High Mileage 3rd Gen Questions!

[jaggirl71]

OK...
So ~ I'm in the process of shopping...and hopefully buying... a 3rd gen. Been looking for ages and right now debating between some lower mileage (130k) 98s and a sweet 2000 but with lotsa miles (230k).

I asked this question on my WTB thread but never got an answer so I'm throwing it out here to all you long-term owners....

1) Would you be nervous buying a 230k ( 200k+) 2000 4Runner?
2) What problems/issues should I anticipate/expect?
3) What have been your personal experiences once your 4Runners exceeded 200k?
4) If you personally had the option, would you go for the lower mileage truck with fewer features or higher mileage loaded?

Thanks for the input!

 

[spoiler900]

Me personally, i love features. I bought in january a 1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4X4. I was only interested in the limited because it comes with leather, power everything, automatic climate control (for the 99+), a button to lower the rear window on the keyless entry remote, and sooooo much more. Paid $5,000. It has 224K miles but its been dealer maintained and is close to immaculate in and out. You can get an SR5 with less miles like 150K for about the same price, but it depends if you like features such as leather and all that or you dont care.

 

[Jc12]

let us know some prices first.. then well be of more help :thanks:

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I'd go for the '98. These trucks are fine with high miles if maintained (sometimes high miles are better than low actually) but assuming both have been maintained well, go for the lower mileage one with less sh*t to break. My $0.02.

 

[kzak]

1) Would you be nervous buying a 230k ( 200k+) 2000 4Runner?

No (if it's in good condition)

2) What problems/issues should I anticipate/expect?

Depends on condition of vehicle and service history.

3) What have been your personal experiences once your 4Runners exceeded 200k?

I purchased mine with 220k. It had no service history, but it looked to be in good condition overall. It's been a champ for me so far. You will have to put money into it, but the same would go for a 150k mile 4Runner too. I spent about $1800 in the first year of ownership on repairs an maintenance. This includes everything, such as wiper blades, oil changes, struts, a timing belt (which I later found out didn't need to be replaced) etc. This figure is not bad considering I replaced items that won't need to be serviced for another 100k.

4) If you personally had the option, would you go for the lower mileage truck with fewer features or higher mileage loaded?

For me, this depends on the price. If it's a really good deal, go for it!

 

[J. B.]

Hey! I was going to reply in the FS thread, but my browser crashed.....

Anyway, here are my thoughts. (Keep in mind I just bought a 2000 SR5 manual trans 4x4 sport highlander with locker and supercharger with 212,000 mi. for $7k)

I wouldn't be overly concerned with the mileage on the truck. With a few major caveats it could serve you just as well as a similar year truck with only 100k miles.
The major caveats would be care and maintenance of the vehicle and how many components have been replaced over the years. If the truck has good records of fluid changes and component replacement and you get a good feeling then go for it. If the body, frame, and interior are in good shape and the truck is the specs you want then give it a good mechanical inspection and if it's decent give it a go!

PM me if you want more details on my thinking on my purchase.

Edit: I'll echo the PitBull by saying sometimes higher mileage is better than lower in the used car arena. The thinking is... I'd rather have someone else replace a lot of the parts first.

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

If both have been maintained very well then personally I would go for the 2000. I like the features that were offered in the 99 and new 4runners. Also remember just because one has lower miles doesn't mean they were taken care miles if that makes sense lol. Good luck!

 

[awdjunkies]

If both have been maintained very well then personally I would go for the 2000. I like the features that were offered in the 99 and new 4runners. Also remember just because one has lower miles doesn't mean they were taken care miles if that makes sense lol. Good luck!

^^ Correct, plus remember that the 99 and 2000 Limited 4runners came with AWD plus some also(Meaning, in addition to) came with a rear locking differential.

 

[mforce]

I went with ours and it has 168,000 miles on it. I agree. I like features but as long as it seems sound and the upkeep has been done well. With ours all the upkeep has been including the Tundra big brake upgrade. Go with the one that looks good for the best price and best maintenance.