Life Expectancy of 4Runner

[DDQ]

Newbie here - Looking to pick up a 4Runner in the next month or so.

I know you guys probably are sick of these questions... but any help would be much appreciated.

First off, I'm looking to get something in the 96-98 range.

1 > Are these all the same generation?

2 > Is there any key advantages/disadvantages during these model years from one model to the next?

3 > I'll likely be looking at a higher mileage vehicle, so what maintenance should have been performed? What parts commonly fail in these cars besides the obvious wear and tear stuff?

4 > What kind of life expectancy can I expect from this vehicle?

5 > Am I stupid for bothering with buying a high mileage SUV?

Thanks for your time, I'd much appreciate any info/advice you all can offer. I currently have an Audi A4 with lots of mods, but I'm getting sick of the Boston roads and want something more durable to drive around in.

Mike

 

[Thai]

Some answers:

1. Yes. Same generation. 3rd generation is from 1996-2002.

2. If i were you, then i would try to get '99 and up because of some changes (able to use 4wd on dry land, safety enhancements, center console changes, quieter interior due to changes in door seals and mirror shape, bumper changes). In addition, 1999 is when rear suspension TSB came out...so make sure ANY 4runner that you buy have this TSB done, ESPECIALLY 2WD MODELS! Little changed from 1996 to 1998. 1999 was a big year for changes.

I think there was also a fuel gauge TSB around 1999 or 2000. So, make sure that has been done.

From 1996 to 2000, you can get a rear locker on 4wd models, which is pretty cool for off-roading.

Almost forgot, head gasket recall was for 1996 models...so, make sure that the 1996 4runner you're looking at had this recall done!

3. 3rd gen 4runners are pretty much bullet proof. Besides the above TSB and recall, there's no clear area of problem. However, i would certainly check the rear axle housing and drum brakes (leakage or mud in drums). In addition, check the CV joint in the front (watch for tear if the previous owner lifted his truck). Engine & transmission should be very reliable. Check the underbody for signs of off-roading abuse (dents, scrapes, etc.).

4. 4runners are widely known to last for a very long time...easily into 200,000+ miles if well-taken care of.

5. Not stupid...if you are shopping for 4runners! 4runners are damn reliable. You won't go wrong with 'em.

Devil's Advocate: Have you considered a new vehicle instead of used??

Be warn, 3rd gen 4runners are not the smoothest thing on the planet. If your Boston road is broken, you will be bouncing around in a 4runner! So, TESTDRIVE one before buying on the roughest roads. You may want to consider other less-off-road-capable SUVs with independent suspensions all around (Honda CRV, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, etc.).

Hope this helps.

 

[peter78]

Welcome to the forum. I'll try and answer your questions, hopefuuly others can chime in. Also you may want to read past posts about older 4Runners. OK, here I go:

1.) Yes, they are both from the same generation, the third generation. It ran from 96 to 02.

2.) The 96 had some head gasket problems. I would say if it was affected by the re-call and not done it would of have problems by now, still asked if the re-call was done, if you get a 96. (note: This is for the V6, they also made a 4 cyl.)

There was a re-call for the rear suspension on the 96 to 98 models. A change for the third generation was done in 99, they updated some parts of the interior, exterior and safety. You will notice small differences in a 99 if you check on out. If you can swing it, a 99 may be worth the extra money.

3.) The 4Runner has a solid reputation and no real problems stand out. Wacth out for rough treatment such as a bent frame and rust, especially in the bumpers and wheel wheels.

4.) How long do they last. Good question, for the third generation, I don't think we have seen that yet. People are reporting 250,000 on this vehicle. I remember seeing a story of a person buying a 2nd generation with 360,000 miles on it from e-bay. Someone on this forum just asked how much their 4Runner was worth, it had 287,000 miles on it. (It was around that figure, it may not be exact.) I would say going 250,000 miles would be a resonable life expectacy for the SUV. Consumer Reports give it great marks.

5.) Are you stupid, hum I won't touch that one. But let me just say, understand a older SUV will have some mantianance and it won't be the cheapest thing to keep going. Toyota has made it some what easy to maintain. Lots of room in the bay, a non-interference engine, the parts are built extra tough. The 4 cyl. has a timing chain and the V6 a timing belt. It has a skid plate or should I say skid plates and most important a frame.

