High mileage 99 Limited: reliability?

[3rdGENrunner]

I just bought a '99 with 135k mi on it no more than a month ago. The only thing I've hadd to replace was the idle control valve (an electronic verrsion of an idle screw) for $438.19 from the stealership. Other than that it runs like a dream. It could use some shocks, but it really does depend on how well it was maintaned I've seen cars in worse shape at 60k than another that was cared for at 160k

 

[TJrock1414]

Just adding in here

My '99 4runner limited has 384k miles on it and still has no check engine light or issues. It has a little bit of rust, but it is still in good condition.

 

[marcus clarkus]

Damn this thread is 13 years old!

It's pretty awesome that a comparable 4Runner to what OP described ('99 Limited, good body, 170k miles) still sells at a dealer for about the same price as it did back in 2004!

 

[cooker]

I bought a '96 limited 3.4 4x4 5 weeks ago with 158K. 1st thing is check frame for rust. 2nd check lower ball joints. See if the dealer has maintenance records so you know when the timing belt was done (the 3.4 is a non-interference engine so if the belt goes, you only need a tow vs an engine). Check what everyone else mentioned too.

My vehicle was stored in a garage at a vacation home the last 14 years and only driven about 2K miles a year. I had to put new tires/alignment on it as they were 15 years old. Did plugs, wires, cleaned MAF/TB and I'm getting 18+ mpg in mixed driving. Paid $1600 private owner. You should be able to negotiate to <$8k. (I also bought a '01 SR5 with 123K for $5800 5 years ago private owner) The dealer has a LOT of room to move on price IMHO. Don't be afraid to walk away if he can't answer service questions or is stubborn on price!

good luck!

 

[O2RunnerSR5]

I bought a '96 limited 3.4 4x4 5 weeks ago with 158K. 1st thing is check frame for rust. 2nd check lower ball joints. See if the dealer has maintenance records so you know when the timing belt was done (the 3.4 is a non-interference engine so if the belt goes, you only need a tow vs an engine). Check what everyone else mentioned too.



My vehicle was stored in a garage at a vacation home the last 14 years and only driven about 2K miles a year. I had to put new tires/alignment on it as they were 15 years old. Did plugs, wires, cleaned MAF/TB and I'm getting 18+ mpg in mixed driving. Paid $1600 private owner. You should be able to negotiate to <$8k. (I also bought a '01 SR5 with 123K for $5800 5 years ago private owner) The dealer has a LOT of room to move on price IMHO. Don't be afraid to walk away if he can't answer service questions or is stubborn on price!



good luck!

His post was from 2004 man.


2001 SR5 4x4 Premium
2017 SR5 4x4 Premium

 

[T4R2014]

170k is alot for a 99 but it's really anyones guess as to how many miles are left in it and what other parts will need to be replaced.

You do realize you can buy a Ford Explorer, depending on options and mileage running about 30-60k thats about 3 years old for 13k but then again a Limited 99 with 30-60 k runs about 25k:goinposta

This advice hasn't aged well.

 

[broncosi]

My 98' ran to around 320k with basic oil changes, etc before I sold it to a mechanic friend.

 

[DAWG NATION]

LOL... Was almost going to say something before I noticed that this thread is 16 Years Old...

 

[hrw59]

99 4runner

Could use some advice, thinking about buying the 4runner in this link and would like to have some advice/suggestions if it is worth buying, would be my first 4runner currently have a 2004 expedition with 305000 miles all original and plan on keeping for daily driver to work and back ( 30 miles roundtrip) would use the Toyota for weekends and trips, not sure if a 99 with these miles is a good bet, any input would be appreciated
here is the link

1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited V6 4WD Automatic For Sale in Houston, TX - TrueCar

Thanks and yes I'm in Houston so no shipping is needed

 

[2wdguy]

that price is very high , just my .02

 

[HiLife]

$15k is high for that clean rig. Can you get ahold of any service records?
Pros: trd supercharged, arb bumper w/winch, trd boost gauge
Cons: Missing gold toyota logo and gold limited on rear hatch, Emblems on rear hatch misplaced, maybe hatch was painted. Center wood trim radio surround is cracked, going to really tough getting a replacement.

7th injector would be good. And find out what kind of lift it has.

 

[abeggin]

Now im worried....

Not trying to jack the thread. I picked up an 02 4runner with 248,000 miles (highway trips for construction) for 4k. Owner said it was well maintained and it did seem VERY clean. only after driving it away did the check engine light come back on. Previous owner said he had it fixed recently but had previously driven it for years with the lights because he was inept at maintenance. Only upon closer inspection did I see the timing was last changed at 90k, power steering seems to be leaking now, head gaskets look like they need changed, sway bar links were snapped...... Did I get hooked???

 

[cl4Rk]

Not trying to jack the thread. I picked up an 02 4runner with 248,000 miles (highway trips for construction) for 4k. Owner said it was well maintained and it did seem VERY clean. only after driving it away did the check engine light come back on. Previous owner said he had it fixed recently but had previously driven it for years with the lights because he was inept at maintenance. Only upon closer inspection did I see the timing was last changed at 90k, power steering seems to be leaking now, head gaskets look like they need changed, sway bar links were snapped...... Did I get hooked???

Maybe, maybe not.
Need a lot more information, and photos.

- What diagnostic trouble codes are you seeing?
- Where is the power steering leaking from?
- Sway bar end links are pretty cheap and easy to replace.
- Timing (and water pump) needs to be done.
- Lower ball joints need to be done for sure (and bolts, OEM parts only).
- If it's an automatic transmission, you need to either replace the radiator or add an external ATF cooler and bypass the radiator.
- Head gaskets? Are you talking about the valve cover gaskets? Yes, those probably need to be done too.
- Any frame rust? Especially on the inboard side of the rear lower trailing arm mounts.
- What do all your various fluids look/smell like?

At this mileage, these trucks can be reliable, but it sounds like the previous owner didn't take care of this truck (besides cosmetically), and you bought in at a time in the truck's life when you'll need to address all deferred maintenance items pretty much right away.

In my opinion, if you want to keep this truck, it's time to spend some serious hours reading this forum, grab some tools, and watch [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION]'s DIY repair and maintenance videos: Timmy The Toolman - YouTube

- Start here: 3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
- And here: 3rd Gen Informational Threads --- A MUST READ For New Members
- And here: 3rd Gen T4R DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

Welcome to the forum, and best of luck!!

 

[abeggin]

WOW what a great forum, TONS of info available!! Thanks for such an awesome response too. Ive got it scheduled with a local garage to have timing and water pump replaced. Previous owner had O2 sensor replaced but after disconnecting the battery for an engine bay cleaning (trying to find leak sources) the codes disappeared. Power steering looks like its coming off the rack and pinon. Valve cover gaskets will be done during the timing job. I replaced the sway bar links already. Havent noticed any significant rusting anywhere. Radiator appears to of been replaced (Not sure when) and yes im also going to do a full fluids flush and refill. Trying to bring this beauty back to life and enjoy another 250,000 miles! Glad to be apart of this forum. Lower ball joints were on my radar as well. Hopefully my wife doesnt come unglued :hiding: