97 4x4 LTD - question is too many miles?

[rafman]

Hey all,
It's me again. Been patiently looking for a 4 Runner and may have finally come across one. Like the title says, 97 4x4 LTD that is in pristine condition inside and out ... but has 205000 miles. I know that Toyota's run forever (at least the older ones but should the mileage be a concern? The owner has faithfully kept up the maintenance and has all service receipts. This may be my new 4Runner after this weekend!

Couple of pics for your viewing enjoyment

 

[p nut]

Wow, that driver's seat looks mint, especially for a 4Runner with 205k miles. Usually, they're severely worn with tears. Looks like he's kept up on the maintenance from the pics (you can tell a lot from pics alone).

3.4L V6's can go forever, if it's been maintained. The usual culprit of one blowing up is oil changes (or lack thereof). Sludge is a killer on these and if the owner neglected to change the oil on time or the engine overheated, check and double check for sludge. Otherwise, if it runs good, I don't see why you can't see 300, 400 or 500+k miles. My local service rep said that he sees a few 4Runners/Tacomas come in with over 400k miles. Still running great. IMO, 3.4L is one of the best engines Toyota has produced to date.

 

[jsmarine]

Do you have a local mechanic you could take it to for his opinion? Im sure the seller wouldnt mind, and if they do mind dont buy it!

 

[rafman]

Wow, that driver's seat looks mint, especially for a 4Runner with 205k miles. Usually, they're severely worn with tears. Looks like he's kept up on the maintenance from the pics (you can tell a lot from pics alone).

3.4L V6's can go forever, if it's been maintained. The usual culprit of one blowing up is oil changes (or lack thereof). Sludge is a killer on these and if the owner neglected to change the oil on time or the engine overheated, check and double check for sludge. Otherwise, if it runs good, I don't see why you can't see 300, 400 or 500+k miles. My local service rep said that he sees a few 4Runners/Tacomas come in with over 400k miles. Still running great. IMO, 3.4L is one of the best engines Toyota has produced to date.

This is from his listing "This car has been garaged or under a car cover at all times and has been extremely well maintained. Mobil one every 3 to 5 thousand miles."
As far as the seats, he said the lower panel on driver's seat started to get bad so he took it to an upholster and had it replaced. I know what you mean about the leather, I've look at a lot and this is one of the short coming with the leather IMHO. One could say that they can be covered but then, what's the point of having leather seats :

 

[p nut]

Sounds like a winner, if the price is right. Regarding leather, I guess it depends. My Acura still looks great for 120k miles. But I keep it conditioned with leather treatments.

 

[rafman]

Sounds like a winner, if the price is right. Regarding leather, I guess it depends. My Acura still looks great for 120k miles. But I keep it conditioned with leather treatments.

Hmmm, about the price. He wants $6500 for it and won't go lower. I asked him how he came up with that because I ran KBB private party and came up with $5900 excellent condition. He said he used NADA and KBB RETAIL which is $7200 but would come down to $6500. Seems high to me compared to some of the other threads I've been reading. So still a good deal? I was thinking I was going to get it for ~$5500.

 

[p nut]

Pass. A guy on here just bought a 99 Limited with 140k miles for $5800. Granted this is a one owner and he's taken care of it, 200k miles is 200k miles. Suspension will need attention, driveline might start having issues, etc. Toyotas are reliable, but not bulletproof. If you're looking to spend that much, you'll find another. Keep looking.

 

[rafman]

Pass. A guy on here just bought a 99 Limited with 140k miles for $5800. Granted this is a one owner and he's taken care of it, 200k miles is 200k miles. Suspension will need attention, driveline might start having issues, etc. Toyotas are reliable, but not bulletproof. If you're looking to spend that much, you'll find another. Keep looking.

Yea, I agree ... so the search goes on, and on and on : ...

 

[t4r4life]

Hmmm, about the price. He wants $6500 for it and won't go lower. I asked him how he came up with that because I ran KBB private party and came up with $5900 excellent condition. He said he used NADA and KBB RETAIL which is $7200 but would come down to $6500. Seems high to me compared to some of the other threads I've been reading. So still a good deal? I was thinking I was going to get it for ~$5500.

got my 98 ltd 4x4 for 4500 and it runs like a champ, just giving you a idea, if its me i'll pass

 

[jsmarine]

I think I would have to agree too on passing, it is 13 years old and does have 200k. Its a beautiful 4runner and I dont doubt it is still a great car, just not at the price he wants.

 

[brian2sun]

Wow that thing is in super shape compared to my '97 w/196K. Not that mine is bad, but wow that thing looks mint from the pics. But, he's lying about the $7,200 KBB. It's not that high - not with over 200K on it, no way. If you can get him down to $5,000 I'd say do it and that's only because it looks immaculate.

 

[corohio1977]

got my 98 ltd 4x4 for 4500 and it runs like a champ, just giving you a idea, if its me i'll pass

Just picked up my '97 SR5 w/210k for 4200.xx - one owner, all records - LOVIN' IT!! For 6500.xx, I'm sure you can find another one w/fewer miles.

 

[rafman]

Wow that thing is in super shape compared to my '97 w/196K. Not that mine is bad, but wow that thing looks mint from the pics. But, he's lying about the $7,200 KBB. It's not that high - not with over 200K on it, no way. If you can get him down to $5,000 I'd say do it and that's only because it looks immaculate.

Like I said in one of my replies, he used retail to come up with his price. And he sent me this link to prove his point -
Used Car Value - Toyota 4Runner-V6-4WD Utility 4D Limited

 

[rafman]

Like I said in one of my replies, he used retail to come up with his price. And he sent me this link to prove his point -
Used Car Value - Toyota 4Runner-V6-4WD Utility 4D Limited

And another one ... again using retail, not private party
Kelley Blue Book - MSN Autos

 

[bobzilla]

Are runners REALLY that hard to find. I dont know where you are in FL, but I came across one in Orlando area on Craigs at a DEALER. 99 high spring Desert Dune ,117K miles MANUAL trans, looks awesome!!! Asking $6800. Check Orlando Craigs!!!