High Mileage Question

Renegades

Renegades

New member
Right now im in the market for a good 4runner and came across an ad in the local paper:

There is a 1997 4runner SR5 4x4 123k miles with a V6, 5 speed, ugraded sound system, sun roof, tow package and many other accessories going for $9700. The seller said it is garage kept and regular maintinence has been done.

My question now is will i have any problems to worry about with the mileage it has currently? How do 4runners do as far as reliability once they get over 100k+ miles on them? Does this specific year have any problems to look out for (esp. with such mileage).

On average, during the week, i would put at most 2 miles a day on this vehicle. I dont plan on taking it offroad often, i mainly just need the 4x4 aspect for the snowy conditions here during the winter and the occasional dirt/mud roads.

Finaly and ultimately, does the price of this vehicle sound reasonable for the mileage and package that comes along with it?

Any help would be greatly appriciated - Thanks,

Mike
 
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The T4R its self will run for many years and miles. The toyota motor is the best around. Check some of the other post for problems and things that need replaced at a certain milage. on the price issue I just bought a 97 T4R limited V6 4x4, Auto Trans. 54K miles, fully loaded for 14999. in Oct. I would say that compaired to my price you are getting a good price if the vehicle checks out ok at a repair shop. Keep in mind that prices depend on the area you live also.

Have you checked book value on this 4R?
 
I appriciate the help,
I ran a quick search on its Private Party value on KelleyBlueBook.com and for its entire package in "good" condition it was worth $8,210. Then I went back and put "excellent" condition and it was worth $8,910. So, its definately a possibility, we'd just have to work on the price some.

Again, lots alot for the help!

Mike
 
offer 8500. considering youre not in love with the vehicle, if it slipped through your fingers, then oh well.

the high miles mean nothing if its well maintained. you can get 200K out of that motor if you need to. just make sure you get it inspected.
 
Go for it. Last February, I bought a 96 V6 4X4 3.4L 5 speed at a local Toyota dealership for $10,000 OTD. The asking price was $16,400! It had 105,000 miles and needed new tires. The condition was very good.

I think for $8500, would be a fair deal.

So far, I have installed new Toyo tires, battery and replaced the starter contacts.
 
Renegades,
You might consider checking to see if the timing belt has been done. Also, when I had mine done I got the main drive belts and water pump done as well to save labor on a possible future replacement. Total cost at the dealership was about $600. You might be able to use that as an bartering point if it has not been done. Also check into the cost of a total fluid system change if it has not been done either. In my mind a vehicle that sells for its book value should have all the required service up to date. So in other words if the service is not done yet you should be able to talk them down from their price.


Brad
 
You might include in your search for a reliable used SUV the Toyota Landcruiser FZJ80. I traded in my 1995 Landcruiser with 130K miles on it for around $10K. They are a step up from the 4runner and will be dependable for upwards of 250-300K miles. Mine had leather, moon roof, all the options and the Landcruiser comes with the 4.5 liter straight six that is one of the best engines you can find. The only downside is these FZJ80's have solid axles front and rear (very heavyduty) but the ride is not as smooth as the independant front suspension on the 4runner. Just another option.
 
i bought my 98 limited 4runner for 9000 in aug of 03. i bought from my fathers company and it had 117000 on it. Now i'm up to 143000 and it runs like a champ. the guy who drove it before me brought it back to the dealer every 15k for a check up and services. i brought it back again at 120 and 135 and they said it was one of the cleasest 4runners they've seen. I've had no problems as of yet and hope i get at least 250 out of it. the company also has two taco's, one with over 200k on it and the other with 185 and they run great. they also have a 89 landcruiser with almost 300k on it and it runs pretty good. like eveyone else said, the mileage is fine as long as the maintenance has been done
 
It's a 5 spd

I've been researching for 4x4's to get a reasonable price, high miles is only option, but I won't even look if it's not manual trans.

