At a crossroads and would appreciate input - new truck?

[Beaumont67]

So I have owned my 96 t4r since late '08 with 89k miles and it has been a good ride. Did Tundra 13WL brakes in 2010 as well as new tires. Had to do the headgaskets in '14 at 135k due to the issue with the 96's and did the timing belt/waterpump/fan clutch/belts/hoses/knock sensors/external tranny cooler at the same time. Also I installed new OTRE and ITRE's then as well. Last year I put on new rear control arms, rear Moog springs and new shocks. Although I did Febest bars and shoud've gone Toyota as the bushings are starting to crack.

Over the last few months I did new pads/rotors in the front, new rear shoes and drums just a few weekends ago as well as new endlinks all around. Have been chasing a rear driveshaft issue that has been baffled and frustrated as some may have seen in my other post.

Tuesday, while on my way to work, the tranny decided it wanted some attention as well. It threw a P0753 code and it is in the shop right now as I didn't have the time to work on it. So it is getting a new #1 solenoid and new fluid by a local shop.

The truck will need new tires soon as well as rebuilding the front end. I have never touched the LBJ's, UBJ's, shocks, etc. It will need new tires soon as well. So I still have more $$ that needs to go into the 4runner. But being a FL truck it is in great shape with no rust.

Throughout the last year I have been kicking around the idea of getting a newer car. When I bought this I wanted a Tacoma double cab, but could find a good deal. Came across this 4runner and it was a great deal and I love it. Recently I found an 08 Double cab 4x4 TRD in my price range with 91k and thinking about pulling the trigger.

I know I have put a decent amount of money in the 4runner recently and trading it in I wont get it back. The newer truck also means a car payment which I havent had in the last 3-4 years. However it would be really nice to have a newer truck with 70k less miles and a very clean, dealer maintained, CarFax.

Any thoughts are appreciated. Anyone do the same and regret it? Or stay with their 4runner and regret it?

I've been driving 44 years / and always purchase used vehicles...and drive them 4-14 years, many 7-8 years on average.
- a few have been a money pit, keeping one year to long
- stretching 7 years of ownership into 8 years...can prove to be very costly, as miles add up
- I always enjoyed a tad more HP and creature comforts, in newer vehicles
- like PWD, PDL, AIR, leather interior, moon roof, etc.

The technology & performance in my wife's 2008 RAV4 Limited v6-269HP, 4x4 is truly amazing.
And much better gas mileage / leaves it very cheap to operate.
- don't get me wrong, I love my 2000 4Runner SR5...but only run 5,000 Km/year = 3K miles
- but wife's vehicle is overall much-more satisfying, for the longer & daily work commute or family outing
- with heated leather seats, heated lower windshield to keep wipers from freezing up, heated mirrors...a Canadian thing
- the RAV4 even has the tow package coolers built in with HD rad & alternator

If I went down to only one 4x4 main-vehicle, I would probably get a 2008-9 4Runner, Highlander or Tacoma pickup.
- or wind up with our sons Lexus RX350 / when he is ready to upgrade...Gen3 T4R is great, for my short trip vehicle

weezykid - your 1996 T4R is worth sh*t dollars to a Dealer$hip, as a trade-in / so sell it privately to fightman80.
A Win-Win, for both parties & your Gen3 gets a good home / with the newer 2008 Tacoma, you can just turn the key & Go.
- I'd stop the wrenching (adding parts $$ and investing more labor) & trade-up & Enjoy more free time & newer reliability.

I own both my 98 4Runner, and my 05 Tacoma TRD Sport. I love them both... but my 4Runner will always be my favorite.

The Taco will be much smoother to drive, have more HP... and be "Newer".... the 4Runner can still be a great vehicle.

I've had mine for 13yrs now... I've changed out my suspension... did bushings, links... brakes... starter, timing belt, alternator... rear axle seals... I've done pretty much all of the work myself. They are easy to work on... reliable as hell... and if your's is in good condition with minimal to no rust... I'd just kee....... er... I mean... sell it.... sell it to me.... sell it to me now!

 

[NWFL4Runner]

At the end of the day, nothing drives like a paid off ride.

 

[jtnumberthree]

At the end of the day, nothing drives like a paid off ride.

That's what it boils down to for me, every time. Make paments?:crybaby: Or buy another old high mileage Yota. :drummer: Only you get to decide that. Be prepare for a few "monthly payment" type repairs as you go along.

