Is this 3rd gen a good deal? 1998 Limited questions

[JeffMerr]

Been looking to replace my 4th gen 2WD with a 4WD for winter and don't want to take out a loan for another 4th gen so I've started to look at 3rd gens. I know the 1999 had a lot of updates, are they critical updates that would keep someone from looking at 1998's? Main reason I'm asking is because of this deal:

1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4x4 69k Original miles One owner Garaged

(The owner admitted this is a 1998 and he messed up on the posting)

Thanks

 

[kzak]

If he's got the paperwork to back up the description, then it sounds nice to me. Price is a tad higher than I would pay, I'd be comfortable at $6k, but your market area may be different than mine. 98 vs 99 have subtle differences, but nothing worth walking away from a good deal.

I'd say work him on the price and go for it.

 

[Kanger328]

Oh my F. I want to swoop in on this...but I already have a 3rd gen, haha. I personally don't think the updates on the 99+ are significant. Many love the updated cupholders, but the ones on my '96 are fine with me. Also has automatic HVAC controls, a little taller stock suspension, fat lip bumper, etc. Check out this link for more specifics: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

I say the prices is right to high if the miles are that low I don't think u could get any better than that

 

[mxer]

People here are asking that price for SR5s with 200k miles on them. I would say that's a solid deal.

 

[poleclimber63]

Been looking to replace my 4th gen 2WD with a 4WD for winter and don't want to take out a loan for another 4th gen so I've started to look at 3rd gens. I know the 1999 had a lot of updates, are they critical updates that would keep someone from looking at 1998's? Main reason I'm asking is because of this deal:

1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4x4 69k Original miles One owner Garaged

(The owner admitted this is a 1998 and he messed up on the posting)

Thanks

Wow, if he's honest, great! Looks really clean, a real find. There are a few differences, but not enough to offset a vehicle well cared for, as we are talking about vehicles 14-16yrs old.

 

[KatRider05]

I'm not sure this is even a 98. I have a 98 SR5 and I don't have that steering wheel. Mine is a four spoke wheel. I have seen that two spoke in 96 and 97 model yrs.

See if the owner can send you a pic of the drivers door sticker to confirm yr.

 

[KatRider05]

Even if it is a 96 or 97 with that low of miles and the condition its in I would buy it.

 

[jgue467]

What are you waiting for?!

 

[Rsamani]

Do it! might a little bit to high in price but looks like worth it.. if it is as clean as described.

you know its worth it!

 

[gotopless]

It got flagged for removal, I hope you saved the contact info.

 

[AZ4Running]

Link is dead.
I got my 98 sr5 255k for $850 thry were asking $1000. Sper clean inside and out just some stains on seats that needed cleaning and rear hatch electrics are no working and needs some control arm bushings. For one with zero issues and super clean needs no work at all i would say $2000-2500 is a good price depending on miles. Jmo. I see people paying over $3000 for 3rd gens with 200k plus miles thats just too high imo.

 

[JeffMerr]

Yea the number is now disconnected. Sounds like it was a scam. Craigslist is always a pain in the ass.

 

[mxer]

Link is dead.
I got my 98 sr5 255k for $850 thry were asking $1000. Sper clean inside and out just some stains on seats that needed cleaning and rear hatch electrics are no working and needs some control arm bushings. For one with zero issues and super clean needs no work at all i would say $2000-2500 is a good price depending on miles. Jmo. I see people paying over $3000 for 3rd gens with 200k plus miles thats just too high imo.

In CO people are seriously asking 7500 for 200K+ miles. Even looking AZ's CL I don't see anything close to the deals you're talking about. Care to spill your secret?

 

[Rsamani]

In CO people are seriously asking 7500 for 200K+ miles. Even looking AZ's CL I don't see anything close to the deals you're talking about. Care to spill your secret?

I'd like to have what he is smoking?

 

[JeffMerr]

Still on the hunt for a budget 4x4.

What do you guys think about these ones?

2000 toyota 4RUNNER

1999 Toyota 4runner SR5 3.4 4x4 low miles!

This last one the guy will include a never installed rear auto locker. Looks like it was well taken care of but the amount of miles concern me as it's at 150k and I plan to use it quite a bit for commuting.

Quick question, I've been seeking a 5-speed transmission but haven't had any luck coming across them. I figured it would be more fuel efficient and keep the RPM's a little lower on the freeway. Is this the case or does it not really matter if it's 4 or 5 speed? Does one have a better reputation than the other? Thanks.

 

[AZ4Running]

Just have to keep an eye out be patient and it takes time to find the deals. It also helps when you work at an auto repair shop. You get people selling their vehicles. Thats what happened to me on the 4runner. Guy brought it in for an alignment it needed all the control arm bushings in the front end. He said he was going to sell it soon and did not want to put money in it. I gave him my number and told he to call me if he sells it. Few weeks later i got a call. I had a 96 tacoma trd sport 2.7l 4wd with shell on the back about 3 years ago and paid $800 for it. Front right lower ball joint separated and the owner did not want to fix it. Sadly i had to sell it but it was not right for my needs with a family now. Kbb value on a 4runner sr5 with 200k is about $2200 to $2500 depending on condition. So like i said i just cant see how people are asking so much for them. If it was 100k miles or less i can see asking that much. This is jmo and jme so please dont hate.

 

[02SE]

Quick question, I've been seeking a 5-speed transmission but haven't had any luck coming across them. I figured it would be more fuel efficient and keep the RPM's a little lower on the freeway. Is this the case or does it not really matter if it's 4 or 5 speed? Does one have a better reputation than the other? Thanks.

In my experience the 5-speed manual is more fuel efficient than an otherwise identical automatic trans 4Runner.

I have a V6 manual trans 4Runner, and my Sister has a V6 auto trans 4Runner. Both have the same axle ratio, and the exact same tires. On the few occasions where we both drove the same route, at the same time, my 4Runner consistently gets better MPG.

The RPM is actually higher with the 5-speed for a given highway speed, (assuming the same engine, axle ratio, tire size) than it is for the auto trans 4Runner. The reason is because of the difference in overdrive ratios.

Assuming a V6 with auto or manual transmissions
R150F 5-speed OD ratio = .838
A340 4-speed OD ratio = .705

 

[ASUMTNEER]

I'd check out the 99. Looks like it is enthusiast owned, which would be a positive selling point for me. 147k is not a whole lot of miles for that truck. $6k would be a great buy in it, if you ask me.

 

[Seattle_SR5]

Another +1 on the '99. That would be a $7500 truck in Seattle easy.

I paid slightly less for a 210k mile '00 SR5 4x4 in good shape with a 5-speed less than a month ago. The Toyota tax is really high in western Washington State.