Engine problems common???

[elemint]

I am looking at getting a 97 4runner but came accross this on the msn site concerning the 97' and 98'.

Engine: Significant Problems
Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor and the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). Failure of the MAF Sensor and the TPS can cause a drivability problem or the check engine light to illuminate. On some vehicles the MAF Sensor can be cleaned and will not need to be replaced. The cost to replace the MAF Sensor is estimated at $567.48 for parts and $58.50 for labor. The cost to repair the TPS is estimated at $54.07 for parts and $39.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

Anyone have these problems? Should I be shy away from these years?

Thanks

 

[JPMORGN98]

Throttle Positioning Sensor

My Throttle Positioning Sensor went on my 98 in October.

You'll know something is wrong - trust me. The vehicle ran horribly on my way home from work one day. Right after I started it up it reacted as though it wasn't getting fuel. I thought for sure it was the fuel pump.

Took it to the shop the next morning. Unfortunately it took about 2 days to diagnose because the engine light didn't turn on until my mechanic drove it about 4 different times. Once the light came on - it showed the TPS message on diagnostics.

I agree with the price estimates. I live in Pittsburgh suburbs and cost to me was 75.00 for the TPS and about the same for labor and diagnostics.

 

[JPMORGN98]

forgot something

Now, mind you - I have 182,000 on my 98.

 

[lee]

MAF is usually cured by cleaning it, not replacing it as they said.. so thats really cheap and can be done by you.

TPS is common as well yes but as said above doesnt happen for quite a lot of miles.

dont steer clear, these affect all yrs and are not significant problems.

 

[elemint]

Thanks! Just wondering, 100k miles on these trucks sounds like 40k on other vehicles. Our ford taurus wagon has 144k on it but every day could be the last on that thing.