1996 4Runner 4X4 Should I?

[george5]

Hi everyone.

I'm new to this forum but I've been reading for a few months. The amount of info here is amazing!

Now on to my question. I found a 1996 4X4 5 speed 4Runner with 144,000 miles for $8500. Is this the going rate in Southern California? I haven't physically seen the truck but the pictures show it to look to be in good/great condition.

Are there certain things I should look for when buying a 3rd gen 4Runner? This would be my first 4X4 and want to make the right choice.

Thanks in advance! :bigok:

BTW, I did a search and couldn't find any concise info...

 

[lee]

thats way too high.

i know of someone looking at a 98 from a dealer with 90K miles for 8500.

granted, that is a 4cyl, not a v6, but still.. way too high for 144K miles.

do you want to offroad this truck? if so, look for an rear locker (RR DIFF LOCK button to the left of the steering wheel)...

 

[george5]

Thanks for your reply lee!

I did a little more searching and that pricetag is on the lower end of what most 4Runner's are going for. There were quite a few 2WD's with higher pricetags with similar miles. Looks like the demand for 4Runner's in California is a bit higher than I thought.

I do plan to do a little off roading but nothing hardcore. Maybe just a few trails etc. I also mountain bike and sometimes I need to take a fireroad in to a trailhead and my 2WD Tacoma isn't quite made to go offroad (slightly lowered suspension from the factory).

If anyone else has comments on what I should look for or lookout for, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks again!

 

[ErikJeanna]

Too pricey for that year/mileage. I'd say closer to like $6500-7000. Do some more searching... the perfect one will arise when it's supposed to. 4Runners are vehicles of fate... you're "soul mate" truck will show itself soon.

*Did anyone start chanting when reading that? It was very philosophical...

 

[greentoy]

I just bought a 96' SR5 4runner with a V6 (moonroof, running boards, cd/cassette) with 94,000 miles on it for $8,500 in Colorado. Blue book goes for $9,000. I knew the previous owner and knew he took care of it. So $8,500 is about right, maybe a little less because of the mileage.