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

Frontier719 · 2014-12-08T16:33:06+00:00

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.

Thread starter Frontier719
Start date Dec 8, 2014

smallfry

New member

Dec 9, 2014

First off, what the 'crap' there are two more forum members in the Colorado Springs area.

Secondly, I'm in the same boat as you. My 4runner just turned over 200K and I've been back and forth about selling it and getting a 08-09 4runner (09 trail if I can find one) or replacing the leather, carpet and fixing the headliner, etc. but I'll probable just hold on to it and fix it.