I need help finding "The one"

G

GrampsT4R

Member
So I've been looking for a third gen for a couple months. I've driven 3:

1- limited with rear diff lock, 192k asking $7995. Transmission felt very strange, like it was confused. Mileage seemed high for the price.

2- limited with rear diff lock, 134k asking $7500. Clear coat is completely gone so the car is basically matte white now. Interior is very worn. But the drive train felt really good and strong. Smelled a tiny bit like burning oil.

3- limited with rear diff lock 142k $7900. One owner from DE, some surface rust and a whine that sounded like the center diff wasn't completely disengaged or maybe a wheel bearing.

I know I'm looking for a limited, I don't really care about the rear diff lock but I need 4x4. Of the three I've driven are there any major red flags?

I've never been in one that someone took great care of so I'm not really sure what to look/listen for. I have read all the stickies but am having a hard time deciding whether to keep looking or pull the trigger on one of the 3 I've driven.

I need some help from all you. I live in CA so the runners here are rust free but sometimes sun damaged and most are 2wd.

Please help me find a great third gen!!

If you're thinking of selling I would be willing to spend up to $10k for a beautiful one and I'm not opposed to an sr5.

Thanks!!
 
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One that white one number 2 if that is Toyota natural white it is a single layer paint so no clear coat. Polish and wax the paint and it will come back to life. Some of the best paint to have one these 4runners. Check the valve covers for leaks (easy fix).
 
GrampsT4R said:
So I've been looking for a third gen for a couple months. I've driven 3:

1- limited with rear diff lock, 192k asking $7995. Transmission felt very strange, like it was confused. Mileage seemed high for the price.

2- limited with rear diff lock, 134k asking $7500. Clear coat is completely gone so the car is basically matte white now. Interior is very worn. But the drive train felt really good and strong. Smelled a tiny bit like burning oil.

3- limited with rear diff lock 142k $7900. One owner from DE, some surface rust and a whine that sounded like the center diff wasn't completely disengaged or maybe a wheel bearing.

I know I'm looking for a limited, I don't really care about the rear diff lock but I need 4x4. Of the three I've driven are there any major red flags?

I've never been in one that someone took great care of so I'm not really sure what to look/listen for. I have read all the stickies but am having a hard time deciding whether to keep looking or pull the trigger on one of the 3 I've driven.

I need some help from all you. I live in CA so the runners here are rust free but sometimes sun damaged and most are 2wd.

Please help me find a great third gen!!

If you're thinking of selling I would be willing to spend up to $10k for a beautiful one and I'm not opposed to an sr5.

Thanks!!
Click to expand...

I wouldnt buy any of those. The first one is a stupid high asking price, especially if there is ANYTHING wrong with it. For that price it should be in excellent condition and the mileage should be around 120-150k.

As far as the other two . . . you can find a really nice 4runner with little to no rust, well maintained with no paint damage and a nice interior if youre willing to wait a while. Especially if youre willing to pay up to 10k. For 10k youre talking something with under 100k miles in pristine condition. I say pass those three up and wait for the right deal to come along. Seems like theres always a ton of 3rd gens for sale in california, so something better will come along.

Edit: I paid 6000 for my sr5 with 161k miles on it back in 09, and even so I think I paid too much for it. I got it in colorado, where much like california 3rd gens are popular and people tend to ask more for them. You could get one around here in great shape for 4K
 
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Make me an offer I can't refuse....haha

What years are these? That makes a difference in the prices as well, as the 99-02 are definitely worth more. I'd say #2 sounds the best, but paint work can be expensive.
 
They are all 99's. I liked the one with the bad paint but I think it's beyond helping. Where you close the drivers door, it's almost down to bare metal. I swear the guy drove all 130k one mile at a time getting in and out after each mile.

SCrunner- what ya got?
 
I would wait. I don't know what the market is like in Irvine but when I was looking for mine there were several good deals in San Diego for less than 6k. That being said I looked for about 8 months and found a really good deal with everything I wanted. Weird paint color, but whatever.
 
GrampsT4R said:
So I've been looking for a third gen for a couple months. I've driven 3:

1- limited with rear diff lock, 192k asking $7995. Transmission felt very strange, like it was confused. Mileage seemed high for the price.

2- limited with rear diff lock, 134k asking $7500. Clear coat is completely gone so the car is basically matte white now. Interior is very worn. But the drive train felt really good and strong. Smelled a tiny bit like burning oil.

3- limited with rear diff lock 142k $7900. One owner from DE, some surface rust and a whine that sounded like the center diff wasn't completely disengaged or maybe a wheel bearing.
Click to expand...

SoCal is tough when it comes to 4x4. Prices usually pretty high. I waited a whole year to find mine and got a ridiculously low price from a friend who bought off auction. Remember, those are asking prices. You can usually talk them down. Point out the flaws when you deal with the seller.

#2 seems the best option of the 3...lower mileage, good drivetrain. You don't want to mess with anything where the engine or tranny aren't working properly. Those are the most expensive fixes. Diffs can also be pricey. As far as interior, you can search junkyards or CL to find better condition interior bits (I found perfect front leather seats, paid $150 for the pair). If not, wait.
 
Just wait and find something different, they are all asking for what mine blue books for with 64k miles.... granted is not a 4x4, but if its anything like my 91 the 4x4's blue book for less. That and its not a limited..... now I have to see what those go for in comparison.

Edit: Ok nvm. Mine blue books for $8,700 as is, $11,500 if it was a 4x4 limited....
 
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I just saw some new posts on craigslist in Nashville for really good condition, really low miles. Dunno if you're interested in something way out here. If you find one you like I'd be happy to look at it for you. Don't have the individual links right now and I'm on my phone.
 
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