Life of a 1997 4 cylinder

[rdhargro]

I am looking to buy a 1997 5 speed 2wd 4cyl with 197k. How long does these motors typically go if well maintained? I am buying from a buddy who has done all the maint. He is looking to get around 2k for the vehicle

 

[One_96TR4]

Sounds like a steal...these motors seem to keep bulletproof with proper maintainance. Many members here and on other forums with well over 200k miles and running like new. 2k sounds like a deal even for a 2wd.

 

[pat161]

200k is a lot of miles, ever for a Toyota. The 2.7 3rz is a fantatstic motor and will run for a long time. I actually met a guy years ago w/ the 2.4 2rz, same motor really, in his 2wd delivery truck, he ran from NYC area to MA all day, w/ 360k on it, all original. If your friend did all maintenance and didn't beat on it then its not a bad deal. Just keep in mind, no vehicle w/ 200k is going to be perfect, you will constantly be replacing items which have just about run their useful course. So as long as you accept the fact that its old and will need things fixed a lot go for it, in the long run even if you sink $300 every 2 months into it you are still ahead of the guy who pays $600 every month for a new car.