of what needs addressing as these 3rd gens age.
Knowing nothing more than posted, I'd be on it nice in the right places.
A hi-milage maint refurb probably due, your looking at $1k+- just to start vary's per vehicle.
Say you give the $5500 drop $2k in refurb your standing a good chance getting another 200k mi.
 
Clean chassis and would be nice to have a maintenance log. :) up to you. The prices of everything are very high so like the other members suggested check out the buyers guide on things to look for. It's your decision on which path is best for you. :)

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk
 
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