Is buying a 3rd gen 4Runner with over 150K miles a bad idea?

[lc317ca]

Hello, I am new to the forum, and am hoping to get some advice here on buying an older 4Runner! Most of the 3rd gens I see advertised in my area (San Diego County) are in the $3Kto $7K price range, and almost always have anywhere from 150-190k miles on them. Even newer models from 2003-2004 have in excess of 150K miles, so I'm thinking why not just get a late 90s version for $3500 and call it good....As a non-mechanic (though OK with doing minor stuff like tune ups, brakes, etc), Toyota / 4Runner newbie, I ask: is a vehicle like that worth buying, or is it better to look for something else? I live on the coast, and am really just looking for a daily driver for work (18 miles/day), grocery store, and local weekend driving, and have always wanted a 4Runner. I've looked at some buying guides here on the forums, and have a better understanding of what to look for, but would appreciate some advice from the forum pros here

 

[Kurtis]

Hello, I am new to the forum, and am hoping to get some advice here on buying an older 4Runner! Most of the 3rd gens I see advertised in my area (San Diego County) are in the $3Kto $7K price range, and almost always have anywhere from 150-190k miles on them. Even newer models from 2003-2004 have in excess of 150K miles, so I'm thinking why not just get a late 90s version for $3500 and call it good....As a non-mechanic (though OK with doing minor stuff like tune ups, brakes, etc), Toyota / 4Runner newbie, I ask: is a vehicle like that worth buying, or is it better to look for something else? I live on the coast, and am really just looking for a daily driver for work (18 miles/day), grocery store, and local weekend driving, and have always wanted a 4Runner. I've looked at some buying guides here on the forums, and have a better understanding of what to look for, but would appreciate some advice from the forum pros here

This link is golden
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyer-s-guide.html

This link will change your mind about miles on a 4Runner.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/13529-how-many-miles-your-4runner.html

I own 2x 3rd Gen 4Runners. A 1997 with 222k miles on it. (Wheeler/Mountain/Fishing/beat the shit out of, truck) and a 2002 Mall Crawler that my wife want to make her snow rig.

Can't go wrong with a 4Runner.

 

[hairysrunner]

I also have 2. a 4 cylinder and the 6. I too always wanted a runner and once I got my first one(the 4cylinder) I knew I had made the right decision. I personally like the 4 better than the 6. gas mileage and it easier to work on.
My wife drives a volvo s60 and the cost of maintaining that thing is astronomic compared to the runners. My 4 has 272,000 miles and the 6 has 262,000 miles the 6 has all the bells and whistles but there is something about the base models that I love and it is its simplicity. hope this helps. good luck.

 

[Greg_Canada]

My 3rd gen is at 238,000 miles. Bought it 6 years ago with 155,000 miles on it.
What i've had to replace since then:
Tires
Brakes (upgraded to tundra's)
rear axle seal (got a shop to do it, too cold out!)
un-stick rear brakes
muffler
o2 sensors
water pump / timing belt / idlers / thermostat
inner TRE's
steering rack and sway bar bushings
HVAC unit needed to be fixed
bulbs replaced in HVAC unit
rear door parts rusted (you wont have that issue)
alternator went at 230,000 miles, got it rebuilt
starter went at 190,000 miles, got it rebuilt
fog light bulbs only last 6 months so i stopped using them they don't do much anyways.
The worst problem was the output seal on the t-case went, and took out the case. swapped in a used one.
Second worst problem was the "strawberry milkshake"... rad cracked internally and tranny fluid mixed with engine coolant. That took alot of flushing. that was at about 190,000 miles, has been solid since. I would replace the rad on any truck you buy in that mileage range.


It has been a solid truck and if you can do basic stuff yourself (swap an alternator, do an oil change, change bulbs, check / change fluids) you will likely not have a major problem with the truck.

 

[jsukey]

I bought my '02 Limited 4x4 6 years ago with 60,000 miles on it. Today I'm sitting at 156,000 miles. It has never left me stranded...knock on wood! Other than general maintenance/upkeep, the only thing I've had a problem with was a wheel bearing. Quick fix, back on the prowl! I just bought a '00 Supercharged Limited 4x4 last month and it's sitting at 216,000 miles. I'm not worried about it the least bit!

 

[Kanger328]

I bought my 3rd gen a few months ago with 130,000 miles and am completely happy so far with 136,000 miles on it. It was bought at an auction with no service history. Runs great. My mechanic told me he was surprised how good of shape it was in.

I think the 3rd gen's relatively high resale value is a testament to its build quality and reliability. There are so may cases on here of people going 200k-250k+ miles on these. But, if you're looking to spend $3,500 you may have to look for something with way higher mileage. I live in SoCal and searched for a whole year and could only find beat up ones with super high mileage for that price. Def check out that Buyer's Guide link before buying. GL!

