'98 Toyota 4Runner - $2600 (Need help in finding problems)

[BigDiesel07]

I found a 1998 Toyota 4 Runner Limited 4x4 with 44,100 miles. The lady who wants to sell it wants $2,600 and describes that it has the following-

This lovely 3.4 liter 6 Cylinder Toyota comes well equipped with many options including: Automatic Transmission, 4 Wheel Drive, Dual Power Seats, Power Sunroof, Power Rear Hatch Sliding Glass, Premium Sound w/In Dash Cd Player and Cassette, 16" Multi Spoke Alloy Wheels, Tow Hitch, Side Running Boards, Roof Racks, Power Locks, Power Windows and much much more!

Now I know this is a good deal, but I don't know what to look for in terms of problems/issues. I am going out to look at the vehicle this Saturday (October 10th) and need to know what to look for in terms of specific issues. I realize common issues like an engine that leaks oil or transfer case that has fluid leaking is a NO BUY, but what are things to look for in regards to this specific vehicle?

She has provided me with photographs here...

Thanks for any and all help you can provide me!

 

[JohnsD90]

I found a 1998 Toyota 4 Runner Limited 4x4 with 44,100 miles. The lady who wants to sell it wants $2,600 and describes that it has the following-



Now I know this is a good deal, but I don't know what to look for in terms of problems/issues. I am going out to look at the vehicle this Saturday (October 10th) and need to know what to look for in terms of specific issues. I realize common issues like an engine that leaks oil or transfer case that has fluid leaking is a NO BUY, but what are things to look for in regards to this specific vehicle?

She has provided me with photographs here...

Thanks for any and all help you can provide me!

timing belt, 3rd member squealing, rusted undercarraige, battery (age of it),

 

[BigDiesel07]

timing belt, 3rd member squealing, rusted undercarraige, battery (age of it),

For the Timing Belt, what do I look for?

3rd Member Squealing- Just look for that noise, gotcha!

Rusted Undercarriage- Obvious look for Rust...

 

[theizzardking]

it's a yota there really is no common failure points like most domestic vehicles out there , just follow johns advice and common sense, the price seems too good so just get a carfax, check the seams for proper alignment (indication of crash), see if there is any respray around door edges inside of seams ect ect, other than the normal things you'd check on any car it should be good to go, take care man and hope you get it and will be on here soon!
cheers!

 

[JohnsD90]

For the Timing Belt, what do I look for?

3rd Member Squealing- Just look for that noise, gotcha!

Rusted Undercarriage- Obvious look for Rust...

timing belt just see if she had it changes, most likely not because its so low milage. if you buy it check the date of the tires because if there original they need to go, after 6 years toss them, regardless of the tread.

 

[Pikeman]

at 44,000 miles that timing belt would not have been done yet and isnt due until 90k. Things to look for simply because age and weather damage, hoses, belts tires. The above mentioned noise from the 3rd member(rear diff). One issue we have is leaking wheel/ axle seals onto the rear brakes. Other then that not much to look at, one of the reasons so many of us are hooked on them is reliability and lack of issues. Once you buy this I would suggest having full chasis lube done to include drive shaft u-joints, diff, transfer case, transmission filter and fluid ( just fluid replacement some people have issues with flush). Then drive and enjoy. Even if you do have some issues I would buy it for 2600 in a heart beat being a limited with low miles you should still be able to sell for profit even if you discover problems later.

 

[JAC]

at that price with only 44k I would jump on it quick!!...I dont think with that low milage it would have any major problems unless it was involved in a bad accident or something like that. She is more than likely giving it away....

 

[JKloeker]

I found a 1998 Toyota 4 Runner Limited 4x4 with 44,100 miles. The lady who wants to sell it wants $2,600 and describes that it has the following-



Now I know this is a good deal, but I don't know what to look for in terms of problems/issues. I am going out to look at the vehicle this Saturday (October 10th) and need to know what to look for in terms of specific issues. I realize common issues like an engine that leaks oil or transfer case that has fluid leaking is a NO BUY, but what are things to look for in regards to this specific vehicle?

She has provided me with photographs here...