7-8 years is too long to own a vehicle? That's news to me. I owned my 1987 Hilux for 13 years and would still have it if it could seat 4(kids, gotta love 'em).

 

[1985taylor1925]

I say sell the 3rd gen privately and get an 06-09 4th gen. 4th gens don't look the best, but they're pretty nice

 

[Kyngfish]

Hola

Maybe I'm in the minority, but keeping an old car running is almost always cheaper than getting a new one.

The 3rd Gen 4Runner is even more particular, in that a well-sorted one will last you nearly forever. If tomorrow my engine blew and my tranny ate itself, I could have a used tranny in for probably 1000-1200ish and a used engine for somewhere in the same ballpark. So, under 5 grand, and I can reasonably expect 5 years to a decade of trouble-free driving.

An 8 year old Tacoma will come with a payment and probably some deferred maintenance. I think your costs will be higher than sorting out your 96.

Downsides, 4Runners are relatively slow, the gas mileage isn't great, newer cars are more comfortable and have more features + more power.

It's easy for me to preach, I have a few cars to pick from in my garage, but I want to keep my 4Runner for as long as I can. When it gets too old, I'll swap the engine, slowly make it more powerful, repaint it if I need to, and all of those things will be cheaper than buying a newer one.

If I only had one car, I'd like to think I'd just pour all my "payment" money into supercharger, headers, suspension upgrades, cosmetic upgrades and etc - and I still think they're one of the best looking trucks on the road. Bar none. But maybe I'd get sick of it too and just get a new one.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Maybe I'm in the minority, but keeping an old car running is almost always cheaper than getting a new one.

The 3rd Gen 4Runner is even more particular, in that a well-sorted one will last you nearly forever. If tomorrow my engine blew and my tranny ate itself, I could have a used tranny in for probably 1000-1200ish and a used engine for somewhere in the same ballpark. So, under 5 grand, and I can reasonably expect 5 years to a decade of trouble-free driving.

An 8 year old Tacoma will come with a payment and probably some deferred maintenance. I think your costs will be higher than sorting out your 96.

Downsides, 4Runners are relatively slow, the gas mileage isn't great, newer cars are more comfortable and have more features + more power.

It's easy for me to preach, I have a few cars to pick from in my garage, but I want to keep my 4Runner for as long as I can. When it gets too old, I'll swap the engine, slowly make it more powerful, repaint it if I need to, and all of those things will be cheaper than buying a newer one.

If I only had one car, I'd like to think I'd just pour all my "payment" money into supercharger, headers, suspension upgrades, cosmetic upgrades and etc - and I still think they're one of the best looking trucks on the road. Bar none. But maybe I'd get sick of it too and just get a new one.

Good luck with your decision.

True. If you have more than one vehicle to drive that makes a big difference. You have something to fall back on if your 3rd gen breaks down. For me the 4runner is the only vehicle I have to drive. And mine hasn't been quite as reliable as 3rd gens have a reputation of being. I've had an OEM inner tie rod snap in half, a few injector go bad, and the alternator go out. I still love my 3rd GEN, but if I have just one vehicle to drive daily and rely on, I would far prefer a 4th GEN over a 3rd GEN. Especially with the 4.7L! Who cares about mpgs

Edit: the other thing is, I feel the urge to replace everything on my 3rd gen since it has 250,000 miles on it. Basically all the bushings need to be replaced, possibly the transmission mount an engine mounts, rust needs to be be repaired, etc. And it's just one of those vehecles that you always want to modify. So I find myself constantly dumping money into it. The cost of owning my 3rd gen has worked out to be quite a bit more then expected. If I had a 4th GEN that was in really good condition I would be content to just drive it. So the price difference doesn't work out to be that big of a difference.

 

[weezykid]

Thank you all for the input, sorry I have been hiking the last few days so I havent responded.

Still on the fence. The 4runner has been good to me with only issues leaving me stranded over the last 8 years. It is in excellent shape for a 96 with only 162k on it. Something newer is very enticing. Planning on taking some more road trips in the near future and some mild off road camping adventures. So less miles and newer would be nicer. The front end work I mentioned would be preventive maintenance as nothing is lose up front.

Selling it outright would be much better as I would like to see it go to someone who would appreciate it.

