98 4Runner: Worth it?

[phoecas]

I have a 1998 Toyota 4Runner with 230,000 miles on it. It is the 2.7L 4 cylinder and is two wheel drive. I need to replace the exhaust manifold because it has a crack in it, it needs some sort of work in the front end. I don't know what is up with it, but it has some slop/vibration in it over bumps and rough terrain. Other than that it runs very well. It has some minor cosmetic damage and a few odds and ends that need to be replaced and fixed. I also need to replace the front, right headlight assembly since the adjustment screw is stripped and the light points towards the ground.

My question is, with all of that and the mileage should I invest my money into fixing it up and possibly upgrading it for light off-road duty or should I save up for something else? I'd love your opinions and thoughts on it.

Oh, it is also my daily driver. The good thing is that work is only a 12 mile round trip.

 

[kzak]

I don't know what your financial situation is like, but if I were in your shoes, I would just look for a newer 4Runner... perhaps one with 150k miles.

 

[phoecas]

That's kind of what I was thinking as well. I have some friends and family that are big into automotive work as a hobby and really like the 4Runner, but I think it may just be long in the tooth to spend too much money on for fun.

I can't really afford a newer 4Runner right now, but I may be better off saving my money towards one right now.

I will probably end up replacing the exhaust manifold and fixing the front end up a bit. I have already replaced the EGR valve, AC compressor clutch and thermostat. It doesn't leak any oil or anything and still runs quite well so I think it will be make it for a while as my daily driver.

I want to be able to go to big bend with some friends and ride through some trails, but I think that may be pushing it even with someone nearby to pull me out of tough spots.

 

[YotaZach85]

I'd fix it up, those 3RZ's are tough. This is a good time to throw a header on to replace the stock cast manifold (they always crack between #2 and #3 runners) and the front end probably doesn't need much, there isn't a whole to the front end of these things.

 

[phoecas]

I priced out the cost of a manifold kit and now it's an issue of saving up the money to buy it and find someone to install it or help me install it. The kits would come with new bolts and gasket. I've heard that bolts like to sheer off and need to be drilled out.

As for the front end, I've heard it is rack and pinion steering and should be easy. The real issue is that while I am developing an interest in automotive work as a hobby I am very inexperienced and only know the most basic of things in that regard. It's really ironic when you consider that my father is a mechanic and worked for Toyota for 20 years. He never let me work on my cars, because he didn't want me to end up a mechanic like him; Now I work on computers all day.

So, I've got one of you guys saying to find a newer, lower mileage 4Runner and another saying to fix it up so far. Fixing it up would be cheaper for now and it what my friends suggest, but it isn't 4WD and is the 4 cylinder.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

Again, I really appreciate the input. I've been debating what to do with my 4Runner for a while and this seems to be the place to ask.

 

[TN22Corps]

I'm in a similar boat... 230k, 2wd, oxidized hood and roof, cosmetics here and there, no real mechanic experience, can't afford to buy up right now, etc. I'm fixing what needs it, as I go, so I can maintain a decent resale value.

Most I ever felt comfortable doing before this were oil and filter changes. To date- I've traced a cylinder misfire (it helps to use the correct, double-tipped spark plugs), diagnosed and replaced an O2 sensor, replaced front headlights, replaced front bumper, installed new front shocks, stopped an oil leak with a valve cover gasket, all with the help of forum members.

One day I would like to buy that 4x4 3rd gen, lift it, lock it, armor it, yadda yadda. But until then, I absolutely love learning about my (well, my wife's) truck.

 

[alphyn]

Phoecas, my advice to you would be to fix up your current ride for as long as it will last you until you can plop down enough money for a new 4runner of your choice. You're not going to find anything decent in the used market for less than 3 grand (all vehicles, not just 4runners). The repairs you are talking about should cost well less than that.

I wouldn't make needless improvements, just the bare essentials. Throw some duct tape on leaky hoses, replace the fluids too often, and hope and pray it'll last you until you have enough money in the bank to upgrade when you want to. The only caveat is if you have to undergo a major repair and need to dump in $3k into the vehicle to keep it going.

To summarize, be cheap as can be to fix up your ride now assuming all repairs are reasonable given the vehicle's market value. Save as much money in the meantime. Buy something new(er) when finances allow.