Found an Anthracite Metallic 5-speed 2.7L/4 cyl 4WD 1997 SR5!!

[farmerjon]

Today, I found an Anthracite Metallic 1997 Base for sale locally. I'd like to get this for my little brother - he might be my first convert

EDIT: I thought it was a base, but then COB reminded me that the 2.7L/V4 doesn't come in the SR5 trim.

Here's what I know about it:

• 1997 Base
• Anthracite Metallic
• 5-speed manual
• 2.7L & 4 cylinder
• Almost no rust underneath (some VERY light surface rust on some parts, but almost the entire undercarriage seems to show original paint and no rust.
• Body seems really good, no dents or anything obvious to a quick glance. I know there looks like a dent in the front corner in the picture, but that is the street and snow).
• 195,600 miles
• 4WD
• Aftermarket stereo, though I forgot to look in the back for subs. None of that really matters though, to me anyhow.

The guy is asking $3,250. This seems high, even the KBB prices don't come up that high, unless it is in MINT condition. The interior seems clean and really nice. Tan interior.

Questions:

• Any concerns with the 3RZ-FE 2.7L/ V4 engine? (as opposed to the 3.4L V6 5VZ-FE)
• I know miles aren't a huge issue for these 4Runners - not really any concerns there
• Timing belt doesn't need work, since the these engines use a chain, right?
• Is it really worth this price? NADA lists for around $2.8K...

Still need to test drive, will probably do that on Tuesday when we're back in town.

Picture! (my picture, with my Quantum, it's snowing again here)

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I live in Socal, so surely the prices are different. I'd pay $3,200 for a 4 banger. A 5 speed 4x4? Hell yeah.

timing chain, yes. The inline 4 is a stout motor, arguably moreso than the 5VZ. The typical issues: exhaust manifolds like to crack. Replace with either 2000+ 2.7 factory exhaust manifold (mini header) or with performance header.

Valve adjustment is a good idea too. I'm at 211k, supercharged at 190k, runs like a top.

 

[farmerjon]

I live in Socal, so surely the prices are different. I'd pay $3,200 for a 4 banger. A 5 speed 4x4? Hell yeah.

timing chain, yes. The inline 4 is a stout motor, arguably moreso than the 5VZ. The typical issues: exhaust manifolds like to crack. Replace with either 2000+ 2.7 factory exhaust manifold (mini header) or with performance header.

Valve adjustment is a good idea too. I'm at 211k, supercharged at 190k, runs like a top.

Knowing that you had a 4R with the same engine, I was curious if you would write... Thanks a lot, COB, for the info!

What you said is the reason I haven't taken the KBB/NADA prices very seriously, because I know the 4R prices don't really reflect that. Considering what I paid for my '98, this seems cheap.

Sounds like this 3VZ is just as good or better than the 5VZ... That's good to hear, I wanted to make sure it was as bulletproof as the 5VZ.

Thanks again COB!

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

Yeah I would buy it, offer him $2750.00 FWIW I just paid $4500 for my 97 with 218k on the clock V6 5speed w/diff lock 1 owner

 

[Stockwell45]

Get it!! If you have the money ready to go, might as well buy it, you can always sell it later quick because that's a highly sought after combo.

BTW, SR5's came standard with the 3.4, so that's a base.

 

[farmerjon]

Get it!! If you have the money ready to go, might as well buy it, you can always sell it later quick because that's a highly sought after combo.

BTW, SR5's came standard with the 3.4, so that's a base.

Hey Matt! I'm wondering why it has the glue then where an SR5 badge would be. But yeah, it is probably a base, that did cross my mind, when I was looking at it.

 

[Stockwell45]

Hey Matt! I'm wondering why it has the glue then where an SR5 badge would be. But yeah, it is probably a base, that did cross my mind, when I was looking at it.

That is odd, who knows. I like that 4runner though, although I am biased towards anthracites!

 

[Yoter]

Its really hard to tell from pictures, but it looks to me as though it may have been in a front end collision.
The front fenders seem to be a slightly darker shade of Anthracite that together with the front bumper being chrome (I believe all the 4 bangers had grey bumpers) it also doesn't match the grey grill and rear bumper. I would give it a close look for hidden damage to the radiator support/bumper mounts.
As everyone else has said the 3rz's are very solid and that could be a great find. Although the price would be good here in california I would also recommend offering him something closer to 2700.

