First time buyer...

[DETarch]

First post here, new to 4Runners and looking at purchasing one in the near future. Basically I've got a few questions and I'm looking for any advice you guys might have.

It's a 2002 SR5 2wd with only 52,000 miles, originally from Florida (senior owner). Brand new tires and brakes and he's asking $10k. I'm pretty sure I can talk him down to $9k or cheaper. Does that sound like a fair price?

Also, are there any common repairs/problem areas/general issues that I should look for? I'm having my mechanic take a look at it next week and the carfax checks out. It drives great, has a clear title and appears to be in generally good condition. The interior needs a detail pretty badly, but no stains or damage.

Thanks, it's a great site here with tons of valuable info.

 

[alaskaman]

i know very few seniors who trick out a 2002 with side step bars (those are not original). that said the mileage is excellent if it is clean inside probably the odometer is accurate.

typically if it is has been maintained it may be an excellent value. if you don't think that you will need 4WD the 2WD model is good on gas about 21 highway 17 city. It is the last model year of the 3rd generation which is well thought off and some prefer that generation to the 4th. I would take it to the local Toyota dealer for a once over and to make sure that the owner was not a kid who is getting granny to sell his 4Runner. (It happens)

 

[J-money$$$]

i think its a fair price if you get him down around 9.

and as for the cab steps i think those look seniorish.

i am 18 and i would never hve cab steps. but maybe thats just me

good luck and hopefully you will be enjoying what all of us on this forum enjoy....
the t4r

 

[alaskaman]

i think its a fair price if you get him down around 9.

and as for the cab steps i think those look seniorish.

i am 18 and i would never hve cab steps. but maybe thats just me

good luck and hopefully you will be enjoying what all of us on this forum enjoy....
the t4r

maybe I am getting older and can't see but those look like tube steps available on the 4Runner Sport 07-08

 

[DETarch]

The steps are aftermarket, but I can't recall what brand exactly. I actually don't mind how they look, but if I get it, they'll probably come off because there is some surface rust starting to form on them.

Does anyone drive a 2wd in winter conditions? I live in Detroit and the roads aren't typically too bad, but there are always a few days that we get a good amount of snow. I drove a 2wd S10 in high school for awhile, so I think I can deal with it.

Plus I have a 6 mile round trip commute to work everyday

 

[Nuke]

No offense but I lived in the Detroit area for a number of years and I wouldn't waste my money on a 2WD. Toyotas are excellent vehicles but where you are a 4WD is a big plus. Wanna buy my '00 SR5? LOL!

 

[racedirt1]

Buy it. 52k on a 4Runner is nothing. Although it is 2wdSo Gay

 

[DETarch]

Ha, I'd prefer 4wd, but I've been looking for a 3rd gen FOREVER and I've never found one with low miles or generally in as good of condition.

I have a really short commute and I just need the room of an SUV for work.

 

[Nuke]

Being new to Toyotas, you evidently don't know that mileage shouldn't be an issue. Hopefully you haven't passed up some early/mid-life Toyotas at 100,000 to 150,000 miles. I don't even BEGIN to think of selling a Toyota before 200,000 miles.

 

[blk runner00]

looks pretty good. i would loose the steps and keep the tint but other than that sounds good if you can get it for $9ish. plus senoirs arnt normally all that hard on cars-trucks.

 

[J-money$$$]

Being new to Toyotas, you evidently don't know that mileage shouldn't be an issue. Hopefully you haven't passed up some early/mid-life Toyotas at 100,000 to 150,000 miles. I don't even BEGIN to think of selling a Toyota before 200,000 miles.

I agree with nuke. My 4runner has 195000 miles on it and it runs great. And 200000 is nothing. I wouldn't sell it even if the engine gave. I would replace it.

 

[Rylee08]

I'm looking at buying a 98 4runner 4wd 3.4L , and I have 2 to choose from. There is a manual with 160k miles and an auto with 100k miles. The manual feel like it has more power 0-60, and is $2k cheaper... Don't think there are any problems, but want to get opinions on problem areas before I buy anything.

 

[jspagna1]

No offense but I lived in the Detroit area for a number of years and I wouldn't waste my money on a 2WD. Toyotas are excellent vehicles but where you are a 4WD is a big plus.

+1

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I'm looking at buying a 98 4runner 4wd 3.4L , and I have 2 to choose from. There is a manual with 160k miles and an auto with 100k miles. The manual feel like it has more power 0-60, and is $2k cheaper... Don't think there are any problems, but want to get opinions on problem areas before I buy anything.

Manuals always feel like they have more power.

I would go with the auto just because of the big difference in miles. That's assuming price isn't an option and they are both in the same shape.

Make sure the auto has had the timing belt changed.

 

[Rylee08]

Manual $6,000 USD

Auto $7,600 USD

Rear passenger door on Auto doesn't close properly, and Ext/Int has a lot more scratching on them. Also has more rub marks on the undercarriage.

One other thing, the badging on the rear is opposite on the two models ("Toyota" Drivers side on black, Passenger on green) why is this?

Is the price ok or should I keep looking?

 

[808TRDRunner]

Ha, I'd prefer 4wd, but I've been looking for a 3rd gen FOREVER and I've never found one with low miles or generally in as good of condition.

I have a really short commute and I just need the room of an SUV for work.

Then don't **** around and just buy the Runner. I was looking for a long time until I found mine. Made a good offer and the guy took it.

 

[Rylee08]

Hi, would really like some thoughts on problem areas to look out for.
I am leaning towards the manual, not to worried about the extra miles, as the ride feels better and doesn't have any road noise.

Rear seals look great on both.
Manual on new 265/70/R16, other on LT 245/75/R16.
Both have minor cracking on front bumper, passenger side.

The drivers side corners are rusting out of both rear bumpers. Is this a common thing?

Also posted some pics.
Thanks for any info.

 

[808TRDRunner]

Hi, would really like some thoughts on problem areas to look out for.
I am leaning towards the manual, not to worried about the extra miles, as the ride feels better and doesn't have any road noise.

Rear seals look great on both.
Manual on new 265/70/R16, other on LT 245/75/R16.
Both have minor cracking on front bumper, passenger side.

The drivers side corners are rusting out of both rear bumpers. Is this a common thing?

Also posted some pics.
Thanks for any info.

Once rust starts, it never stops. I would suggest you have the prospective vehicles checked out by a licensed mechanic. Also have them pull the tail light to find out the extent of the rust.

 

[Rylee08]

Rust is not really on the body, just in the bottom corner of the bumper itself.

 

[808TRDRunner]

Rust is not really on the body, just in the bottom corner of the bumper itself.

Then that stuff is replaceable. I've seen replacements for cheap on eBay. Not sure about the quality of the chrome plating, though.

I've seen them rusting out here as well. It looks like the bottom of the bumper serves as a trap for all the road gunk to pile up and hold in moisture. thus, causing them to rust out. On the new ones, you can coat them in POR15 and that should seal the bumper pretty good.