Ex-Jeeper looking to become a T4R owner

[p nut]

I always like to buy used vehicles straight from the owner (meaning private seller). Mainly, because I can get a sense of how they cared for the vehicle. Plus, they are likely to have maintenance records. I bought my Tacoma from the original owner.

Anyway, just to add my 2 cents, Toyota does recommend changing the timing belt at 90k miles. I am going on 116k miles on mine and the belt still looks great. I'll probably end up changing it at 120 or 130k. I know, it's risk on my part, but it's a non-interf. motor and if it snaps, not that bad to change out. I'm not recommending anyone else go over Toyota's suggested change interval.

Also, usually, when the belt is changed out, they will put a sticker on the cover with the date and mileage. Look for that. And 140k miles is nothing on a Toyota. However, the price still needs to reflect the higher mileage, which I would say about $6500-$7k is what I would pick it up for. I would call them, make the offer, then wait to see if they call back. And keep in mind that 2001-2002 3rd Gen's did not come with e-lockers. You can always set up an ARB unit, but that's costly.


BTW, I also had a Jeep GC (ZJ 5.9). It was fun, but plagued with little problems.

 

[Justinlhc]

And 140k miles is nothing on a Toyota. However, the price still needs to reflect the higher mileage, which I would say about $6500-$7k is what I would pick it up for. I would call them, make the offer, then wait to see if they call back.

I know they run forever, but that's alot of miles to step into. If it were mine and I had it for a long time and put alot of those miles on it, then I wouldn't be so iffy about it. I'm not sure how flexible they're going to be and if I even want to negotiate. I've been watching this car lot and they're known to lower prices $1000 at a time when they see vehicles not selling. If they drop the price, maybe then I'll go in and make an offer. Until then I guess I'm just a poser.

They have a 94 4Runner for $5900. It's got a V6, 4WD and some lame rims/tires that don't belong on ANY 4WD vehicle. :bash: If it weren't for the rims and tires I might be interested, but I won't even drive that ugly thing looking like that. I know I can change the rims, but I'd be stuck driving it until then.

 

[p nut]

They have a 94 4Runner for $5900. It's got a V6, 4WD and some lame rims/tires that don't belong on ANY 4WD vehicle. :bash: If it weren't for the rims and tires I might be interested, but I won't even drive that ugly thing looking like that. I know I can change the rims, but I'd be stuck driving it until then.

NO!! Don't even venture into the 2nd Gen with V6's. Not worth it. They're not called 3.slow for no reason. The 3.0L V6's in them have had troubles with headgasket issues. I would stay away from them. Also, the factory lockers were not offered until the 3rd Gen or 1996.

Look for a 96-00 4Runner. Like I said above, I'd try to buy it privately instead of a dealer. From the original owner, if possible. Good luck with the search.

 

[Justinlhc]

NO!! Don't even venture into the 2nd Gen with V6's. Not worth it. They're not called 3.slow for no reason. The 3.0L V6's in them have had troubles with headgasket issues. I would stay away from them. Also, the factory lockers were not offered until the 3rd Gen or 1996.

Look for a 96-00 4Runner. Like I said above, I'd try to buy it privately instead of a dealer. From the original owner, if possible. Good luck with the search.

Really? A friend of mine has an 89 Toyota V6 with 300k miles and I KNOW he doesn't change the oil or take care of it. It just keeps running. I do like the body style of the ~99 4Runner much better. The dealership owns the 99 and the original owner has nothing to do with it.

I dunno, as clean as it is and the fact that there isn't a scratch or ding even on the underside should say something about how well it was taken care of.

It's strange that the Toyota dealership in the area doesn't have a selection of used Toyotas, let alone 4Runners.

 

[alaskaman]

Really? A friend of mine has an 89 Toyota V6 with 300k miles and I KNOW he doesn't change the oil or take care of it. It just keeps running. I do like the body style of the ~99 4Runner much better. The dealership owns the 99 and the original owner has nothing to do with it.

I dunno, as clean as it is and the fact that there isn't a scratch or ding even on the underside should say something about how well it was taken care of.

It's strange that the Toyota dealership in the area doesn't have a selection of used Toyotas, let alone 4Runners.

Are you close to Henderson NV or Phoenix? They have a ton of em.

 

[Justinlhc]

So I ended up buying a 93 T4R with 231k miles instead of the 99 with 140k lol. The good thing is this one is paid for at $1600. :bigok:

I'll be whoring up the 2gen forum from now on.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Cool man. Hope you enjoy it.