Just hit 200,000 miles: now I'm torn

[Frontier719]

My personal struggle for the day. I love my 4Runner. 1998 SR5 and just rolled over 200,000 miles this week and it's my DD.

The truck is in decent shape but definitely has some significant maintenance projects coming up. The suspension is just about shot and its time for shocks, struts and coil springs. Also needs tie rod ends replaced.

After driving for a long period of time, I'll let the 4Runner sit for 20 minutes (like to fill up) but on start up, I get a large puff of black smoke out of the tail pipe. It doesn't smoke on a regular basis. Just when I drive for several hours and then start it up again. I was told it's most likely a valve seal issue and it would be more cost effective to replace the motor with a lower mileage used engine.

I want to have the seats, headliner and carpet reupholstered/replaced. The previous owner was a heavy smoker and I can't seem to get the smell out--plus the interior is tired anyways.

So after all of this, I am torn. I love this car and cant decide if I want to sink 5-6k into building it up, or dive into a 5th gen 4Runner.

 

[jaephu]

For the car odor, there's these aerosol cans where you turn it on while you're A/C is on with recirculation is enabled. It's supposed to get into the actual air blower system incase there's any sort of build up there. Then maybe steam vacuum the upholstery.

 

[Quadsbc]

Black smoke is fuel, probably an injector hanging open. I'd send them out to be cleaned and you should be good. Blue smoke would be oil, white is coolant FYI.

Throw a lift on it which would replace the struts and springs. You will fall in love all over again.

Tie rods are easily replaced when doing the suspension.

Personally, I'd keep it. If it's paid off take that money you would be putting into a new car loan and set it aside. Save it for two or three years and pay cash for your next car.

 

[soundmanlpte]

Damn, that is a sweet 4runner. $5-6k seems like a rather high estimate for all of that. Unless you do some performance parts. But still, that's way less than a $30k new 4runner!! Personally, I'm really into fixing up old, reliable cars and driving them. If you love it, keep it. If you want a new car, pass it on to the next guy. You'll still get some money out of it...

 

[IBallEngineer]

So after all of this, I am torn. I love this car and cant decide if I want to sink 5-6k into building it up, or dive into a 5th gen 4Runner.

You are right, it would take 6K to fix all that. I'll do you a favor and take that money pit off your hands. I'll even drive up there to pick it up! No, don't thank me, I'm a giver.

heh heh.

:lol:

 

[mxer]

Drive it until it dies which is probably a ways away. The cost to fix it pales in comparison of a 40K dollar ugly as hell 5th gen.

 

[Doc2012]

A lift, injectors, TB kit, is less than that.

Fix the truck.

 

[paddlenbike]

A lift, injectors, TB kit, is less than that.

Fix the truck.

Definitely fix it. 5th gens have quality issues galore, so if you decide to replace it, don't get anything newer than a 2009 (4th gen). 3rd gens are one of few vehicles worth repairing.

Here's a screenshot of the 5th gen forums lately. I would be pissed if I spent $40k on a new rig only to be riddled with these kinds of issues:

 

[MrRoo]

Keep it! I love my 4Runner even more because it has 230,000 on it. Mileage is just a number. It's one of those good old trucks that you become best friends with. Mine is not perfect by any means. Some light rust and small dents and scratches. But that is just character. It's well maintained and reliable. And best of all, paid for! I'm selling mine in the spring just to get another. I say keep it and put a little into it.

 

[amalik]

In any state of mind, I can't really understand how people pay money and drive a 5th gen. And like $40k+ at that.

I mean, the 4th gen still looks beautiful (Just not as nice as a 3rd ) -- but 5th? Man. So ugly to me, personally.

 

[weekendclimber]

Drive it until it dies which is probably a ways away. The cost to fix it pales in comparison of a 40K dollar ugly as hell 5th gen.

I'm glad I'm not the only person who thinks this. I saw a couple of posts about the 5th Gen TRD Pro and everyone was oohing and awing it and I was like "That's a G-D fugly looking rig!!".:laugh:

 

[mountain mike]

I say keep it, but I just sunk about $5500 into my 2001 with 215k on it to freshen it all up so I may be a little bias.

