Help in buying my next T4R

[Chaser999]

Looking into buying my next 4runner. Previously had a 1999 4runner 4cyl. but due to leaving for college and not needing a car i sold it. Now half way through my first semester im back into looking for my next 4runner for my soph. year. I stumbled upon a 98 with 150K miles on it. 4x4, no locker, sunroof, looks in good condition. Seller hasn't specified about the water pump or timing belt but im waiting for a response. Is there anything else i should ask about? I may go out and drive it next weekend so anything you think i should look for in person would be greatly appreciated.

The seller is asking 5k so i think its a good deal. I'm not that scared about the miles because my last one i sold with 175k and it still ran strong.

Thanks in advance,
-Chase

 

[trailmix]

doesnt sound like a bad price if its what youre looking for. I just bought a 97 limited 4x4 with e-locker and 140k for $5700

 

[Chaser999]

Yea thats not bad, my plans are to use it as my DD untill i graduate. Then the fun will start :wink2:

 

[rjaudi]

The price seems good. I would look for any rust issues when you go look at it. A little bit is normal, but major rust will only cause problems down the road. If he doesnt know about the timing belt use it as a negotiating point.

 

[Chaser999]

Yea thats a good call, i think i've seen the number 350-450 to get that replaced while looking through the forums. I was hoping to get the truck for around 4500. That will leave 500 bucks for me to play around with, unless i have to replace the timing belt.

Also as another question, do the 98's tend to sit higher? The truck seems to sit high for stock. Here is the link below if you want to check it out, thanks.

Details of Used 1998 Toyota 4Runner, Leesburg, VA - Yahoo! Autos

 

[blcktpgsr]

Also as another question, do the 98's tend to sit higher? The truck seems to sit high for stock. Here is the link below if you want to check it out, thanks.

99's are the tallest of the the 3rd gens. they have 9 coil winds compare to 8 on the 98's. They seem to be stock height in photos but in any case, at least you don't have to worry about rear sag. Truck looks clean and it sounds fairly priced...Ask for the vehicles status and origin and go from there.

 

[Chaser999]

I talked to the guy on the phone today, and he said he had no clue about the timing belt and he told me to look on the carfax for that information. There is no evidence about that on the carfax and i found that odd he would refer me to that. He also told me the industry standard that lots of people were interested because it was a one owner truck.

I'm kinda torn about what to do. Its a three hour drive from my house to look at it, but it seems to be a great deal nonetheless. Do you guys think its worth the drive out?