 

[ipaman]

I think you should at least hold out for one that has good maintenance records. Or at the very least a responsible owner that can tell you what has been done and what hasn't.

Just because its a 4runner wont guarantee it will be trouble free. My 2000 limited has 165k miles. I bought it 3k miles ago for $4900(it needed tires asap). My fingers are crossed although i am already starting to do some preventative maintenance.(radiator, shocks, etc...)

 

[darkfader]

my '97 just turned 230K, and the motor runs like a top. my problem is the rust attacking the undercarriage, which i'm dealing with by wire wheeling and painting with rust inhibitor. i figure i can slow it down if i stay on top of it. this is my 3rd runner, the first two were 2nd gen, but i love these trucks and i wouldn't think twice about buying one with 200k on it after a test drive and close inspection. just look real close at the frame rails and rear differential for rust. snowy states usually salt roads heavily, and if the PO didn't take care to wash the salt off regularly, rust happens. good luck!

 

[Jbot]

Bought mine at 180k
had been in a wreck and had new engine
ive had no problems, just know what your getting into before you buy, ask all the questions you need. Ive seen runners all the way up to 300k that run as if they were still 50k, just depends on the previous owner

 

[Ol'Blue]

Local So-Cal here..

Hello, I am new to the forum, and am hoping to get some advice here on buying an older 4Runner! Most of the 3rd gens I see advertised in my area (San Diego County) are in the $3Kto $7K price range, and almost always have anywhere from 150-190k miles on them. Even newer models from 2003-2004 have in excess of 150K miles, so I'm thinking why not just get a late 90s version for $3500 and call it good....As a non-mechanic (though OK with doing minor stuff like tune ups, brakes, etc), Toyota / 4Runner newbie, I ask: is a vehicle like that worth buying, or is it better to look for something else? I live on the coast, and am really just looking for a daily driver for work (18 miles/day), grocery store, and local weekend driving, and have always wanted a 4Runner. I've looked at some buying guides here on the forums, and have a better understanding of what to look for, but would appreciate some advice from the forum pros here

Bought mine with almost 200k on it. 99 Limited 4x4, locker, loaded. All the Maint records were in the glove box. Had been a Corona mall mobile all it's life with a trip to big bear here and there. Had to fix the Alternate and have done a tune up to this point.Also changed and axle out, easy fix. Other than that, I have just been fixing little things like light bulbs, swapped the old grill out. I plan out getting at least another 100k before I start to worry about anything major. Next is the breaks, Radiator and Trans cooler, and if I ever had enough cash a new bumper and lift/wheels.

Blue

 

[curtperry]

I bought mine with 330k(or more) about a year ago... has been running great since.

 

[Castaway]

I bought mine at 225k with very little service history. I have replaced the O2 sensor right in front of the cat; both front ball joints, cv axles, tie rods, and struts; the brake master cylinder; and the spark plugs (to the proper double ground plugs). While shop time for the ball joints, and master cylinder was expensive and probably over priced I have still spent less on my T4R than I could have bought a worse shape ford/chevy/gm for, where I'm from.

That being said, having no experience with mechanic work my self, I recommend you make friends with someone that does do mechanic work and is willing to teach you. I did about a month ago and have learned a massive amount since. Generally it's not that hard, as long as there is someone talking you through it the first couple of times. Plus when all it cost you is parts, a pack of beer, and maybe a bar-b-que it's a lot cheaper than shop time :wink2:

 

[zonedriven]

Here's a follow up question since we all agree 150k isn't bad. Would you supercharge one with a 193k on it?

 

[Nunyabiz]

I bought my 2002 Sport Edition 4x4 with 157,000 miles on it, in 4 days will be 2 years ago.
I changed the water pump out with over 160,000 miles on it just because it should have been done already when the timing belt had been done at 123,000 miles but wasn't.
So I changed BOTH water pump and timing belt plus all other belts and rollers at the same time.

That is all I have had to do to it in 2 years other than of course proper maintenance, oil changes, spark plugs etc.
Runs like a top.

150,000 on a properly maintained 4Runner is just broken in good.
But on the same token 100,000 on one very poorly maintained, like putting 7-10,000 miles on petroleum oil between changes and just letting everything go til it breaks is not good.
4Runners are great, very reliable BUT just make sure it was well maintained.

On mine the guy I bought it from had all records starting from the day he bought it, every oil change, every single thing he did to it and when.
So I know the oil was changed properly as I can see it with my own eyes, I can also tell he took care of it because the interior wasn't beat up.

