Buying my first 4runner.. please check this one out for me!!

[JimmySox]

Hello everybody :] I am in the process of buying my first 4runner, and may be heading across town to look at one tomorrow. Check out the vehicle and all of the details and tell me what you think! It's not a 4x4, but I think it will be a great one to get into and see how I like them, and move up from there. Would love your input! 1998 Limited 4x2 with 195,000. Asking is around $4800. Here is the link...

Photo View

 

[WHORERUNNER]

seems high priced, the passenger running boards looks kinked. check underbody for rust and check to see wht that running board got kinked. Check tbelt and h2o pump. $3,000 tops.

 

[Azzy]

It looks nice, but looks alone at a dealer can be misleading. I'd at a minimum ask for the Carfax to see where it's been and see if the dealer will let you take it to a shop for an inspection.

I just bought a 98 SR5 with 185k from my cousin for about 4k, the body doesn't look quite as nice as this one, more dents and scratches, but I still took it to a mechanic. Not that I don't trust family, just know they can see things that might pop up to bite me in the butt down the road.

Good Luck.

 

[JimmySox]

Thanks for such quick responses! A couple of things I was wondering.. Are the 4x2's still ok for very light trail rides, and getting up dry trails for fishing, hunting etc? Not too familiar with the world of 4 wheel drive. Just getting into it.

Also, how would I check the timing belt and pump with a visible inspection? any tips?

 

[Geolander]

Thanks for such quick responses! A couple of things I was wondering.. Are the 4x2's still ok for very light trail rides, and getting up dry trails for fishing, hunting etc? Not too familiar with the world of 4 wheel drive. Just getting into it.

Also, how would I check the timing belt and pump with a visible inspection? any tips?

You can do light trail riding in 2wd, but you may be in trouble if you come across any ledges, deep(ish) mud, large areas of soft sand, or steep, narrow ditches - basically any place where you're likely to lose traction on one, if not both, of your rear wheels. If you're just talking about dirt roads with a few rocks and ruts, you should be fine.

You can't really check the timing belt and water pump yourself, but if you take it to a mechanic (I would), you can ask if they'll look. It's a little more involved than just sticking your head in the engine compartment.

 

[TN_Soljah808]

Thanks for such quick responses! A couple of things I was wondering.. Are the 4x2's still ok for very light trail rides, and getting up dry trails for fishing, hunting etc? Not too familiar with the world of 4 wheel drive. Just getting into it.

Also, how would I check the timing belt and pump with a visible inspection? any tips?

My opinion would not to buy this 4Runner. previously stated running board looks messed up. There is only one window visor. Dealer should have pulled it off for pictures.

Also you're not sure if you will need for 4WD. You need to be sure you won't regret not having it down the road.

I paid $1700 more for mine and it came with 4WD and less miles. Only thing wrong is that it is rusted!

Let us know what you decide. And post up what state your in. AL?

 

[JimmySox]

Thanks for the help!

Thanks for the responses everyone! I was just thinking that this morning about regretting it not being 4wd. The patience is killing me, but as they say it's a virtue. This one probably wont even be worth the 45 minute drive. Even if they are fun to look at right now.