Super newbie here to 4runners. I am looking at buying a '99 Limited with 164k miles on it. Its going for $6000, but i know i can get for $5500. Its 4x4, has tow package,power everything and a new ''back end'' (i believe axle work) with new locker, manual tranny. SO, i'm not sure how much maintenance was done for the 150k mile service (or 120K). the current owner hasnt done anything, aside from the new back end and oil changes religously. I know it needs rear and maybe front brakes (which i would do myself), but the timing belt/water pump needs to be done. The truck runs great and the body is tip top... plus, big ol sub and amp... what do you think?? I need advice. Thanks in advance

sounds fair timing belt job is not hard i got a really nice kit with everything for 300 dollars from ebay

Limited 4runners never had manual transmissions. Something is off there.

I bought mine for $4800
Took me 1 month of searching in 6 states to find the right one, if you are not feeling it then pass, I looked at 11 before I jumped. It is not perfect but I did not even think twice.. No regrets.. Looked at a bunch of decent 4runners that I could have said yes to but diddn't,
I knew when I found the right one..
Looks brand new and mechanically excellent
What I am saying is the one that falls in your lap is not all there is out there.
This is the one I bought just to give you an idea of whats out there for what price...

1996 Toyota 4Runner in Excellent Condition. This Truck has ALOT of new parts. Truck has 147,500 miles on it, It runs and drives 110%!!! No problems at all!! No engine lights, no trans or engine problems, No Surprise's!!! It is a SR5 model with 4wd HI and LO that works great. It has power sunroof and power rear tailgate glass! Power windows, power locks, Factory keyless entery, cruise, A/C works great. Paint is in good condition, and NO RUST!!! Both bumpers are solid!!!! JVC aftermarket CD player with preminum sound speakers and remote. Power antenna works perfect. This truck does NOT leak, smoke, hesitate, buck, or stall. Everything works just as it should. It has been mechanic owned all of its life and it shows the way it runs. I have installed a New Timming belt and water pump, New radiator, New Valve cover gaskets, New spark plugs, Flushed trans fluid every 30k miles. I have replaced the Front sway bar links, New Lower control arms(bushings were bad) New upper and lower Balljoints, New inner and outer tie rod ends, New Bilstein Front Struts and New Bilstein Rear shocks,New Front and Rear brake pads and shoes, Alignment, New O2 Sensor, New Throttle cable, New rear axle seals on both sides, Changed both front and rear differental fluids, changed transfer case fluid, Always used Toyota oil filters every 3K miles, new fuel and air filters. All Parts are OEM Toyota parts!! These parts have been replaced within the last 2 years. This truck has 8/11 stickers on it, and went through PA inspection and emmissions with no problems at all. This Truck Needs NOTHING!! You can drive it ANYHWERE with 100% confidence. I have seen and worked on these trucks with the 3.4L engines with 300K on them and they still run great. This is the best Mid size SUV out there Period! Tires are in fair shape, approx 5-6/32 of tread left on them. Only reason why I am selling is because I bought a bigger SUV for my family. I am a Auto technician for 15 years, and this is the truck my Wife and kids drove in, I made sure that they would never break down or loose control for any reason. I have approx 3K in parts alone in this truck over the last 2 years, and that is without Labor. The paint shines great, the interior is in Fair conditon. Nothing ripped up or cracked. All Glass is in great shape. I have more pics available upon request. Dont be afraid to make a decent offer, no low ball offers please, I will not go for it.
· Location: Bensalem

my bad, its not a limited, and crud, come to think, ive forgotten what it is. sr5 maybe

Sounds about right for Nor Cal. Where about are located? I have been looking for some time and that is right around where I have seen. You should ask if the new back end was new or a used one. That should take care of the rear seals, which are a problem for 3rd gens. I would say go for it and while you're doing the front brakes you should look into the Tundra Brake Upgrade.

yeah, the back end is a used one, with a six month warranty... whats up with the tundra brake upgrade?

imho, sounds like a pass

there are enough owners out there like myself who have service records from original owner,and have records of work done since owning - that one sounds off the mark - my .002

just bought my truck in my sig with 109,000 miles for 5700.I would say keep looking.but then again there is a few probs that need to be adressed with my truck that was covered up when bought so.....

The rear axle seals are a common problem on this era 4Runners.

I'd want to see all the paperwork of maintenance and other repairs. If the axle seals have not yet been done they will fail at some point or another.

If the rear diff was replaced I would want to know why.

Get the VIN and have a Yota dealer run it and view what all has been done to it.

If it's a manual it should have had at least one clutch replacement by now. If the tbelt and waterpump have not been done yet, it indicates an owner willing to ignore maintenance until stuff breaks down.

To my way of thinking that is not the type of owner to buy from....for the price and mileage it's not a steal....

Best of luck in your search and purchase.

Thanks everyone. I passed on this ride. not worth it...Though, i just checked out a '96 Limited with 93k miles on it, for 7999. i ran a carfax on it, and it came back with 209k miles. Crazy. Screw the used car dealers...