3rd Gen with 200,000+ Miles. Any issues or major problems?

[DiegosAnotherR1]

I found a really clean 2002 4x4 with 200,000 miles. The car is really clean and looks well taken care of. The engine bay is spotless, the interior is spotless with no rips, tears, or worn padding. The undercarriage looks like it has never even been driven in the rain. I am concerned about the 200,000+ miles. Is there anything I should look for or pay attention to before purchasing this video? Does anybody with mileage like these have any advice? The car is going for $7,700 out the door from a small dealership lot. They said the car came in as a trade in.

 

[Mandelbaum]

Check for a timing belt replacement sticker under the hood or else you'll have to do it. Not a problem but you should be aware since it's a involved maintenance item. I believe it's every 90,000 miles for 3rd gens.

 

[DiegosAnotherR1]

I definitely won't be keeping it stock. It would definitely be getting a lift, wheels, and tires right away. That's the thing. Is it worth putting in so much more money in a truck that already has such high mileage?

 

[Frdmskr]

4runners can go twice that mileage with care. If you do need the timing belt swap the water pump as well. Have them make sure the radiator is relatively new and the hoses are good. You risk the same issues a 4Runner with 100k has.

Btw my 01 just passed 210k...

 

[littlehandegan]

Get a PPI done on it. Check for timing belt/water pump proof.

 

[bmodo16]

That looks super clean. As long as the above maintenance has been done fairly recently you should be good for a while. Well worth putting the extra money into lift and tires.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

I definitely won't be keeping it stock. It would definitely be getting a lift, wheels, and tires right away. That's the thing. Is it worth putting in so much more money in a truck that already has such high mileage?

This question has been asked many times around here. My experience is that the consensus regularly comes back, "Yes!"

I have about 270k miles on mine. Some guys have much more, and they are still pouring money into upgrades.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I realize value is what someone is willing to pay for it, but that's a steep price. Up here I could buy one like that for $6000 or so. Look for the timing belt sticker on the engine or on the manual. If it's not been recent then pass. A timing belt is about $200 in parts if you do it yourself or about $800-$1000 from a shop.

 

[jrg24]

My 1996 has 259k and no major issues. I have been impressed with the 3.4 engine. It is bulletproof. Doesn't eat a drop of oil and I'm not the over zealous maintenance type guy. I will be selling soon and getting a 5th gen. My 3rd gen has seen better days but most of the problems are cosmetic.

 

[unrealii]

I just picked up a 2002 4wd with 221K miles back in november. The car was clean and so far no major issues. I did have to do a timing belt and with that I replaced a bunch of stuff and flushed all the fluids. I just ordered lower ball joints and I think I should be good for a while. More details here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/209146-new-me-2002-sportedition-4wd.html

Repairs so far:
1) Replaced air/fuel sensor
2) Replaced driver's side door lock (this was bad when I bought it)
3) Cleaned the contacts of the multifunction switch
4) Ordered a fresh cut key from the dealer. The key I had was soo worn that it worked in just the driver's door and ignition - none of the other locks. The new key works everywhere.

Edit: That price is pretty high but close to the book value. At that price, that car should be completely up to date with everything. You shouldn't have to do any of the stuff I did.

 

[diverscale]

over what everyone said, you will probably have to look into both o2 sensors (can be had over the web pretty cheap for the OEM denso), rear axle seals and rear brakes. O2 sensors are not lifetime items, and rear axle seals ultimately all fail, so it's sort of regular maintenance, and not too hard to do yourself.

 

[mtbtim]

You have to realize at a dealership they steam clean the crap out of everything, so unfortunately, you're not going to see any signs of oil leaks in the engine compartment or under the rig. They alway spray that shiney crap all over the engine to make it look all nice. I'd rather see an engine untouched so I got a better idea of what I'm getting. Another thing I think is critically important is service records which you're probably not going to get from a dealer unless the previous owner left them in the glove box. Knowing the service history was huge for me because that's going to make or break the longevity of the truck. Yes, these engines can last into the 400,000 mile range and beyond but that's only if they were taken care of.

I think you might be better served buying from a private party and hopefully an original owner with service records. Just my two cents.

 

[T5RUNNER]

It will probably serve you well but it is way overpriced. If you are intending to mod it, it would be worth finding one with more life left in it, and a locker.

 

[DiegosAnotherR1]

You have to realize at a dealership they steam clean the crap out of everything, so unfortunately, you're not going to see any signs of oil leaks in the engine compartment or under the rig. They alway spray that shiney crap all over the engine to make it look all nice. I'd rather see an engine untouched so I got a better idea of what I'm getting. Another thing I think is critically important is service records which you're probably not going to get from a dealer unless the previous owner left them in the glove box. Knowing the service history was huge for me because that's going to make or break the longevity of the truck. Yes, these engines can last into the 400,000 mile range and beyond but that's only if they were taken care of.

I think you might be better served buying from a private party and hopefully an original owner with service records. Just my two cents.

I was thinking exactly this. Is this truck well kept, or did the dealer have an awesome detail guy. I am going to head back to the dealer today and ask about the history of the car and any documentation on maintenance and try to negotiate a price accordingly. If it doesn't work out, I'll keep looking.

This would be my 3rd 4Runner. I deeply regret selling my sr5 sport 4x4 w/locker, and am desperately looking for a new one. Lol

 

[gamefreakgc]

I was thinking exactly this. Is this truck well kept, or did the dealer have an awesome detail guy. I am going to head back to the dealer today and ask about the history of the car and any documentation on maintenance and try to negotiate a price accordingly. If it doesn't work out, I'll keep looking.

This would be my 3rd 4Runner. I deeply regret selling my sr5 sport 4x4 w/locker, and am desperately looking for a new one. Lol

Unless you're in a bind for a vehicle, I'd be patient and maybe wait for the right one. I looked for 2 months in 2 states until I found a supercharged one and it was well worth the wait.

By the way, I bought mine with less miles, for less price AND a supercharger for some perspective...

 

[mtbtim]

I was thinking exactly this. Is this truck well kept, or did the dealer have an awesome detail guy. I am going to head back to the dealer today and ask about the history of the car and any documentation on maintenance and try to negotiate a price accordingly. If it doesn't work out, I'll keep looking.

This would be my 3rd 4Runner. I deeply regret selling my sr5 sport 4x4 w/locker, and am desperately looking for a new one. Lol

I see you're a mountain bike enthusiast as well. I love mountain biking as much and probably more than my 2000 4runner SR5. What an awesome sport!

 

[Mandelbaum]

The older and less perfect it is, the less you care about taking it through the rocks, trees, and dirt...

At least that's been true in my perspective.

 

[StreetCreeper]

The older and less perfect it is, the less you care about taking it through the rocks, trees, and dirt...

At least that's been true in my perspective.

That's why I want two Runners. One to abuse and have fun in — and one for riding in style.

 

[Scramble]

Is it a Toyota dealer or a used car lot? That price is too high. I bet they only paid $2500 as a trade in. Get the maintenance records.

 

[altreezy]

My 97 has 226k. only issues I had when buying it is a bad drive shaft (replaced) which had a hard vibration and ticking sound when coasting under 20mph and a gasket leak. It's been garaged kept for a year.