3rd Gen Buying Help

[fastcar]

Dear T4R Members,

I'm considering buying a 1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited. I'm looking for a 4X4. The car is out of state, so I can't actually see it. The problem is, the owner doesn't know if it's a 4X4.

My brother will examine it for me, but I don't want to send him on a wild goose chase unless it's a 4WD for sure. How can the RWD version be differentiated easily from the 4X4? I heard that all Limited Editions are 4WD. Is that true?

In the photo, there appears to be no lever in the passenger compartment to engage the 4WD - just a gear selector on the center hump. The owner confirms the same. Knowing nothing at all about 4Runners, I don't know if the system is push button or lever operated. The owner reports that it is a V6. Thanks for your help.

fastcar

 

[steezemcqueen]

Post moved to new thread

 

[Brique]

On the 1998. there will be two shifters in the center. One for the Transmission (whether auto or manual) and one for the 4wd. If there's only one shifter, it's 2wd.

A few extra pieces of advice, since I just went through the purchase process myself:

Trucks this age you really want to be diligent in checking out before you buy them. A gem is going to be really hard to find, although they're out there. Once you're serious about a particular truck, pay the $100 or so it takes to have a good mechanic look at it. I did this on 3 trucks before I bought one. It was worth it. The inspections on the other two saved me from making some expensive mistakes. And on the third one, the tech was able to tell me what I was getting into and the buyer agreed to adjust the price accordingly.

Second, be sure to read 4-Ripcord's 3rd Gen Buyers' Guide repeatedly. It taught me a TON about 3rd gens and made me a much more educated buyer.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

Good luck with your search!!

 

[Brique]

Also, plan on having some extra money in reserve to address mechanical issues once you buy it. Common things that I saw on these trucks were rear axle seals leaking, valve cover gasket leaking, shocks/struts in need of replacement.

 

[fastcar]

Post moved to new thread

Thanks for that. Sorry I put the question in the wrong place.

fastcar

 

[fastcar]

I like the looks of the gen 3 best. I'd love to have white with a tan leather interior. Thanks for the answer and all the great advice, guys.

fastcar

 

[5vzT4R]

Yep, if its a 4wd it will have two shifters. The 4wd shifter is on the drivers side of the transmission shiter/gear selector.

I also HIGHLY recommend you fully read through all of the 3rd Gen buyers guide thread!