Highest Mileage Purchase?

Bought a 2000 SR5 with 111,000 miles almost 2 years ago. I now have 138,000. I take care of my vehicles so I plan on having this rig for a loooooooong time. I bought the 4runner to be my new used adventure vehicle. My 99 Subaru Outback was getting a little tired so I decided it was best not to take it on long out of state road trips anymore. But, the Subaru isn't dead yet. 318,000 and still going.

Some people buy new cars or trucks every few years and are never without a car payment. In my opinion, that's being foolish with your money, but hey, to each his own. I'm the type who uses a vehicle until it's thoroughly worn out and it finally gets to the point that making the repairs isn't worth it anymore. I imagine most on this forum are the same as me.
 
I bought my 97 sr5 with 192k, liked it so much we wanted 'more' for a long term 'project' truck, so we bought a 99 ltd @ 152k...

both needed rear axle, brakes, 'TLC', I'm no where done, but getting there. the 99 was is MUCH better shape, even though the 97 has new parts here and there.

In the end I'm happy I have both, wife drives the 97 and I drive the 99. both are same color.


If I did it again, I know what I'm looking for now, I'd probably spend more time looking at the little things, I recognize much more on these now than when I bought them. I wouldn't be afraid of a 300k mile truck IF it was apparent it was taken care of. the records first then lowest mileage second should be your decision factor.
 
With high mileage vehicles, not just the runner you just have to be prepared to work on it or pay money for someone who does. Fact that into the purchase price. Recently I was looking at 3rd gens and they are priced anywhere from 4-10k around here. I wasn't about to spend 4k for for 40k mileage less but I also wasn't going to spend 7k for a vehicle that needed new tires, lbj, plugs, wires and a few other semi-costly things.

I wound up with a 01 for 3700 164k miles and have put about 700-800 into it in parts and tires.
 
I ended up purchasing a 99 LTD with 193k miles last night for $2,900. Requires only minor reconditioning. Tires are 6 years old and are showing some slight rot, so $500 of my estimated $1,000 for up front TLC is already spoken for. I'm taking it for inspection later this week. I doubt anything else will show up, but I'm prepared if it does.
 
falldownhard said:
Anyone care to chime in on this 4runner? I'm interested in picking one up and have been trying to gain as much knowledge as possible. The miles on this scare me, but i've calmed down a bit after reading this thread. I'm open to any advice, warnings, or help in any sense. So glad to have found myself here.


https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5379442181.html
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I think that seller is trying too hard to get back the money they spend on mods. A stock 4Runner with that many miles would be in the $5000 range, so you're basically paying $3000 for tires, sound system, an LED light bar and a radio. And some windshield wipers.

$7000 or less would be a more reasonable price for that rig.
 
mtbtim said:
I'm the type who uses a vehicle until it's thoroughly worn out and it finally gets to the point that making the repairs isn't worth it anymore. I imagine most on this forum are the same as me.
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The real question is... when is "that" time on the 3rd gen!?

A lot of people here would drop a junkyard engine or tranny into their 3rd gen in a heartbeat to keep it going if needed.

PS -- your miles are super low. 200k is break in :)
 
amalik said:
The real question is... when is "that" time on the 3rd gen!?

A lot of people here would drop a junkyard engine or tranny into their 3rd gen in a heartbeat to keep it going if needed.

PS -- your miles are super low. 200k is break in :)
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The only 4Runners I ever see in junkyards around here are wrecked 4Runners, even dealerships will clean up and sell 4Runners as trade-ins. So at least out West, that time has not yet come for anybody!
 
gamefreakgc said:
I think that seller is trying too hard to get back the money they spend on mods. A stock 4Runner with that many miles would be in the $5000 range, so you're basically paying $3000 for tires, sound system, an LED light bar and a radio. And some windshield wipers.

$7000 or less would be a more reasonable price for that rig.
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Thanks for your input, I was thinking the same thing. 8000 is too much and I'm not trying to disrespectful with an offer, but I was thinking 6500-7000.
 
I got my runner at 200 now at 220 and just picked up a 3.4 tacoma from a coworker - orig owner - with 280 on it.

Theres a couple other 3rd gens in my family with high mileage and the drivetrains are the least of anyones concern. Get the cleanest undercarriage you find.
 
I just bought some parts from a guy that just bought a 3rd gen (his 2nd) with 307k mikes. Original drivetrain which runs fine but he knew there would be parts that needed replacing soon like bushings, axle seals etc.
 
Those who purchased with 200k or more...have you had head gasket issues? Or evidence of a rebuild due to head gasket issues? I saw a good amount of white smoke on cold start yesterday which only just now hit me that could be a problem (I'm hoping that it was condensation in the exhaust). I'll cold start it again tonight and give it the sniff test and check the oil for milkiness.
 
NWMontanaMan said:
Bought at 292k Feb. 2015. Up to 307k now and running strong! Could use valve cover gaskets, but otherwise clean.
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Why do you think it'll need valve cover gaskets? Do you have oil buildup around the valve cover sides? I just meticulously went around my engine bay degreasing and noticed a decent amount of buildup on the engine
 
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