The carfax on the Tacoma shows it had 2 owners that were both in south Florida. All maintenance listed was at dealerships and it recently had a dealer check up and the rear springs replace which I believe was a recall.

 

[AntleredRuin]

True. If you have more than one vehicle to drive that makes a big difference. You have something to fall back on if your 3rd gen breaks down. For me the 4runner is the only vehicle I have to drive. And mine hasn't been quite as reliable as 3rd gens have a reputation of being. I've had an OEM inner tie rod snap in half, a few injector go bad, and the alternator go out. I still love my 3rd GEN, but if I have just one vehicle to drive daily and rely on, I would far prefer a 4th GEN over a 3rd GEN. Especially with the 4.7L! Who cares about mpgs

Edit: the other thing is, I feel the urge to replace everything on my 3rd gen since it has 250,000 miles on it. Basically all the bushings need to be replaced, possibly the transmission mount an engine mounts, rust needs to be be repaired, etc. And it's just one of those vehecles that you always want to modify. So I find myself constantly dumping money into it. The cost of owning my 3rd gen has worked out to be quite a bit more then expected. If I had a 4th GEN that was in really good condition I would be content to just drive it. So the price difference doesn't work out to be that big of a difference.

To be honest, if a couple injectors, an alternator, and an inner tie rod are the only repairs you've had to make (aside from basic maintenance) in 250k, you're still doing pretty good. Other 3rd gens may last longer with less repairs, but most other vehicles (especially non Toyotas of the era) won't. You still came out well ahead. Most vehicles are completely tired by 200k.

The issues you listed with your 3rd gen are more 'accessory-based' than major issues(albeit annoying issues). Engine, tranny, T-case, frame (I see you have minor rust) still fine overall? The bones are still good.

My '96 Explorer lasted 186k before head gasket blew. By then, the tranny had been slipping for several thousand miles, none of the electronics worked (power seats, mirrors, radio, windows, A/C, most of the gauges, etc). The steering wheel was literally melting. Was on it's 3rd OEM catalytic converter. ABS didn't work. All over, the thing just sucked. Bones AND accessories.

By contrast, My wife's '03 Rav4 needed an alternator at 140k, and a new (rebuilt) ECM at 150k (for the 01-03 cold tranny slip issue). Then it went to the shop for a while to diagnose a CEL that was kicking my ass, which turned out to be a clogged injector, even though I dumped a bottle of injector cleaner in the tank with every oil change. I'd say all in all, those repairs (maintenance aside) cost a total of $450 or so. Other than that, in 6 years of ownership, it's been good to us. The repairs sucked, and we were irked 'because it's a Toyota, and they don't need fixing', but in terms of the total vehicle, they were minor. The bones were(and are) still fine.

While 3rd gen have a rep for being indestructible, they aren't. They're just MORE indestructible than other vehicles. We get so used to having an 'immortal', reliable, vehicle, that when something DOES go wrong, it really takes us by surprise.
We all have had to make repairs on our trucks at one point or another. From reading this and other forum, I'm pretty sure that I'm in the vast minority of people who have ever had to replace their Fuel Pressure Regulator. I was pretty pissed, too, because I had just bought the truck solely for it's immortality. Then, I researched the issue, and because I'd read next to nothing about problematic FPRs, I had no problem buying a used one off of e-Bay for $30. 35k later, and it's been pretty problem free. Just basic maintenance and LBJs. I'm at 167k now.

I guess the moral of the story is that just because it's a Toyota (or even 4Runner), it doesn't mean that it can't have problems. Even 4th gens have their issues. It just means that statistically, it'll have less than other makes.

I DO see your point about the modding bug, though.

 

[tpham18nm]

Thank you all for the input, sorry I have been hiking the last few days so I havent responded.

Still on the fence. The 4runner has been good to me with only issues leaving me stranded over the last 8 years. It is in excellent shape for a 96 with only 162k on it. Something newer is very enticing. Planning on taking some more road trips in the near future and some mild off road camping adventures. So less miles and newer would be nicer. The front end work I mentioned would be preventive maintenance as nothing is lose up front.

Selling it outright would be much better as I would like to see it go to someone who would appreciate it.

The carfax on the Tacoma shows it had 2 owners that were both in south Florida. All maintenance listed was at dealerships and it recently had a dealer check up and the rear springs replace which I believe was a recall.

