I need some Advice

[tylercv]

Hey guys. I'm new to this posting board. I'm a college student and have been the happy owner of a jeep wrangler for the past three years. I've decided that its time for a different car and I'm pretty sure that the 4runner is the way to go. So here's my question. Do you all think it would be better to get a later model 4runner with higher miles or an older 4runner with less miles. We found a 96 with 73,000 miles today (6cyl, 4wd) that's in great condition. They're askin $10,900 for it, but I know that we can talk them down alittle bit. Do you all think that I should look for something maybe a little newer, or does this sound like a decent deal considering the mileage. The other thing is that I can get a better interest rate from the bank on a loan if its a 98 or higher. What it all boils down to is, do these car get worse with age or mileage. Thanks for any responses.

Tyler

 

[peter78]

First off, you are looking at a 3rd generation model, 96-02. 96 had a re-call with the head gasket, it is my understanding if it failed it would fail in the first 20,000 miles. 96 to 98 has just had a re-call for the rear suspension.

I feel all years are good in the 3rd generation with some improvements along the way. One thing about the mileage, be aware mileage fraud is out there for all cars. On the 96 to 98 the mileage is the old tumblers instead of the electronic odometers. I hear the electonic odometers are harder to cheat on.

Both the 4 cyl and V6 are good engines, the 4 cyl has a timing chain and is tough as nails, but it is a little slow for the rig. The 3.4 V6 is much more common and the way to go. Both automatic and manual transmissons are available for these years for both engines.

The 4Runners are very reliable according to Consumer Reports. Understand a 96 is a 8 year old car, of course a 98 is still 6 years old. I would go for the best looking 4Runner first, before age. Good luck.

 

[gaslight]

I'd worry less about the mileage than the age. Toyota makes great vehicles and many of which have gone way over 100k miles. That also depends on how well it was taken care of.
Not to bust your balls too much but if I were your professor I would start marking off your grades every time you wrote or said 'you all'. Ha Ha:jester:

 

[tylercv]

I'm workin on the whole grammer thing. I'm from Kentucky so I'm kinda surprise it wasn't yall instead.

 

[Thai]

Tyler,

Check these threads out:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1141&highlight=generation

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1301&highlight=generation

Hope this helps.