I can help with the smell. I have a charcoal filter, the ones they use for marijuana grows to keep the smell at bay, that we can run in your 4runner.
My F150 had a smoke smell in it when I bought and I ran the filter overnight and it got the smell out. It wasn't a heavy smoke but there none-the-less.

I see you're in Manitou, I'm on the west side of the Springs, let me know if you want to borrow the filter.

Good looking 4Runner by the way!

 

[Frontier719]

I think they all look good but 5th gen is just too big for my tastes. They need to shrink the whole thing 7%, back to a 103" wheelbase. Then you'd have something.

Personally I think 2nd gen was the best looking. Like the all gold one with gold tint windows. What a beauty. You could have a Limited then with manual transmission too. How cool.

I think the 5th gen stayed truer to the design of the 4runner. I felt like the 4th gen was too much of a departure stylistically. I personally wouldn't buy a 4th gen but the Trail trim 5th gen makes me drool. The 3rd gen is still my favorite though.

Regardless, I am siding more and more with fixing up the 4Runner I already have. I bought it outright in cash so it's paid off. Now I just need to do my research on a lift. I want something modest--2.5-3 inches.

Any recommendations of a good place in Colorado to buy/do the install? Im near the springs so anywhere along the front range between here and denver?

 

[Frontier719]

[MENTION=108156]mountain mike[/MENTION]: Hey, I'd really appreciate that! I go to school on the east coast but I'm driving back to manitou on Friday. I'll PM you when Im home if thats cool? I can definitely supply a 6 pack or a tank of gas for your time!

 

[amalik]

I think the 5th gen stayed truer to the design of the 4runner. I felt like the 4th gen was too much of a departure stylistically. I personally wouldn't buy a 4th gen but the Trail trim 5th gen makes me drool. The 3rd gen is still my favorite though.

Regardless, I am siding more and more with fixing up the 4Runner I already have. I bought it outright in cash so it's paid off. Now I just need to do my research on a lift. I want something modest--2.5-3 inches.

Any recommendations of a good place in Colorado to buy/do the install? Im near the springs so anywhere along the front range between here and denver?

Toytec is up in Thornton on 104th and Irma, and they are one of the huge names for lift packages. They don't do the installs though from what I know (But plenty of shops do around town). Spend 2 minutes browsing around the 3rd/4th gen sections and you'll see their name everywhere.

Another idea for you is to get a compression test. If your compression is good and healthy (150'ish+ psi), 200,000 miles is just breaking the motor in for a 5VZ-FE

 

[mountain mike]

[MENTION=108156]mountain mike[/MENTION]: Hey, I'd really appreciate that! I go to school on the east coast but I'm driving back to manitou on Friday. I'll PM you when Im home if thats cool? I can definitely supply a 6 pack or a tank of gas for your time!

Just hit me up when you get back. I'm close to Garden of the Gods, not far from where you took that picture.
I'll be here, we don't have any plans to leave Colorado Springs for the holidays.

 

[mxer]

You would leave your 3rd gen for this mug?

 

[gigerunner]

Building ones vehicle is a unique bonding experience with that t4r. The sheer joy with every new bit installed and the satisfaction of knowing its been done is something I will never tire of.

 

[JayRolla]

Depending on color of the smoke I would say its a leaking valve seal. Since it happens only on startup. What happens is the oil leaks past the valve seal and pools on top of the piston. You fire her up, it burns off and you good to go. Not a reason to rebuild at all, but does show there are signs of wear in the motor.

 

[Antman]

Some of you 3rd Gen guys are funny!:rofl:

There are good and bad points about every Gen, personally I love my 5th.

I think it's great the amount of pride everyone has in their 3rds, I hope I still feel that way in 15 years or so!

To the OP- As long as the frame is in good shape keep it and save your money.

Eventually you will want something new and you have an opportunity to drive something you like while saving for something you will like. WIN/WIN!