Looking at 2 3rd gens. Help decide!

[Pack11]

Hey guys, I have been lurking for a couple of weeks and have decided to buy a 3rd gen 4Runner. I recently moved from Green Bay to Orlando and previously owned a 2dr Yukon. My primary driving is to work and back 15 mi each way and city roads 45-55mph. I plan on buying a small bass boat within the year, and like to know if I wanted I could go off road. Nothing serious, but I like to look and think I can :wink2:

I am trying to stay under 5k and there are 2 on CL that I have found.

The first is a 97 SR5 3.4 2wd, that cosmetically may need some TLC. Here is the link; 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 low miles

I have not talked price on that one yet, and it has 116k for miles.

The other is this one; 4runner 4x4 v6
As you can see 173k SR5 3.4L and 4x4. I have gotten them to 4200 with just some texting.

What do you think? I plan on keeping the truck for 2 years. I know with the first I would like to get the front bumper straightened.

I also assume that whatever I buy will most likely need 500-1000 in repairs or tires.

Thanks for the help!

 

[JonCor2577]

I'd go with the 4x4. It looks a lot nicer too. Even though you are in Florida you could still use the 4wd.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

[Hepar]

I would say the 2nd one just for the 4wd if you're planning on towing and some future off-roading.

 

[Pack11]

So those miles don't scare anyone? Although I do feel that the miles don't mean as much as someone preforming regular maintenance.

 

[Hepar]

So those miles don't scare anyone? Although I do feel that the miles don't mean as much as someone preforming regular maintenance.

Yeah, I would much prefer a well taken care of one than one that just has low miles going for it. The first one looks like the owner didn't take the best care of it.

 

[A.Wilson013]

That first one looks like the shedding Corgi that rode in it.

The second one for sure...

 

[SQ.MD]

2nd one hands down (says the guy that owns a 2WD).

 

[Weejub]

So those miles don't scare anyone? Although I do feel that the miles don't mean as much as someone preforming regular maintenance.

You only gave us two choices! Any distance you are willing to travel?

 

[Pack11]

Yeah, I am willing to travel. For 3rd gens there are 9 on CL here and I called them/texted them today. 4 sold, 2 4cyl, 1 never got back to me and these 2.

I am trying to stick under 5k, and I know it will have miles on it.

The 2nd one does look really nice. I am meeting them tomorrow after work to look at it. Any thing out of the norm to check for?

 

[gannonrt]

If you have to buy now then buy the second one. I can't imagine having a 4runner and not having 4x4 (no offense meant to our 2WD friend). However, I would really recommend continuing to watch and look for a great deal. Both my wife and I were able to find great 3rd gen 4runners with low miles by waiting and driving about 90 minutes.

 

[Pack11]

Yeah, my time frame sucks. I leave sunday for NJ and return the next friday. I need a vehicle by the monday after I get back. So either buy one of these, or wait a week and see what is there. Kinda sucks.

So with 173k I know to check for the normal 4x4 suv concerns, but is there anything specific about the 4runners, other than the coolant, and lower ball joints (that may be hard to tell w/o lifting the truck)?

 

[hunton]

if you want to make it 3 i have mine for sale

97 limited 4x4
e locker
2.5 inch toytec
285 bfgs
tint HIDs
lots of extras

 

[Weejub]

I didn't see a year on the second one, but even it was an older model and it great shape it is in the ballpark for pricing.

Wow rough market in Orlando it seems compared to some other cities I was looking at!

This one looks really nice, but almost double what you are looking to pay:

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD only 75500 miles!

Up the road a bit as comparisons:

1996 4runner
toyota 4 runner
1999 Toyota 4runner Limited
1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited

 

[tbst]

Usually when people say "it doesn't leak oil" it turns me off. It's like meeting someone who says "I don't beat my wife" right off the bat.

That's just me though.

 

[DeTwizzle]

^ lol. So true.:drummer:

 

[99 sr5 highlander]

I'd go with the second one, it has 4wd and appears to be in much better condition.

 

[aeroneer1]

I didn't see a year on the second one, but even it was an older model and it great shape it is in the ballpark for pricing.

Wow rough market in Orlando it seems compared to some other cities I was looking at!

This one looks really nice, but almost double what you are looking to pay:

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD only 75500 miles!

Up the road a bit as comparisons:

1996 4runner
toyota 4 runner
1999 Toyota 4runner Limited
1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited

It does say 'price is negotiable' in all caps though ! I say you go check it out, and tell him all you brought is 5k :hunter:

Maybe he'll let you wash some dishes or something ...

 

[aeroneer1]

Usually when people say "it doesn't leak oil" it turns me off. It's like meeting someone who says "I don't beat my wife" right off the bat.

That's just me though.

What's wrong with beating your wife? :boxer:

Seriously though, the second one is WAY better looking. They obviously took the time to clean it up. The first one is taking some beauty shots (sideways in street) of a mangled front bumper.

 

[Pack11]

Well, I am a proud new owner of a 97 SR5. Yes the second link I posted. I am sure I will be asking a ton of noob questions to you guys. I will get some pics up later.

Thanks for the help so far!

 

[CanukRunner]

Buy the one with the LX450 front end...lol...

FR & RR Diff locks.

I saw this one today at the muffler place.. its a lil rusty but there are nice ones around.