'96 or '01?

K

Kanger328

New member
Hello all,
I know this is my upteenth "opinions request" post on buying a 4Runner, but I'm still holding out for the "right one" (thanks for all the responses and advice btw!). I'm debating between the following:

Option 1: '01 4x4 SR5 with 127k miles listed at $9,500. KBB says between $7,400-$7,800. Looks pretty clean, has upgraded sound w/ subs. Was thinking of offering him somewhere between that KBB range with MAX of $8,000 (I'm in SoCal and decent priced 4x4s are hard to find).
Link: http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/2917418195.html

Option 2: My friend's '96 4x4 Limited with ~130k miles for between $2,000-$2,500. He bought it at an auction 3 years ago (history unknown) and hasn't had any problems. Needs some work, mainly wear and tear type stuff. Couple concerns: it takes a few seconds of keeping the key turned for it to start (I don't think it's the contacts), suspension needs to be replaced, driver seat leather is very torn.

I plan to use as daily driver with occasional off road and adventures (I'm and outdoors guy). Need a reliable car that'll last me at least the next few years. I like Option 1 if I can get it for the price range I'm gonna ask. Option 2 is nice cuz it's way cheap, but it is way old with work that needs to be done. Advice please? Thanks in advance!
 
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Pics of each? Whats the history of each vehicle maintenance, owners, accidents etc.?

May want to look into that also
 
There is no way the maintenance on the second one is going to cost you $5k.

And what he said. ^^ PICTURES!
 
Option 2. The work needed still leaves you $4000 less than option 1. Plus, you know the relative history of it. Plus, Im not a fan of the fat lip bumpers.
 
Option 1 if you don't want to fix anything right after purchase. More money up front, but less work.

Option 2 if you're handy and want to have a project truck. Less money upfront, but more work involved.
 
Here's the link to Option 1: Toyota 4runner 01

History for Option 2 unknown, still need to pull of carfax, but it was bought at a police auction...if that means anything? I'm assuming maintenance wasn't too meticulous.
 
Police auction! That just means they caught some dudes ridin dirty, and impounded their car. They also took their weed, which meant no money to get their car back. Does it come with 20s?
 
That's a $5k difference, for the same truck, maintanence history doesn't matter, it will hit 200k no matter what. Just change the oil in them.
 
Thanks for the responses guys! I was also wondering if there were any major flags with the '96 since it was the first year of the 3rd gen. Usually it takes a few years for manufacturers to work the kinks out of a new model. I can't seem to find any 1st model year issues in my own research.
 
Millerad, I wish it was rollin on Dubs. Then I could sell them and use the money to upgrade the truck! I think I will go with the '96 as soon as my buddy gives me the word.
 
Don't listen to Hepar! He's a 01 whore! Kidding!

I'd pass on both. I think the 01 is a over priced and the 96 is too much work. Why not meet in the middle and find a decently priced 99? You would get many of the great newer features and good chance you'd find something that needs less work. Sounds like you really want a 4Runner and just taking shots in the dark now. Be patient and find what you really want, otherwise you'll regret it.
 
WrexHAmm said:
Don't listen to Hepar! He's a 01 whore! Kidding!

I'd pass on both. I think the 01 is a over priced and the 96 is too much work. Why not meet in the middle and find a decently priced 99? You would get many of the great newer features and good chance you'd find something that needs less work. Sounds like you really want a 4Runner and just taking shots in the dark now. Be patient and find what you really want, otherwise you'll regret it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I have been looking for awhile. Any suggestions on what a good price would be for that '01?
 
I've always been a fan of the body cladding/fender flares on the limited model on 3rd gens since they came out. To me, it makes the body style looks a little bit tougher. Then again, that's just my take... In the end, it's your money.
 
Kanger328 said:
Thanks for the responses guys! I was also wondering if there were any major flags with the '96 since it was the first year of the 3rd gen. Usually it takes a few years for manufacturers to work the kinks out of a new model. I can't seem to find any 1st model year issues in my own research.
Click to expand...
I think Toyota got everything right with the 96 SR5. It has nice clean all metal bumpers, narrow metal and rubber fender trim and I like that it doesn't advertise 4wd. Sure it doesn't have some of the "upgrades" of the later years but I like my cup holders, have a plug in dual outlet and don't need no stinkin' headrest holders!
 
Personally I would want to know more about maintenance records. I mean sure, that price is fantastic for the 96, and the miles are relatively low. But what if the thing has gone 20k miles a few times without an oil change. A maintenance issue like that could lead to a serious engine failure, which by itself your talking at least a grand. Suspension work is also expensive, unless you do all the work yourself. And doing those repairs requires a lot of time, and can be a headache. Maybe theres a reason your friend is selling it so cheap.

Personally now after owning my truck almost 2 years and replacing basically the entire front end and still dealing with ride issues . . . if I drove that 01 and it rode great, everything felt solid, had good maintenance records, and was just generally clean and well taken care of, I think I would go for it. For the right price of course.

But then again, as mentioned above the 01 will require maintenance in the near future as well. Weigh out the pros and cons of both. Good luck deciding
 
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