1998 4runner 4cyl 5speed 145k

[Groc380]

First time posting, long time viewer. Id thought Id ask the experts, I'm possibly looking to buy a 98 4runner with 145k on it. Looks pretty clean, has the 4 cylinder and 5 speed manual trans. Seller wants $6950, its at a small privately owned dealer. Just looking on your thoughts about the 98, the 4 cyl, and the 5 speed. Looks like it has a 1 inch suspension and 2 inch body lift with brand new tires. All comments welcome!!!!

 

[Kanoe]

I really like my 4cyl 5spd. Sure, it's a little low on power so I try to keep the weight down. Performs well enough for me.

It's a nice engine to work on, everything is right there in front of you. One valve cover, gasket, etc... and no timing belt of course.

I wouldn't trade my 3rz for a V6, it does what I want it to.

 

[Groc380]

Thanks for the reply, Do you feel it's a fair price, bit high? Why do you call it a 3rz?

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

The 4 cylinder 4Runners are more rare than the V6, but they do have some advantages. Better mileage and lower maintenance costs are some of the benefits. I like my V6, but I'd be happy to own it in the 4 cyl. version too, especially if it was my only vehicle. Mine is not my daily driver, so the V6 is better for my uses. Still, I think the 4 cyl. 4Runner is kinda cool. It's almost like a RAV4, but bigger and much better

*I don't know the 4 cylinder market well, so I am not the best one to comment on the price of it. Contrary to what my signature says, I am not a fan of body lifts. Unless I was running big tires that needed the clearance, I would get rid of it.

 

[Groc380]

Thanks

 

[HiLife]

I don't know the prices in VA. It would be high if it was in TX imo.
$7K for a 98 4cyl 5speed? For that price it better be clean, clean carfax and has maintenance records. It would be good if it has a locker out back. Don't know if this option was available though.
Whats the condition of the frame and it's components?

 

[02SE]

Thanks for the reply, Do you feel it's a fair price, bit high? Why do you call it a 3rz?

The Inline 4 engine in the 3rd gen 4Runner is called the 3RZ-FE.

The V6 engine in the 3rd gen 4Runner is called the 5VZ-FE.

 

[Red October]

I love my 3RZ (4cyl) 5 speed Runner. It does everything I ask it to do. Its a great motor for these trucks.

Price seems a bit high, unless its in super amazing condition. Dealers are usually a fair amount higher than private party tho, maybe they will negotiate down some. Also not in love with the body lift and little tires, but thats just my opinion.

 

[pluton]

The body lift doesn't thrill me, but other than that, I'd have definitely checked this out if it had appeared in my area when I was looking.
Service records are gold, though the lot may give you a line about how they "can't reveal them to protect the privacy" of the previous owner.
The problem with car lots is that they bought it for $2000 to $4000 less than they are selling it for.
Check for leaks. If the engine and engine compartment are unrealistically clean, with the hoses rubbed with armorall, be very skeptical.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I think it's overpriced. The 4 cylinder should be cheaper than the V6, not more expensive. At least it is 4wd though, a lot of 4 cylinders are 2wd.

I paid that much for my V6 with a supercharger which alone will fetch $2000 used. Just a thought.

 

[Groc380]

I feel like it's a bit high myself. The frame looks like someone painted it in the past to keep from rusting. And there are no service records available

 

[UnderFire]

Too much for me, the lifts add no real value since they are both probably the cheapest lifts out there, including the brand new tires and assuming they're only 31's I'd probably pay like 5k if it has a really straight body.

 

[Gadgetguy]

I had a 98 Tacoma with the 3rz/5 speed. It had 349k on it when I sold it and I still see it around town to this day 6 years later. I know because of the dent I put in the passenger bed side lol. The price seems fair-ish coming from a dealer, if it's a good one that fixes all the little stuff and makes sure the suspension/drivetrain etc is in good working order. If they just detail the car and call it good, I'd worry. You may want to take it to a local mechanic you trust. Maybe take the car salesmen with you and see if he quivers or not.

Beware of small lots, sometimes they are great, and sometimes they have a lot to hide. I've been burned myself

 

[98 & 02 fourunner]

I have a 98 2.7L automatic. It has 351,000 miles. Anyone give me a ballpark price on what i should sell for? Interior is blue and in great shape. Exterior is black and could use a paint job but overall it's in great shape to have 351,000 miles.

 

[UnderFire]

I have a 98 2.7L automatic. It has 351,000 miles. Anyone give me a ballpark price on what i should sell for? Interior is blue and in great shape. Exterior is black and could use a paint job but overall it's in great shape to have 351,000 miles.

Bad paint and super high miles. $2000-2500 for a 2wd, $3500-4000 for 4x4. At least in my area and assuming all issues are primarily cosmetic.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I have a 98 2.7L automatic. It has 351,000 miles. Anyone give me a ballpark price on what i should sell for? Interior is blue and in great shape. Exterior is black and could use a paint job but overall it's in great shape to have 351,000 miles.

Even though it probably has plenty of life left in it, it's very hard to sell any vehicle once it rolls over 300K miles. It scares so many people thinking they are buying a bomb ready to go off. Actually now that I say that, the 5VZ-FE is known to have the bottom end go out after 300K. I don't know about the 3RZ though.

 

[D'arce]

First time posting, long time viewer. Id thought Id ask the experts, I'm possibly looking to buy a 98 4runner with 145k on it. Looks pretty clean, has the 4 cylinder and 5 speed manual trans. Seller wants $6950, its at a small privately owned dealer. Just looking on your thoughts about the 98, the 4 cyl, and the 5 speed. Looks like it has a 1 inch suspension and 2 inch body lift with brand new tires. All comments welcome!!!!

Looks like it could be a nice truck. I myself would use the body/suspension lift to talk down the price as well as looking for any leaks or rusty spots and haggle some more. I've not owned a truck that came with running boards so not sure if they are prone to rocker/rust damage like I had. 3rz and mt is a solid combo. The engine could go another 100k pretty easy and clutches are cheaper to replace than autos at higher mileage. My .02