To me, 162k is pretty low miles for that truck. I haven't owned a vehicle for more than 2 years (I have had about 16 vehicles so far) and every vehicle that I bought had some sort of problem under my ownership. For example, my 2003 Toyota Celica needed an O2 and cat shortly after I purchased it and my 2010 Toyota Tacoma with 60k needed new U-joints. I think 90% of my vehicles needed some sort of repair within the first year that I owned them. I guess my point is that you never know what you are getting into when buying used.

I like my 4 runner that i recently purchased a couple of months ago with 212k. So far it has gotten me where I needed to be without breaking down. Although it has had a lot of problems, I think I have plenty of new parts in there for it to last me about 2 years of trouble free driving (I have low standards). Personally, I rather have an older vehicle that takes me where I need to go, rather than spend a lot of money on a newer vehicle for the same purpose. Also, I can't find a 4x4 SUV/Truck with a diff locker and less than 70k, for anything in my price range.

Tacomas are just so expensive on the used market. I can't justify spending 18-21k on a truck with over 100k.

 

[weezykid]

To me, 162k is pretty low miles for that truck. I haven't owned a vehicle for more than 2 years (I have had about 16 vehicles so far) and every vehicle that I bought had some sort of problem under my ownership. For example, my 2003 Toyota Celica needed an O2 and cat shortly after I purchased it and my 2010 Toyota Tacoma with 60k needed new U-joints. I think 90% of my vehicles needed some sort of repair within the first year that I owned them. I guess my point is that you never know what you are getting into when buying used.

I like my 4 runner that i recently purchased a couple of months ago with 212k. So far it has gotten me where I needed to be without breaking down. Although it has had a lot of problems, I think I have plenty of new parts in there for it to last me about 2 years of trouble free driving (I have low standards). Personally, I rather have an older vehicle that takes me where I need to go, rather than spend a lot of money on a newer vehicle for the same purpose. Also, I can't find a 4x4 SUV/Truck with a diff locker and less than 70k, for anything in my price range.

Tacomas are just so expensive on the used market. I can't justify spending 18-21k on a truck with over 100k.

For me I guess it is not so much the mileage, as it is low for a 96. Longest i have had a car has been about 10 years, but that was a special purpose ride. This has been the longest i have kept a daily driver. I love the 4runner, but the thought of a newer vehicle and a double cab is what causes me to think about buying something.

And fully agreed on the price of used Tacomas! My brother was looking at a new one not long ago and they really hold their value! If you are buying one and can afford a year that is less than 5 years old, you are almost better off buying new. There is only a few thousand different in price. The one I am looking at I think I can get below book, which makes it an enticing deal.

 

[Collkid]

Depends on who you are as a person.

I try to avoid payments personally. Don't like the idea of being a slave to a car.

 

[AntleredRuin]

To me, 162k is pretty low miles for that truck. I haven't owned a vehicle for more than 2 years (I have had about 16 vehicles so far) and every vehicle that I bought had some sort of problem under my ownership. For example, my 2003 Toyota Celica needed an O2 and cat shortly after I purchased it and my 2010 Toyota Tacoma with 60k needed new U-joints. I think 90% of my vehicles needed some sort of repair within the first year that I owned them. I guess my point is that you never know what you are getting into when buying used.

Well, there is the mindset that things like that aren't even 'problems', so much as just basic maintenance. Original U-joints lasting only 60k IS a bit of a stretch, but they would have needed replacing soonish anyways (at a more 'acceptable' odometer reading)
02 sensors need replacing semi-regularly (interval depends on vehicle)anyways. I'll bet the cat converter died because the 02 sensor was reading wrong (broken) for a long time and caused the engine to clog it.

Correction on my earlier post: I need new u-joints (just started thunking slightly), but I don't consider it a 'repair'. I consider it simply a vehicle with 167k on original u-joints. Which is actually pretty good mileage for original u-joints.

You don't consider a timing belt every 90k or tires every 50-80k 'repairs', do you? Those are things that every vehicle needs, regardless or make or model. (some may have timing chains, but you get my point)
Every vehicle needs oil changes, tranny fluid changes, coolant changes, timing belt, tires, alignment, shocks and coils, u-joints, 02 sensors, spark plugs and wires, etc, etc, etc.