Thanks for any and all help you can provide me!

If you dont want it I'll take it!

 

[johnnyd2723]

2600.00 and only 44k? That's scary cheap ya' know?

 

[JAC]

2600.00 and only 44k? That's scary cheap ya' know?

It is ....but is the lady and old lady..does she have other cars?....It might be and old person or just someone that has other vehicles, dont even use it and just got tired of paying insurance and want to get rid of the 4runner. Need to ask and check on that.

 

[piperoo]

Looks like it is in good shape, but at 44k and only $2600 I would be careful. Did you find this on Craigslist? Scammers all over...hopefully that isn't the case. If it is real, that is a heck of a deal.

 

[Berry]

I found a 1998 Toyota 4 Runner Limited 4x4 with 44,100 miles. The lady who wants to sell it wants $2,600 and describes that it has the following-



Now I know this is a good deal, but I don't know what to look for in terms of problems/issues. I am going out to look at the vehicle this Saturday (October 10th) and need to know what to look for in terms of specific issues. I realize common issues like an engine that leaks oil or transfer case that has fluid leaking is a NO BUY, but what are things to look for in regards to this specific vehicle?

She has provided me with photographs here...

Thanks for any and all help you can provide me!

If the 4Runner in question is in excellent condition and has all the options and more Kelley Blue Book puts a value of over $10,000.00. If it's in great shape I'd throw the cash on the hood and ask her if there is anything else you can do for her. That price is a little hard to believe. I just paid close to 10k for mine with 43,000 miles on it. Let us know what you decide-if you don't want it I will buy it and have 2 4Runners that I can drive in 4wd WHEN I'M NOT SUPPOSE TO!

 

[ToyTech99]

I'd jump on that deal as long as it started up and I was able to drive it home. Seriously, that thing looks nearly new in the pictures. But I smell a scam. I'd look real hard for evidence of a rebuild due to a bad crash or even possibly water damage. A lot of salvaged cars have been water damaged and repaired by scam artists looking to make a buck. Do yourself a favor and hire a good mechanic to really look at the vehicle with you before you fork over any cash for it. Make sure that he knows what to look for when it comes to water damage and collision damage, unless you know what to look for yourself.

 

[ToyTech99]

One other thing--if you suspect the mileage is more than she's telling you, just check out the wear on the gas pedal & brake pedal. That's usually a tell-tale sign that the vehicle has more miles on it than stated. At 40K miles, the pedal pads should be in really good shape without a lot of wear. The seats look fairly new in the pictures and that's usually another good indicator. Even the steering wheel can sometimes give away the true story when it comes to a vehicle's mileage being understated.

 

[Berry]

Hey Big D-I just took a look at the link the old lady provided and the vehicle in question belongs to me which I recently purchased last week in NY. I don't know what the heck is going on but this is definately a scam of some sort. The vehicle is clean and I am the second owner. I sent you a message and left my phone # if you would like to call me. If not I can call you.

 

[01t4rnr]

Why the hell would you even ask questions on a $2600 44K mile 3rd gen??? If that were real id buy that in a heartbeat dude. So obviously a scam but nice find:bravo:

 

[Shoke]

Hey Big D-I just took a look at the link the old lady provided and the vehicle in question belongs to me which I recently purchased last week in NY. I don't know what the heck is going on but this is definately a scam of some sort. The vehicle is clean and I am the second owner. I sent you a message and left my phone # if you would like to call me. If not I can call you.

Whoa something fishy definitely going on here. Hope she gets busted

 

[FoneRunner]

I always really liked that color...but WTF dude? Is it real? :wtf::wtf::wtf:

 

[96743runner]

:wow2:

If that is legit that is one hellll of a deal!!!

But as others have said before, it is probably a scam of some sort. It's too bad that deals like those don't actually happen in real life.

 

[gunny1001]

2600.00 and only 44k? That's scary cheap ya' know?

Yeah when i bought mine it had 190,000 and i paid 3000$ for it, but the damn thing just keeps getting better with age! She's got 212,000 on her now and seems to be running better...4 Runners are a beautiful thing...