This is a very good important question. My 4Runner 96 V6 has 285,000 miles and runs fine after transmission and engine were done. I bought it for 3,000 at 202K miles. I have replaced LOTS of parts on this car to include axle and driveshaft. Brakes, Starter, all belts and hoses.... I bought an ENTIRE new interior seats and all for 300 bucks, the body is in good shape. Everything works GREAT, sunroof, all windows, but...there WILL be more to do. I have never done the rack, other steering components, coil packs, fuel injectors, alternator or O2 sensors. There is no CEL now. Clearly MORE is going to go. The fuel gauge is reading incorrectly when below 1/4 tank. Ok, I DO have somebody that will do the heater core for 200 bucks labor so that's pretty good. Question is when do you stop refurbishing a car? My thought is that if the interior and body are in good shape, you can rehab it forever. But do people DO THIS? SHOULD I DO THIS? WHEN DO YOU CALL IT QUITS? When you need to replace the ENTIRE REAR AXLE MAYBE? WILL THIS COME TO PASS? WHO out there has put huge rehab money into old 4runners? Lots of Comments welcome!
How far do you go refurbishing....?
- Thread starter MattinLA
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BrianSD_42
New member
You don't need to replace the axles or even 95% of the truck UNLESS it is broken.
What would you replace it with anyways? The original Toyota is superior to most aftermarket parts so there is no point in removing a perfectly working original part just for a cheap (aka affordable) aftermarket replacement.
The fuel pump is a good example. Mine is original and works 100%. No need to replace, even now at 223k miles.
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shootmymime
New member
Plus a touch up of paint can make things look new!
segafan1989
New member
As stated before, you give it up when YOU feel ready. Noone else can tell you that. I will say this...I would rather replace something here or there (when needed) than to drop $400-$600 a month for a new car note plus insurance and all that jazz. Unless it becomes a serious money pit where you're pouring money into it every other week just to keep it running, keep it. The best car or truck is one that's paid off.
BrianSD_42
New member
DRIVE IT TILL IT DIES 
opcorn:
opcorn:griplimited
Member
I feel the same way, I don't have nearly as much miles but at 217k. I already did HG, all belts including WP/TB, Bearings, etc. The seats looks like crap but I covered it up with seat covers. It's the kind of thing where I love it and feel confident because I know I replaced those parts, but it's still a dirty and aged canvas with more nickle and dime that will keep occurring.
Next on the list is full Upper/Lower BJ and Inner/Outter TR. After that, front brake replacement/upgrade.
Next on the list is full Upper/Lower BJ and Inner/Outter TR. After that, front brake replacement/upgrade.
MAD 69
New member
I really like the 3rd Gen 4Runners, I think they are the coolest looking SUV's ever made so I intend on keeping mine for as long as possible. You see these guys rebuilding cars and trucks from the '50's so it all depends how much you like your vehicle. I would rather have a 3rd gen then a new 4Runner so if I have to put $5K into the truck that is better than putting out $15K for a new one.
If you intend in keeping your 4R for any length of time you might as well have it in top condition.
If you intend in keeping your 4R for any length of time you might as well have it in top condition.
Singtoe
New member
With that many miles, I would put the fuel pump on a scope and see if it is indeed a good example.
Takes five minutes and can be done in car. I would see if it is running at the correct rpms, or if there is any spikes in any of its 8 windings. If it is off spec in any way, it will die on you when you least expect it.
jasonoflivingston
New member
Make a list of things that need to be done or will need to be done soon. Add up the cost of the work. If the cost to bring it up to par (by your definition) is more than it would be to replace the vehicle with an equivalent one that doesn't need that work to be up to par, the answer is simple. stop putting money into it and drive it as long as you can safely while keeping your eye out for a really good deal. As these trucks get harder and harder to find, it pays to have the freedom to search a good one out to give you a good base platform to start with.
It is up to you. Some people love these things and will put money into them as entertainment. They love the process.
From a practical standpoint, you need to decide how much it is costing you vs how much it will cost you to have another vehicle you like. For me, I would also consider the hassle factor - will it strand you, do you have the time to get stuff fixed etc....
How much have you spent so far?
From a practical standpoint, you need to decide how much it is costing you vs how much it will cost you to have another vehicle you like. For me, I would also consider the hassle factor - will it strand you, do you have the time to get stuff fixed etc....
How much have you spent so far?
MStudt
official vendor
It's an addiction, get used to it!
Granted, I bought my 01 for $9500 and it only had 114k miles on it. I've easily put close to $3500 into it at this point. A lot of what you listed seems like normal maintenance stuff. I know there's more to come, but that's all part of owning a car.
Now, if you want to talk about dumping money into a car. I have a 73 VW Bus that I bought for $700 not running. I bought another 74 Bus for $300 to get parts from. Three years, $6k later, and I'm still spending on it.
Granted, I bought my 01 for $9500 and it only had 114k miles on it. I've easily put close to $3500 into it at this point. A lot of what you listed seems like normal maintenance stuff. I know there's more to come, but that's all part of owning a car.
Now, if you want to talk about dumping money into a car. I have a 73 VW Bus that I bought for $700 not running. I bought another 74 Bus for $300 to get parts from. Three years, $6k later, and I'm still spending on it.
segafan1989
New member
I agree with everything said except....where are you finding a 2014 4Runner for $15K?! :twitch: Hahahaha!
txbonds
Senior Member
Same here.
I've put a fair investment into mine so far but I'm looking at it from a few points of view.
First, if you get the 4runner cheap enough, it's hard to beat for the value when building a capable off road rig. Regardless of the vehicle once you add bumpers, winches, etc the cost is all about the same. Not many similarly capable base vehicles that would be better from initial cost standpoint as most everything else will be more.
Second, the 3rd gen 4runner is more or less a pretty basic vehicle. Would be better with solid front axle but it is what it is. Look at a 10 to 15 year old land rover and you will learn what "investment" is as the parts cost alone eat you up.
Third, I can't see me ever buying another new vehicle, dumping $5 to $10 grand of off road parts into it and then taking it off road. Did that with my land rover 10 years ago and thinking back it was a really dumb thing to do with a vehicle that cost $50k stock off the lot.
Fourth, if this is my around town, weekend truck then it ought to last me forever or until I get tired of climbing up into it. I've been working to get mine into a fairly complete restoration status because I plan to keep and drive it 10 to 15 years. Original owners got 187k miles out of original build, so with fresh wearables like suspension, bushings, tires, etc I'm hoping to double that.
Fifth, it's a hobby. At least the current one at this point in time.
Etc, etc.
These are my reasons though and only you can decide what makes sense to you.
DRIVE IT TILL IT DIES
This^^^ We are talking about a Toyota not a Chevy,Ford or a Chrysler which have expiration dates.
white_n_slow
Senior Member
You get major cool points for driving a gazillion mile Toyota, IMO. I would keep on fixing what needs to be fixed until the government tells us we need to switch over to 150mpg hydrogen/electric hybrids 
Any way you look at it, you'll probably end up spending less money maintaining a reliable vehicle like the 4runner than you would buying a new one.
Any way you look at it, you'll probably end up spending less money maintaining a reliable vehicle like the 4runner than you would buying a new one.
