'99 or '95?

[Kanger328]

Hello. I posted this in the 3rd Gen section also. Thanks for all those who've helped me learn about these trucks. Found 2 4Runners, a 2nd Gen and a 3rd Gen and would like some opinions.

2nd Gen (asking $5,500):
-1995 SR5 4x4
-Original owner
-Manual
-80k Miles!
-Flawless interior/exterior
-BUT, has been sitting in his garage the past few years, buts the truck runs "awesome"

3rd Gen (asking $9,500):
-1999 Limited 4x4
-Original Owner
-Auto
-Rear Locker!!!
-127k Miles
-Everything works, no rust, very clean interior/exterior
-Has all original papers / service receipts / "major service" was just done (I'm assuming timing belt, water pump, etc)

Questions:
-Which one should I go for?
-How much should I offer?

I'll be using the truck as a daily driver (I'm a career changer back in school). I'm very outdoorsy (camp, hike, snowboard, mtn bike) and really like off roading (recently sold my lifted Nissan Titan). Thanks again fellas.

 

[Saved]

The answer is not all that simple. First they are both over priced. Second it depends on what area you live in as these things have a wide difference in pricing depending on the local.
In this area the 95 would go for about 3500 to 4000 private seller. The 99 would go for about 6500 to 8000.
However there is a problem. You did not mention what packages they have if any. Both those prices I gave for private seller in this area are for base models although packages do not seem to raise the price that much when dealing with private sellers.

If you go for the 99 you would need to check the tranny for water in the oil and if clean immediately disconnect the factory transmission cooler and put on an after market one as the factory coolers can ruin the Tranny in that generation.

If you go with the 95 which is closer to its value you do not get the rear locker and have to understand that it setting for years can be a problem even though it starts. In my opinion neither are good buys, but it just depends on how badly you want one of them or if you can wait and find one closer to value.

 

[77'911]

For me, as long as everything checks out, the 95 is a decent buy. Both have age on them, so they will need similar age related repairs. There is nothing like low miles, and it is tough to get these days. In this economy, I would rather have the lower capital out-lay. This leaves you more $$ to rebuild the suspension, drive line mounts, etc.. 4Runner's here in the PNW command a bit of a premium, but that 99, is way over priced for the miles. It would have to be completely rebuilt for me to get even close to that.
regards