Good deal on this '00?

[RonMAIDEN]

While the '98 has some goodies I'd still go with the '99 since it the long run you won't regret it. Newer (and lower mileage) is better in this case.

I had a nice '97 but the cupholders and a few other lack of conveniences bothered me and once I had my '99 I sold the '97 I never looked back.

 

[GatorGreg]

Thanks guys, actually the silver one is a '00 not a '99. It's a tough choice. One has 5 spd, one has leather. One has upgraded cupholders, one has em stuck in the dash

 

[neliconcept]

get the 98 and do the cupholder mod if you really want that 5 speed.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Multiple power outlets,much improved headlamps and no need to spend the time and money for the cupholders and heated outside mirrors....get the '00................get the '00.............get the '00. :


I am actually a manual tranny guy and it's a must on a sports car but I've found my auto (my first) nice in stop and go traffic and it's a bit easier rock crawling with it but maybe I'm getting old too.

5speeds will get the better MPGs tho'.

 

[GatorGreg]

Just got a relatively clean carfax on the blue '98, but it seems a little fishy.

Looks like it spent it's entire life up in northeastern Mass and southeastern New Hampshire. Says it was sold originally in 2/98 at Jaffarian Toyota in Haverhill, MA, and first registered by owner 1 as a leased vehicle in westborough, MA. Then in April 01 shows it was sold at an auto auction with 46,000 miles in new england and was listed as a repossessed vehicle Then it says title or registration issued to owner number 2 reported on 5/4/01, then dealer inventory vehicle offered for sale in Salem , NH on 5/21/01.

From that point until 10/03 82,000 miles it shows it being regularly serviced at Jaffarian Toyota and passing inspections.

Then on 6/04 says registration issued new owner number 3 reported in Methuen, MA, passing inspection.

Last entry says 8/8/06 118,197 miles auto auction sold at auction in new england region listed as a dealer vehicle.

So it looks like it was a leased vehicle that got repossessed, then used as a dealer vehicle by Jaffarian Toyota for a couple years? Trying to figure out how the heck it ended up at a used car lot here in Fla.

 

[Thai]

I would get the '00 4runner. I think that there are at least one TSB for '98 4runners...something about the rear suspension.

One thing to consider...driving a manual off-road is different than in your sports car. Many beginners ride the clutch like crazy! Therefore, most beginning off-roaders do better with an automatic.

What i really don't like about the '98 is that it has mud-terrains. Although this is a good thing under other circumstances, it may mean that the '98 was taken off-road frequently...thus, chance of abuse-->problems down the road?? I doubt that a grandmother or even a non-off-roading car salesman would put on BFG MTs on a 4runner because of high noise level (well-known for BFG MTs) and worse ride comfort (likely oversized 265/75/16). The only people who would put these BFG MTs are off-roaders...and that is not always a good thing when you're buying it second-hand.

Good luck.

 

[GatorGreg]

I would get the '00 4runner. I think that there are at least one TSB for '98 4runners...something about the rear suspension.

One thing to consider...driving a manual off-road is different than in your sports car. Many beginners ride the clutch like crazy! Therefore, most beginning off-roaders do better with an automatic.

What i really don't like about the '98 is that it has mud-terrains. Although this is a good thing under other circumstances, it may mean that the '98 was taken off-road frequently...thus, chance of abuse-->problems down the road?? I doubt that a grandmother or even a non-off-roading car salesman would put on BFG MTs on a 4runner because of high noise level (well-known for BFG MTs) and worse ride comfort (likely oversized 265/75/16). The only people who would put these BFG MTs are off-roaders...and that is not always a good thing when you're buying it second-hand.

Good luck.

Thanks Thai, but despite your advice I'm leaning towards the '98 right now - blue is my favorite color and this 4Runner looks awesome in person. It's got the same 4WD and safety systems as the '00, and I can live without the updated cupholders and headlghts, etc. Plus it's got leather and the better stereo. Since it's an auto tranny Mrs. GG will also be able to drive it on occassion - which on second thought might be a BAD thing

I share your concerns though about off-road abuse so I'm having it looked at by a Toyota mechanic tomorrow to make sure there's nothiing ready to fall apart. I'm hoping it was owned by a grandma who just wanted to be prepared for snowy mountain driving up in New Hampshire

 

[Thai]

The tires are BFG MTs, right?? How did you like them when you testdrove??

 

[GatorGreg]

The tires are BFG MTs, right?? How did you like them when you testdrove??

I'm pretty sure they were but I'm gonna double check tonight. Test drive was great - I didn't notice all that much noise but then again I'm used to driving a convertible everyday so noisy rides don't bother me.

Here are some more pics of the blue one from the dealer's ad:

 

[RonMAIDEN]

:cursin:

You will regret the cupholders...............everybody does when that first coffee goes flyin' off the dash.

Ok,if your going to get the '98 and look for VIN stickers on doors,hood and other removeable body parts since that'll tell if it's never been wrecked just incase the carfax isn't showing something.

 

[GatorGreg]

I've ruled out the blue one, Toyota mechanic says it has lots of problems: leaking valve covers, faulty oxygen sensor, the list goes on and on

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Good thing you had it looked at real good since Thai called it when he said it could be abused a bit and it's a shame cause on the outside it looked nice.

So,is the '00 the keeper?

 

[Thai]

I've ruled out the blue one, Toyota mechanic says it has lots of problems: leaking valve covers, faulty oxygen sensor, the list goes on and on

I think that this is where you Americans say..."I told you so..."

 

[GatorGreg]

I think that this is where you Americans say..."I told you so..."

Yep, should have just listened to Thai Gonna check out this '00 Limited 4x4 tonight and I think it has the locker switch, salesman was clueless but I think I see it in the second photo in their ad HERE Much more then I had budgeted though

 

[Thai]

Yep, should have just listened to Thai Gonna check out this '00 Limited 4x4 tonight and I think it has the locker switch, salesman was clueless but I think I see it in the second photo in their ad HERE Much more then I had budgeted though

GET IT!!!! That's a rare 4runner...limited with rear locker!! And it has highway tires too...a very good sign!!:

 

[Thai]

GG, where are you with this?? Any closer to getting the Limited '00??

 

[GatorGreg]

Here's some pics of the limited

 

[GatorGreg]

limited pic 2

 

[GatorGreg]

limited pic 3

 

[GatorGreg]

limited pic 4