Those aren't 'repairs'. That's basic maintenance. All vehicles require maintenance. The fact that some of the maintenance only needs to happen every 50-100k doesn't mean that it's a repair. It simply means that the manufacturer (Toyota) designed their product well enough that a wear and tear item can last that long. Repairs can occur from neglecting basic maintenance, like the cat converter issue (not saying it's your fault), but again, that's any vehicle. That doesn't mean it's an unreliable vehicle.

That's why it's important to get maintenance history and factor that into your pricing, depending on mileage. If the PO just bought new tires before selling, that's one less thing you have to spend $500+ on after purchasing the vehicle. If you buy a 4Runner approaching 90k, 180k, 270k, etc, make sure the timing belt has been changed, or that's something extra that you have to pay for after you buy it. Sucks, but that's not a 'repair'. If you're past 100k, make sure the spark plugs and wires have been changed. etc etc etc

This is especially true if you don't keep any one vehicle for very long. If you keep buying used vehicles at 60k, you keep buying used vehicles with a whole slew of maintenance items that just came to maturity. A lot of items on a vehicle have a 60k interval period. That's a lot of 'repairs' after buying your 'reliable' Toyota. Not saying you're doing that, but just as an example.

We like our Toyotas and 4Runners for their reliability OUTSIDE of the basic maintenance spectrum. Generally, less things go wrong. And generally, the things that DO go wrong are irritating, but not catastrophic.

 

[tpham18nm]

Well, there is the mindset that things like that aren't even 'problems', so much as just basic maintenance. Original U-joints lasting only 60k IS a bit of a stretch, but they would have needed replacing soonish anyways (at a more 'acceptable' odometer reading)
02 sensors need replacing semi-regularly (interval depends on vehicle)anyways. I'll bet the cat converter died because the 02 sensor was reading wrong (broken) for a long time and caused the engine to clog it.

Correction on my earlier post: I need new u-joints (just started thunking slightly), but I don't consider it a 'repair'. I consider it simply a vehicle with 167k on original u-joints. Which is actually pretty good mileage for original u-joints.

You don't consider a timing belt every 90k or tires every 50-80k 'repairs', do you? Those are things that every vehicle needs, regardless or make or model. (some may have timing chains, but you get my point)
Every vehicle needs oil changes, tranny fluid changes, coolant changes, timing belt, tires, alignment, shocks and coils, u-joints, 02 sensors, spark plugs and wires, etc, etc, etc.

Those aren't 'repairs'. That's basic maintenance. All vehicles require maintenance. The fact that some of the maintenance only needs to happen every 50-100k doesn't mean that it's a repair. It simply means that the manufacturer (Toyota) designed their product well enough that a wear and tear item can last that long. Repairs can occur from neglecting basic maintenance, like the cat converter issue (not saying it's your fault), but again, that's any vehicle. That doesn't mean it's an unreliable vehicle.

That's why it's important to get maintenance history and factor that into your pricing, depending on mileage. If the PO just bought new tires before selling, that's one less thing you have to spend $500+ on after purchasing the vehicle. If you buy a 4Runner approaching 90k, 180k, 270k, etc, make sure the timing belt has been changed, or that's something extra that you have to pay for after you buy it. Suck, but that's not a 'repair'. If you're past 100k, make sure the spark plugs and wires have been changed. etc etc etc

This is especially true if you don't keep any one vehicle for very long. If you keep buying used vehicles at 60k, you keep buying used vehicles with a whole slew of maintenance items that just came to maturity. That's a lot of 'repairs' after buying your 'reliable' Toyota. Not saying you're doing that, but just as an example.

We like our Toyotas and 4Runners for their reliability OUTSIDE of the basic maintenance spectrum. Generally, less things go wrong. And generally, the things that DO go wrong are irritating, but not catastrophic.

I guess it is just the language that you are using. I think maintenance items usually include: oil, belts, timing belt, brakes, coolant services, tires, hoses, sparkplugs, wires, and hoses. However, I think sensors, fluid leaks, cats, are under the repair and replace category. I also think stuff associated with the CEL are considered to be repairs.

 

[weezykid]

Went to look at the Tacoma on saturday. Not worth it in my opinion. There had been some paint work on the front bumper and could not tell if it was a minor accident or paint chip fixes. Th flares looked to be repainted as well and wasnt a good job. Also, when pulling away from a stop there was a shutter. They seemed to feel it was the rear drive shaft needing a balance as they changed a ujoint. To me it felt like a tranny shutter. Needless to say I passed.

I am just going to hang onto the 4runner as I still love it.