$5,000 for 4runner?

[FlanAl]

So I am moving from NYC to Maine and will need a car that can handle the winters up there but also work as a decent daily driver. Originally I thought I would be priced out of a decent 4runner at $5,000 but a lot seem to pop up in NYC in the low 100k mileage range for really cheap, like this one for instance: 1998 toyota 4runner.

Unfortunately I'm not a mechanic and so I'm wondering what the worst case scenario would be on a 126k mileage 4runner would be in terms of repairs etc.. My reference point is friend's tacomas and I figure that for less than $3000 the car could've been set on fire and it would still probably do the job. Are these cars as idiot proof as I think they are or are they massive money pits if you don't find the right one?

I really appreciate any help you all have to offer!
Thanks

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

Rust. Bad.

 

[jgue467]

Great vehicles

They are fantastic (can go 300-500K w/out major issues) but not perfect. You say you find many in this mileage and price in your area? Read over the 3rd gen summary here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...faq-tutorials-documentation-reference-v2.html

Go see it, look underneath for rust, if that looks good then drive it. That should help you decide to proceed to look deeper or not.

The main issue these 4wd units can have happen is the 'strawberry milkshake'; 4wds have a factory transmission cooler built into the lower part of the radiator, it can leak trans fluid and mix with the engine coolant then get sucked back into the transmission potentially ruining it, $4500+ repair. This can be avoided by either replacing the radiator and installing a bypassed trans cooler. All this and much more in the link above.

But to answer you question, no they aren't money pits, unless you decide to go hog wild with enhancements! Luck! :banana:

 

[T4R2014]

That ad looks sketchy. The rear bumper is not a good indicator of frame rust. You need to get underside pics to get a good idea. Also, you will want to invest in a serious undercoating. These upper northeast states salt the roads like no other. If I see that a vehicle came from one of those states I avoid it like batshit. That thing will rust to bits up there quickly if you don't care for it often.

 

[TastyRunner]

Word of advise... CARFAX. It doesn't tell you everything, but it does let you know how many owners its actually had, what kind of maintenance has been done to it, and so on... I bought mine originally in Wisconsin (a very rusty place) and took a look at the CARFAX, and it looked alright. My 4runner had been in an accident that wasn't listed on the carfax, but it turns out I have put at least 15 or thousand miles it and even got in an accident, repaired it, and still drove it all the way from Waterloo, IA to Maricopa, AZ towing a trailer and have never had to do any maintenance besides change the oil.
I am going to do routine maintenance soon, but I am just sayin... if the engine is good and runs solid and doesn't have any or little rust, then go for it!!

Hope I helped!

 

[TastyRunner]

* the ad looks a little sketchy BTW* 4runners usually sell for around 5 to 6 in decent to good condition

 

[junr]

The pictures were a bit blurry but from what I could tell, the plate is from PA.

As others have said, that ad seems a bit odd.

junr

 

[maine runner]

Congrats on the move! I reluctantly just moved from Portland (ME) to KY after 12 years. Originally from NYC.

Skip that candidate, price low, sketchy.

I see decent 1998-1999 Limited 4x4's with less than 200K going for ~ 5-6K. Look way outside NYC, Southern NJ, CT and Hudson Valley of NY.

Worth looking at:?

1999 for 4 k http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/4491504820.html
1997 http://newhaven.craigslist.org/cto/4500291328.html
1998 SR5 http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...&sf1Dir=ASC&prMx=6000&aff=kentucky&listType=1

Scan Craigslist, cars.com, auto trader, etc. Look for lots of photos. If it sounds/looks too good to be true...it is.

Keep in mind they plow like banshee's up there so the snow is not that bad, even with 50-80" annually.

Whatever tires come on the truck, replace them with a set of good AT tires for snow/ice. It is a l....o....n...g winter. LOL

My truck has been awesome, 118k with only regular maintenance. I did replace the rear springs and shocks after 12 years since I towed a boat a lot.

 

[overkill28]

Hey man, I bought a third gen 4runner similar to what you're looking for 2 years ago for $5000 and think I got a great deal. The truth is the truck you're looking costs $5k.

If you see them for less it's because that person doesn't care about their car and the tires are bald, and the body is rusted and the transmission is shot. New York City is rough on a car, and an expensive place to maintain one.

If you can't afford $5k don't buy one in NYC, you won't get a good vehicle. I would move up to Maine and buy it up there, they will be significantly cheaper (not to mention registering the car will be cheaper and easier than in the five boroughs).

No idea if these are any good, but a couple examples of less sketchy looking ads in Maine at a similar price point:
1999 Toyota 4runner
1998 Toyota 4Runner

And be patient, keep your eyes on Craigslist and don't be afraid to pass on vehicles with obvious issues.

 

[FlanAl]

Thanks a bunch guys! I will definitely take a close look at the 3rd gen summary link that was posted. I definitely don't mind paying $5,000 but would way rather not pay $4,500 on top of that because of a transmission issue. Do any of you know a decent toyota mechanic in the nyc area?

Also, I guess this is where I get confused with 4runners http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/170754-newbie-think-i-got-decent-deal-02-a.html. I can see that theres a huge price difference between an 02 and a 97 but with similar mileage are they both going to be as reliable etc.?
Thanks Again!

 

[Pinion]

So I am moving from NYC to Maine and will need a car that can handle the winters up there but also work as a decent daily driver. Originally I thought I would be priced out of a decent 4runner at $5,000 but a lot seem to pop up in NYC in the low 100k mileage range for really cheap, like this one for instance: 1998 toyota 4runner.

Unfortunately I'm not a mechanic and so I'm wondering what the worst case scenario would be on a 126k mileage 4runner would be in terms of repairs etc.. My reference point is friend's tacomas and I figure that for less than $3000 the car could've been set on fire and it would still probably do the job. Are these cars as idiot proof as I think they are or are they massive money pits if you don't find the right one?

I really appreciate any help you all have to offer!
Thanks

What you have to keep in mind here in NYC and the surrounding area, we had a bad hurricane and there was a lot of flooding. Flood cars are everywhere.
If you can get something outside the area your better off. A median price for a low mileage 4runner is 6k here.

 

[FlanAl]

Hey so I actually found a solid 4runner out in california and am lucky enough to have people willing to check it out and take it to my families trusted toyota mechanic. Its a 95 with 140k and looks pretty clean. Blue book value on it is about $1,500 but the guy wants $3,500. $3,500 still seems like a pretty good deal compared to what I usually see and for a california car (i'll probably go visit my folks and then drive it out) but man thats way above kbb. Do they just not get the value of these cars or should I be looking for a better deal. Thanks again everyone.

 

[Hepar]

Hey so I actually found a solid 4runner out in california and am lucky enough to have people willing to check it out and take it to my families trusted toyota mechanic. Its a 95 with 140k and looks pretty clean. Blue book value on it is about $1,500 but the guy wants $3,500. $3,500 still seems like a pretty good deal compared to what I usually see and for a california car (i'll probably go visit my folks and then drive it out) but man thats way above kbb. Do they just not get the value of these cars or should I be looking for a better deal. Thanks again everyone.

Does it have the V6? If so, that's the 2nd gen 4Runner with the 3.0l. I'd avoid it if you can. They're notorious for blowing the head gaskets.