 

[DDQ]

Thanks a ton fellas.

I probably will try to swing a '99. My budget for this will probably be up to $15k, so I'm not sure if that will get me into the '99s. I still have to do more research. I'm fairly good with cars, so basic maintenance I can handle for the most part. It will be nice to finally have a ride with room in the engine bay, my knuckles are carved up from working on my Audi, and before that was a 3000GT, neither which spare an inch.

As far as bouncing around, it can't be as bad as what I have now - a lowered Audi with a race suspension. It's like riding a skate board through a mine field. I just want some clearance, and 4WD for the winter. Smooth ride is not a major concern, as long as the car can take it, and I don't have to replace suspension parts too often, as I would with a car like I have now.

I'm sure there's more practical SUVs for me, but I'm picky, and I really am a huge fan of the 4Runner's styling. I also will take it off road a few times a year, but nothing too crazy. I don't live right downtown, so it's not likely the size of it will be much of a PIA.

I'm sure I'll have more questions during the shopping process. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks again.

 

[4x4Runner09]

Life exptancy of a 4Runner...39 miles.

according to the above post...hehee

"Ouch that left a mark"

 

[DDQ]

Life exptancy of a 4Runner...39 miles.

according to the above post...hehee

"Ouch that left a mark"

Huh?



Let me know what you guys think of this:

1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited, V6, auto, switch on the fly 4X4, Top of line 4Runner, Black on Biege, leather interior, loaded. In excellent condition, well mantain, power everything,wood trim, switch on 4 wheel drive, keyless entry, LoJack, Remote starter, Running board, roof rack, towing package, privacy glass, 4 new Michellen tires, Fender guards, Fog Lamps, very very reliable

This Car's Details:

Price $14500

Mileage 96000

Exterior Color Black

Interior Color Beige

Body Style Sport Utility

Doors Four Door

Engine 6 Cylinder Gasoline

Trans. 4 Speed Automatic with Electronic Overdrive

Fuel Type Gasoline

Drive Type 4 wheel drive

 

[peter78]

Looks nice. Actually it is nice to see it has running boards and in good shape too. If the previous owner was gung ho in off road, the running boards would of been removed. If you can, see when the timing belt had been replaced. Sometimes, people know they are going to sell their vehicle and neglect regular mantianance.

The price is good, about what private owners get and about 3 thousand less than retail. I owned a black car once, beautiful but it tends to get hot in Atlanta.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Thai]

Beautiful 4runner!

From the pic, i can see that the outside rearview mirrors are still the "old" kind. That is, this owner did not get the TSB done to reduce windnoise. This TSB got you newly shaped outside rearview mirrors (check out 2000+ 4runners to see difference) and new door sealings.

However, this TSB was NOT free...you had to pay for it. So most owners did not do it. It is something that you may want to check out.

Otherwise, nice 4runner!

 

[DDQ]

Thanks guys.

When is the t-belt scheduled to be changed? The current owner has owned this car since day 1, and says that there was NO major maintenance necessary yet. He said the only thing that went was the starter and battery. I have to assume more than that must have been scheduled within 96,000 miles, right?

I'll plan on taking it for a ride this coming weekend and see what it's all about.

 

[peter78]

I belive the belt recommendation for the 98 was 60,000 and it is 90,000 miles for my 2001, both have the 3.4 V6. Either way it should of been changed. The plugs, coolant, auto transmission oil every 30,000 miles. I know the oil in the rear end and front ends needs to be changed before 90,000 miles.

I know a lot of people who own Toyotas never seem to do much up-keep, since they never seem to break down.

I would talk to the owner, hopefully he has done some regular mantainance. If he hasn't done the belt, but he did other things like change the coolant, etc., well you just have to plan on changing the timing belt. It is about 300 to 400 bucks, probably why he didn't change it.

I have a old Honda that is getting close to 180,000 miles, the question is do I put another 400 into it or sell it. Also, my Acura has 185,000 miles and it will need another timing belt at 220,000 miles and I simply am not going to dump the money on a car when it gets that old.