Advice: Worth buying '97 with 130K miles?

S

Sonia186

New member
Hi There!

I'm new to this forum but i'm very excited because i'm looking to purchase a used 4Runner and am hoping that anyone can share whatever knowledge and advice they have with me.

I'm not wanting to spend more than $3K (yay budget) and am trying to find one btw 100K and 130K miles.

I did find a green, 130K miles, '97 model for sale and am going to take a look this weekend, but am curious if anyone has any feedback on if this is a good move/worth it/not worth it situation? Obviously depends on the car and history etc, which i'm looking to get as well, but just overall, any thoughts on if this make/model and price seem to be worth one which I should go after?

Looking forward to discussing with ya'll!
 
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Sonia186 said:
Hi There!

I'm new to this forum but i'm very excited because i'm looking to purchase a used 4Runner and am hoping that anyone can share whatever knowledge and advice they have with me.

I'm not wanting to spend more than $3K (yay budget) and am trying to find one btw 100K and 130K miles.

I did find a green, 130K miles, '97 model for sale and am going to take a look this weekend, but am curious if anyone has any feedback on if this is a good move/worth it/not worth it situation? Obviously depends on the car and history etc, which i'm looking to get as well, but just overall, any thoughts on if this make/model and price seem to be worth one which I should go after?

Looking forward to discussing with ya'll!
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130k miles is not that high for a 4runner. For that price it sounds like a 2wd. Around here that low mileage 4x4 4runner would sell for a little more than $3k.
 
JayRolla said:
130k miles is not that high for a 4runner. For that price it sounds like a 2wd. Around here that low mileage 4x4 4runner would sell for a little more than $3k.
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Thanks! That's extremely helpful! I'm feeling positive about this one and my fingers are crossed it is in good condition.

I am wondering if there are any '97 issues that I should be weary of as well? Or would you have any advice on what I should ask when I go to check it out in person? Aside from getting the VIN/history?
 
Miles are completely, 100% irrelevant. Maintenance performed by all PO's trumps all other purchasing factors.

'97's have some different features than the later 01-02's. It's just a matter of features you like and must have.
 
Sonia186 said:
Thanks! That's extremely helpful! I'm feeling positive about this one and my fingers are crossed it is in good condition.

I am wondering if there are any '97 issues that I should be weary of as well? Or would you have any advice on what I should ask when I go to check it out in person? Aside from getting the VIN/history?
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The major issues are radiators failing, causing pink milkshake. Swapping the radiator, using correct red coolant and bypassing radiator cooler stops this issue.

Lower ball joints are known to fail at very high mileage, mostly on lifted rigs. Those are the two major things that I would have checked/fixed after purchase. Do some research and read the link posted above.
 
JayRolla said:
The major issues are radiators failing, causing pink milkshake. Swapping the radiator, using correct red coolant and bypassing radiator cooler stops this issue.
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...Of course that only applies to the automatic transmission equipped 4runners :driving:
 
I bought my 97 4runner with 202k miles. It's been great. Make sure standard maintainence has been fine and it'll run forever. I've done the timing belt, cv axle swap, new belts, etc... Nothing major and it runs great. The AC compressor is starting to go but I'm thinking it's just the bearings that need to be replaced.
 
I'm assuming it is the Limited in Central Islip? Give it a good look. If it hasn't sold after all this time with that miles and asking price then there may be a catch to it.
 
I'm originally from Chicago. I now live in New Mexico, Land of Enchantment, also land of no corrosion. If Brooklyn is anything like Chicago, be mindful of rust. Best of luck!
 
T4R2014 said:
I'm assuming it is the Limited in Central Islip? Give it a good look. If it hasn't sold after all this time with that miles and asking price then there may be a catch to it.
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Good eye! Yep that's the one. I feel the same as you that it's a bit too good of a find but i'm hoping to dig a bit more and get some clarity!
 
Sonia186 said:
Good eye! Yep that's the one. I feel the same as you that it's a bit too good of a find but i'm hoping to dig a bit more and get some clarity!
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The seats look nice, but pictures always take away wear on things. Also looks like the front bumper valence is broken.
 
absalom said:
Miles are completely, 100% irrelevant. Maintenance performed by all PO's trumps all other purchasing factors.

'97's have some different features than the later 01-02's. It's just a matter of features you like and must have.
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I wouldn't say miles are completely irrelevant. For the engine, yes, it all depends on maintenance. For steering and suspension though, miles do matter. Get near 200k miles and you can expect having to replace all suspension parts, LBJ, and tie rods if you want it to ride well.
 
gamefreakgc said:
I wouldn't say miles are completely irrelevant. For the engine, yes, it all depends on maintenance. For steering and suspension though, miles do matter. Get near 200k miles and you can expect having to replace all suspension parts, LBJ, and tie rods if you want it to ride well.
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I guess I'm just anal then. Whether I'm buying a 3rd gen with 75k miles or 350k miles, I'm still doing the exact same amount of maintenence. The fact of the matter is, the rubber on these trucks is 13-19 years old. So it's safe to assume every dust boot is on the verge of breaking. Unless of course the PO just replaced all of the above, in which case miles would be irrelevant. Suffice it to say, miles is the absolute LAST thing I consider when buying these trucks. It probably doesn't behoove me to convince others of that; as long as they keep overpaying for low mileage trucks, I keep scooping up high mileage rigs for pennies. :party:
 
Have a mechanic check the frame

3rd gen frame rust in the northeast is a huge problem - when you get it checked by a mechanic have him check the frame first - if it is bad walk away.
 
Yeah for sure about the boots and such, those just don't last. Hoses more or less in the engine, the more heat cycles they've seen the worse they will be.
 
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