 

[02SE]

Hey Matt! I'm wondering why it has the glue then where an SR5 badge would be. But yeah, it is probably a base, that did cross my mind, when I was looking at it.

Some Dealers slap a tacky dealer name badge on the vehicles they sell. I'm guessing that is what was there.

 

[farmerjon]

Its really hard to tell from pictures, but it looks to me as though it may have been in a front end collision.
The front fenders seem to be a slightly darker shade of Anthracite that together with the front bumper being chrome (I believe all the 4 bangers had grey bumpers) it also doesn't match the grey grill and rear bumper. I would give it a close look for hidden damage to the radiator support/bumper mounts.
As everyone else has said the 3rz's are very solid and that could be a great find. Although the price would be good here in california I would also recommend offering him something closer to 2700.

Thanks for the reply, Yoter! I can't quite tell in the pictures whether or not it matches, I will have to look really closely next time I see it in person. I can't remember (I had very little time to look at it at the time) if the rear bumper was chrome or grey, but the photo seems to reflect grey. I'll definitely be looking it over with a fine toothed comb. There are no leaks or anything like that underneath, its quite clean.

Thanks again!

 

[farmerjon]

Some updates, called the guy today.

Its really hard to tell from pictures, but it looks to me as though it may have been in a front end collision.
The front fenders seem to be a slightly darker shade of Anthracite that together with the front bumper being chrome (I believe all the 4 bangers had grey bumpers) it also doesn't match the grey grill and rear bumper. I would give it a close look for hidden damage to the radiator support/bumper mounts.
As everyone else has said the 3rz's are very solid and that could be a great find. Although the price would be good here in california I would also recommend offering him something closer to 2700.

Turns out... it was a driver's side deer collision. So the bumper is from a junkyard, it has replacement fender, hood, radiator, as well as the aforementioned bumper. Explains why the corner lights and the headlight doesn't match up perfectly.

It also had it's tumbler replaced, so different keys for entry and starting.

Branded title... and gets 25 MPG.

Hope to test drive it soon.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

Some updates, called the guy today.



Turns out... it was a driver's side deer collision. So the bumper is from a junkyard, it has replacement fender, hood, radiator, as well as the aforementioned bumper. Explains why the corner lights and the headlight doesn't match up perfectly.

It also had it's tumbler replaced, so different keys for entry and starting.

Branded title... and gets 25 MPG.

Hope to test drive it soon.

Yeah I would still buy it for $2750 knowing all that. I hope it all works out for you I love that color.

 

[FrankM23]

I honestly don't think that's a bad deal if it's in decent shape. I have a 3rz 4runner as well and just finished converting mine to 4wd and love it! Things to definitely look for:

4.56 gear ratio. This was the lowest gear ratio offered on 3rd gens and it only came on 4 cylinder 3rd gens( also extremely rare to find). Judging by the picture you posted, that looks like the premium base model and that's usually what they came in so I'd definitely check that out. If it still has the 265/70's on, when you test drive it, it should be revving at 3000 when going 70. I can honestly say though my favorite thing about this motor is that you can regear super low. 35's and 5.29's for this motor and you still get stock rpms on the freeway.

Like COB said, immediately trash that exhaust manifold and get an LCE header, they're pricey and if you're not willing then just get the stock two piece tacoma header. If you're honestly contemplating buying this then I'd go visit ttora. A lot of the tacoma guys have the 3rz motor and could give you more input.

 

[FrankM23]

Its really hard to tell from pictures, but it looks to me as though it may have been in a front end collision.
The front fenders seem to be a slightly darker shade of Anthracite that together with the front bumper being chrome (I believe all the 4 bangers had grey bumpers) it also doesn't match the grey grill and rear bumper. I would give it a close look for hidden damage to the radiator support/bumper mounts.
As everyone else has said the 3rz's are very solid and that could be a great find. Although the price would be good here in california I would also recommend offering him something closer to 2700.

Not all 4 bangers had grey bumpers. Mine was chrome, I've seen a few chrome actually. Not modded either just stock. You see them more on Desert Dune Metallic 4 bangers

 

[blizz86]

Let us know how it is. As much as i appreciate our white, the anthracite just has something to love about it.