My beloved 1998 Toyota 4Runner (my first car) was in an accident. The airbags totaled it. I would prefer to have another 4Runner owner, who needs parts and components. The alternative is selling it for scrap parts.
Miles: 195,769 and still runs after accident. Lots of good working parts and...
I was like you, always loving 4runners. I got the chance to buy my first one in high school. I have had two 98s now. I just love them.
You have one good looking 4runner.
Toyota's last forever if you take care of them. It sounds like it has been cared for. My family drove a 89 truck to 333k miles and sold it still on original engine and transmission. If you are willing to work on the 4runner if it needs it, I think it is a good buy.
I drive a V6 98 and I love it. It has better gas mileage than a V8. I bought one dealer and one private. I feel private is better as long as they have had it a while. Some buy them at actions and have no idea what has happened or been done to the car.
Every shop I have gone to gave me a quote no problem without insurance paperwork. I would then hook them up with my insurance if I was going to use the shop but maybe it is different in AZ.
It all depends on how well the 4runner was taken care of. I made to to work, to school, and back in a 98 that had 160k miles when I bought it. I had to stop driving it 5 years later because I was in an accident leaving it at 195k miles. It was a great 4runner.