I see no reason why I shouldn't get 300,000 miles out of this truck.

 

[BrianSD_42]

OP,

A couple of questions ...

How much money will you have to spend on the vehicle per year in repairs or mods?

I ask because almost everything that has broken on my truck broke after 150k miles.

This includes (maintenance as well) but is not limited to:
* radiator
* water pump & timing belt
* steering rack
* rack bushings
* LBJs
* tranny pan drain plug ($500)
* rear Axel seals
* spark plugs
* plug wires
* full brakes and rotors
* full suspension

* cracked head CYL #3 @ 199k miles.

You should accept that 200k miles is a pretty good lifespan for the engine, trans and other major components. After 175k you should have a savings account ready for fixing things. Or you can just drive it till it dies without fixing it.

Here is my challenge you: go back through at least 5 pages of posts in the 3rd gen section, reading at least the titles. Count out the threads, how many are because someones truck is broken? Count it out. This will help you set expectations.

Don't get me wrong, the 4Runner is a great drive it till it dies vehicle, perhaps one of the very best on the road today. But if you are picky and want a tip top vehicle with no CEL, a great suspension, quick acting brakes and tight steering then be prepared to dump about $2-$5000 into repairs over the next 5 years (assuming you buy one with 150k miles).

 

[98LtdT4R]

Nope, not a bad idea in the least. Assuming maintenance has been kept up with and there are records to prove so, I'd even go as far as considering it a long-term investment. I bought my 98 Limited from my uncle with 180k miles and 3 years later it has 230k. It still runs like new. There are plenty of members on here with 300k or more on their trucks, and some such as Downpour11 who has over 400k. If the truck is treated right, it will last nearly forever; its a tank.

 

[JohnsD90]

OP,

A couple of questions ...

How much money will you have to spend on the vehicle per year in repairs or mods?

I ask because almost everything that has broken on my truck broke after 150k miles.

This includes (maintenance as well) but is not limited to:
* radiator
* water pump & timing belt
* steering rack
* rack bushings
* LBJs
* tranny pan drain plug ($500)
* rear Axel seals
* spark plugs
* plug wires
* full brakes and rotors
* full suspension

* cracked head CYL #3 @ 199k miles.

You should accept that 200k miles is a pretty good lifespan for the engine, trans and other major components. After 175k you should have a savings account ready for fixing things. Or you can just drive it till it dies without fixing it.

Here is my challenge you: go back through at least 5 pages of posts in the 3rd gen section, reading at least the titles. Count out the threads, how many are because someones truck is broken? Count it out. This will help you set expectations.

Don't get me wrong, the 4Runner is a great drive it till it dies vehicle, perhaps one of the very best on the road today. But if you are picky and want a tip top vehicle with no CEL, a great suspension, quick acting brakes and tight steering then be prepared to dump about $2-$5000 into repairs over the next 5 years (assuming you buy one with 150k miles).

Most of those things/if not all on your list should have already been replaced at least once according to the book by 150k miles.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Most of those things/if not all on your list should have already been replaced at least once according to the book by 150k miles.

Sorry but I disagree with you. I don't think most owners (non T4R members) have replaced all those things by 150k miles. Specifically, if you buy a truck with 150k miles it will most likely not have had those things replaced. A few maybe, but VERY doubtful the rotors, radiator, LBJs, steering rack, axel seals or suspension. That is $3000 at least in repairs that will probably need to be done by 200k the mark.

 

[Kurtis]

OP,

A couple of questions ...

How much money will you have to spend on the vehicle per year in repairs or mods?

I ask because almost everything that has broken on my truck broke after 150k miles.

This includes (maintenance as well) but is not limited to:
* radiator
* water pump & timing belt
* steering rack
* rack bushings
* LBJs
* tranny pan drain plug ($500)
* rear Axel seals
* spark plugs
* plug wires
* full brakes and rotors
* full suspension

* cracked head CYL #3 @ 199k miles.

You should accept that 200k miles is a pretty good lifespan for the engine, trans and other major components. After 175k you should have a savings account ready for fixing things. Or you can just drive it till it dies without fixing it.

Here is my challenge you: go back through at least 5 pages of posts in the 3rd gen section, reading at least the titles. Count out the threads, how many are because someones truck is broken? Count it out. This will help you set expectations.

Don't get me wrong, the 4Runner is a great drive it till it dies vehicle, perhaps one of the very best on the road today. But if you are picky and want a tip top vehicle with no CEL, a great suspension, quick acting brakes and tight steering then be prepared to dump about $2-$5000 into repairs over the next 5 years (assuming you buy one with 150k miles).

Most of those things/if not all on your list should have already been replaced at least once according to the book by 150k miles.