Only draw back is my wife wouldn't touch if we have a long trip
Go for it!!
 
Thanks again for all the help guys.
Tonight i will probably contact the person listing the ad and get some more info on the car.

I have a couple more questions though.

What are some specific questions i should ask them, besides asking how often the oil was changed, if the belts/water pump have ever been replaced (if so, when), and things like that. But are there any other important questions i should also ask?

Lastly, If we decide to go check out the vehicle, what are some simple things i should look for, and would it be wise to take it to a local shop and have them do a quick inspection?

Any other help would be great, thanks.

Mike
 
check out msn.com autos reviews

check this consumer reviews for 97 4trs
http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?modelid=2810&src=-1&tab=4&sub=2
also reliabilities which has waring on:
Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor and the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). Failure of the MAF Sensor and the TPS can cause a drivability problem or the check engine light to illuminate. On some vehicles the MAF Sensor can be cleaned and will not need to be replaced. The cost to replace the MAF Sensor is estimated at $567.48 for parts and $58.50 for labor. The cost to repair the TPS is estimated at $54.07 for parts and $39.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

hope it's not too late
 
Thanks guys,
I believe my father and I are going to check it out this evening, we never had time to go see it last week so this is our first chance. If we end up looking at it (and possibly buying it), i'll let you guys know.



EDIT: We went this evening and checked it over, drove it, and ended up buying it. I loved it, it'll be a great car, i'll post some pictures tomorrow.

Thanks again for the help guys.
 
Last edited:
TACO?

For reference, I just bought a very clean 2000 SR5 4Runner, Auto, 4X4, V6, Sunroof, ABS, for under $10,900. 106,650 miles.

A while back I sold my 1984 Toyota pickup, xtra cab, auto, 22R, no a/c, no power anything, with 309K miles on same original motor

so, for me being a new guy What is a taco? (SEE shotking4)
 
Re: TACO?

bonson said:
so, for me being a new guy What is a taco? (SEE shotking4)
Click to expand...
It is either a Mexican type sandwich :bonk: or it could be a Toyota Tacoma, a tough little pick-up truck, which the 3rd gen 4Runner is based on. They also share the same engines. :bigok:
 
bonson said:
ok i think I it must be Tacoma
is Tacoma part of this forum too?
Click to expand...
No, it is not part of this forum, shotking4 was just referring to other Toyota trucks & SUV's with high mileage. Taco's do get mentioned every once in a while.
 
Just bought 4Runner also

Mike,
I also just bought a 97 4Runner with 120k miles. I was too busy with holidays, moving, selling, traveling, etc to have it checked out before purchasing. I always have a PPI performed before buying anything but this time I decided to just make a judgement call. Since it was a Toyota I felt a bit more comfortable.

I paid $8200 for a Ltd with good leather so I figure I could put $2k into maintenance and still be satisfied with paying $10k. I immediately took it to the Dealer (a few days ago) and it sounds like $2k will fix all their recommendations. Here is what they recommend:

1. Front brake rotors & pads
2. Rear drums and e-brake h/w
3. New belts
4. Clean throttle body & injection
5. Replace all fluids (transmission, etc)

I'm looking into h/w prices for the brakes (#1 & 2) so I can do it myself. They want $1300 for the brake work and the rest is just under $1k.

If anyone thinks this is unreasonable let me know.

Thanks in advance.
 
that seems high?

$1300 to do the brakes!? Is this what I should expect? I really dont know what a Toyota dealer would charge.
I know a Chevy dealer has charged me up to $500 for (a 4 wheel disc ABS system) installing new pads and new rotors and brake fluid flushed and bled.

The e-brake hardware is generally a simple job and minor parts.
I can't speak for Toyota, but for $1300 I would expect all new parts : all new pads (and shoes and drums if you have drum), new rotors, calipers, master cylinder, e-brake hardware, labor, bleed and flush all brake fluid and give me $300 change.
 
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