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Not sure of the price difference from Mass to CA but just to give you an idea. I paid $5k flat for my 1998 4R with leather and 4wd. 105k on the clock. Im not saying its a bad deal you found there but i think you could do better.

The truck overall looks like its in good shape though. Love the sunroof to. If you do proceed with the buy, make sure to check the frame for rot, ask for recent service records if any. See if you can find out if the timing belt was done and if the radiator is in good shape or was replaced.

Otherwise, drive it, shift through all the gears. Test the 4wd. Bring it on the highway and punch it to make sure it doesnt throw any codes for misfires.

Good luck!
 
Thanks. Should I be concerned that it's the first year of the 3rd gen?

BTW, I'm jealous of the prices in Mass. Cali is horrible for finding low priced 4x4s.
 
Again, it could be the region differences, but I just paid $5000 for my 1998 SR5 with 156K. And from what I saw around here, that was relatively cheap. I am also thinking about buying a 96 SR5 with 191K for my fiance, he's asking $4200 and we worked out $3800. Plus it comes with complete service history of two owners. Things are definitely more expensive in Cali than in Indiana, but that seems high. I'd say a good deal for that would be $4000-4200.
 
very much a regional difference. If the truck is an original CA truck, then frame rust shouldn't be an issue, your biggest problem would be faded paint, or interior. Look over the year differences, and make sure you won't miss any of the additions/changes at later years. Check the regular issues, t-belt change, ball joints, blah blah blah.
 
I have a 96 Limited 4x4 w/ elocker I paid $4000 for... Now in this case it was known to need maintenance before hand (no timing belt change, no spark plug change, and no trans/xfer/diff oil change since new) with 202,000 miles.


I changed the plugs and it ran like I would consider a brand new one. I've done additional maintenance since as time/money allows but it has never given troubles. The only "changes" to the 4runners came in '99 afaik.

You've got a solid platform there and I think its worth that price.
 
I echo the regional difference thing. My '00 SR5 Highlander with 130K and almost in showroom condition (seriously) was sold to me for $7200; and while some have said I've gotten a 'decent' price, for some reason, in Missouri vehicles go for a bit more - not sure why. Any other vehicles in this shape (Excellent) with 130K or less miles with the options this has are usually going for $8500 easy.

My point - it's all in where it's at, options it has, etc. Had I seen that one when I was buying mine I'd probably have jumped on it myself.
 
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