98 4runner with 50k on it what should I worry about?

T

troopa4life

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I have a chance of buying a 98 4runner with 50k on it HOWEVER the issue is I am worried that this truck will be plagued with issues as time goes by. I checked out the carfax on the vehicle and it looks like the owner changed the oil every 12 months or so and did the timing belt in 2008. What do you guys think... should I go for it or should I purchase a 2000 4runner with 106k miles with all maintenance done at a toyota dealership including timing belt at 60k miles and clutch at 95k miles. What do you guys think?

The 98 is going for 12.5k 5 speed manual v6 4x4
2000 is going for 9k 5 speed manual v6 4x4
 
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Why would dealer do a timing belt at 60K when spec for a 2000 is 90K?

I'd vote the 2000. Lots of good things on the '99+ and quite a few bucks less. 56K more miles but 2 years newer. I'd worry the low-mileage '98 sat for a few years along the way and that is never good. Both are interesting. Both prices may be a little high, but depends on your local market..
 
I'd go with the '00...don't worry about mileage so much, I have 155k on mine and I wheel the piss out of it, and it's still more reliable than anyone elses car I know.
The 99+ came with alot of upgrades to the interior and exterior, alot of ergonomics but it's nice to have. Plus the fact that it was serviced by Toyota says alot to me.
Also it's 3.5 grand you can spend on lift, wheels, tires, gears, and a whole lotta fun stuff!
 
Yeah I am really weary about the 98... it might be a good buy now but it will prob give me issues later on. I think I am going to go for the 2000. As for the 60k timing belt replacement... I called the dealership and they said the owner was really nit picky and always worried about things going wrong with the truck hence the 60k t-belt replacement and 90k clutch replacement. He always came in for an oil change at 3k or 3 months whichever came first per what the dealership said. So yeah I am leaning toward the 2k 4runner.
 
hehe...so Mr. OCD maintenance is the original owner? No contest, then, take that one. As LINY says, an extra 56K is nothing for one of these babies, especially if well-maintained.

I'd ask why he is selling...maybe getting a new one?
 
Yeah he traded it in for 5th gen apparently. Yeah I dont want to take chances with the 98 without knowing the history of it. Looks like I am going to go for the 2000. I will let you guys know how it goes and post some pics.
 
The timing belt spec was initially for 60k miles. My father was very picky also. He had the timing belt done at 60k and 120k miles. They changed to 90k later on in the 4runners life span. That 98 would be very tempting if you could get the price down some.
 
Both have the rear locker?

Yeah,the '00 has 50k more miles but with the '99 being cheaper will save you a little money by not having to upgrade certain item in the '98.

'99+ had
Better headlamps
Multiple power outlets
auto up AND down windows on BOTH front windows (pre '99 didn't have 'em just power down)

and the biggie change is THE CUPHOLDERS AREN'T ON THE DASH :eek:
 
pricing is high on the 98

It's all a tradeoff--- what a decision-hmmm

the lower miles on the 98 could pay off in the long run if you don't put a lot of miles on it, but yeah I would favor the 2000 5 speed just cause they are more rare and heck I can't even imagine settling for an auto tranny. You won't have strawberry milkshake issues to worry about either. Essentially you're getting a newer vehicle for less money and some coveted upgrades.

You don't mention Limited? Leather? moonroofs? Locker? the hood scoop? And of course if you can find a private owner selling versus dealing with a dealership that will always be less bucks.

Sure is fun spending your money though!
 
Ok I just looked them both up. I would have to look them both over as the 98 didnt have pictures up. The 2000 is a cool sport model with the scoop and flares which is a plus. I couldn't tell if it had a diff lock or not. Just so you know the 98 is advertised for 11800 and the 2000 is 10800. I would get the one with 58k less miles if it was only a difference of a 1000. Either 4runner sounds like a winner.
 
Both of them are manual and both of them are SR5 models i.e. cloth interior etc with no lockers. I really dont think the 98 is a good buy... for 12k out the door I would be worrying about all of the seals leaking in time since it wasn't used a lot and was just sitting idle. I am going to go for the 2000 simply because it's newer, well maintained and cheaper so that I can actually put an arb on, new tires and an ome suspension on it.
 
Ok guys I checked out the 98 just out of curiosity and I can tell you it is not worth it. The people at the dealership are RUDE and when I told the salesman I was not interested he got upset and started acting like a jacka$$. I did a quick check on the vehicle and it has been ABUSED, there was mud caked on to the underside of the vehicle, the cross members were filled with mud and there were indications that the vehicle was submersed in deep water/mud. There was a power steering leak as well. I think the truck would be a great deal for 6500 but not for 12k. So just a warning for all of you, DO NOT BUY THIS TRUCK IT IS NOT WORTH 12k!!! I will be checking out the other one this Sunday. Wish me luck!


Here is the link to the 98
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5, $11,854 - Cars.com
 
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