Sorry but I disagree with you. I don't think most owners (non T4R members) have replaced all those things by 150k miles. Specifically, if you buy a truck with 150k miles it will most likely not have had those things replaced. A few maybe, but VERY doubtful the rotors, radiator, LBJs, steering rack, axel seals or suspension. That is $3000 at least in repairs that will probably need to be done by 200k the mark.

I would consider all except the radiator, steering rack, and transmission pan drain bolt to be preventative maintenance. The rest I would consider to be wear and tear items. Seals and bushings won't last forever but they seem to last longer than most.

OP: The short of it is this: You came to a 4Runner forum to ask a bunch of guys (and a couple laddies) to talk about their trucks (truck, not car). 4Runners have a couple issues here and there but for the most part they are pretty well build and I would say 99% of the issues are well documented on this forum. I would challenge you to find another mid-sized SUV out there with the same capabilities or reliability from the factory. No modifications. You can't take an Explorer and do the same things. It would fall apart.

 

[BrianSD_42]

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I would consider all except the radiator, steering rack, and transmission pan drain bolt to be preventative maintenance. The rest I would consider to be wear and tear items. Seals and bushings won't last forever but they seem to last longer than most.

YES, some are preventative and some are wear-n-tear BUT it does not matter because pretty much all of those items will need replacing by 200k-225k miles unless you are ok with the "drive it till it dies" style of vehicle ownership.

ALSO, I believe that a lot of the vehicles on the used market have not had those items completed. What often happens is 1+ major items goes bad at 120-150k miles costing the owner at least $500 or $750 to fix and they decide to sell. Sometimes he/she will do the right thing and have a good mechanic do the job using OEM parts but MORE OFTEN they go cheap with cheapo parts and then sell it. Hence my statement that vehicles for sale @ 150k mile mark (around there) rarely have had those items replaced. Especially since most of the failures will occur post 150k miles and not before. This is especially true of trade-in vehicles where the dealer/reseller fixes as little as possible for as cheap as possible and then sells it.

I am just warning the OP that the while Buyers Guide is a good guide of what to look out for when buying a truck, it is old and just because the seals ($800-$1200) haven't gone bad at 140k miles or 155k miles it isn't a sign that you are good. TRUST ME they will go bad by 200k miles. Just because the LBJs ($450-$600) haven't gone bad at 150k miles TRUST ME you will want to replace them before 200k miles for safety sake. The same can be said about the brakes ($600-$800) and the waterpump ($500) and the suspension ($1000+) and the steering rack ($600-$700) and radiator ($500) PLUS much more.

The items listed in this paragraph based on my estimate will total to about $4500-$5000 to have repaired by a proper Toyota shop, possibly more if you go to a dealer. This work would probably occur over 5 years so say $1000 per year in maintenance ... not that bad but I want you-all to be aware. Those numbers also don't account for a trans or head gasket failure, both of which are valid risks around the 200k mile mark.​

I am not jaded but I am a realist who has owned his 4Runner 2002. In 11 years of ownership I have seen a lot. I love my truck but people need to be realistic. 200k miles is a great lifespan for all parts on a truck. It is perfectly reasonable for your HEADS to crack ($1200+ per side) or gaskets ($600-$800 per side) to break or LBJs to fail or a trans to fail or a RAD to fail ect at 200k miles. You have to be realistic.

Think of the buyers guide as a guide to what will probably fail by 200 or 225k miles... Back when it was written more of the trucks on T4R had around 100k miles and those warnings applied well. But now that so many are at 150k + miles it is more of a "likely to fail guide" than a "buyers guide". We also now see far more daily "my truck's XXX is broke please help" threads on T4R than 2-4 years ago.

NOW if you can do the work yourself then you will have much lower costs.. If you have the tools and patience then all the information you need can be found on this website (or similar). You could order the OEM parts from a online dealership like Camelbak Toyota for ~ 25% less than normal dealer prices. Then these costs go down dramatically. It just depends on what type of owner you will be.​

The 4Runner is a great vehicle but some parts will just need to be replaced. I am still amazed by how little (and it was a lot of $$) I have actually replaced, how much still works 100% at 217k miles. Pretty much everything on the truck works 100% except what I mentioned above, most of which IS in the buyers guide.

===> Try to find one with as low miles as possible, plan for (via a savings account) several $$$ repairs to be needed before you hit 200k miles mark and enjoy the great truck that you have. At least with a 4Runner it will make it to 200k which is a lot more than can be said about other SUVs on the road today. With proper maintenace and repairs you can go beyond the 200k mark, well into 300+ and beyond.​

Just my 2-cents based on 11 years ownership.


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