Looking at 3rd Gen

voldosm

voldosm

New member
Hey everyone!

I have an active thread in the new member area (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/new-members/173072-new-member-looking-4runners.html#post1744480), but I'm hoping to get many opinions on the 3rd gens I've found in my area. I am looking to buy a 4Runner, and anything in the 1992 to 2000 range is game. (2nd gen might get me more bang for the buck?)
My budget is pretty much what you see in the posts below (around 4k, preferably less). This will not be a daily driver, but a mountain machine to take us to the summer trailheads/winter skiing in the Rockies. I read the excellent buyers guide sticky and I'm looking for what you guys think.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!! :D

'99 Man. 4wd 167k - owner states PS pump and crank shaft seal (?) are needed
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4511022028.html

'97 Auto 4wd 204k (price seems high?)
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...s=200&minPrice=2000&listingId=370268895&Log=0

'97 Man. 4wd 240k (lots of miles?)
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4514775635.html

'97 Auto 4wd 220k
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4543604565.html

If any warrant further investigation, I'll be sure to ask for maintenance records.
 
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The '99 looks good to me. Just need to figure out what's going on with the maintenance and negotiate appropriately.
 
ARC said:
The '99 looks good to me. Just need to figure out what's going on with the maintenance and negotiate appropriately.
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Yeah, I checked for dealer service records and there are none... I would get it checked over by a mechanic for sure.
 
Front crank shaft seal is accessible during a timing belt job. Don't think there is a rear crank seal. The only rear seal I know of is the rear main seal. For that one, the transmission has to come out.
 
All in all, out of the ads you posted the blue one is the best "Bang for your Buck". Although it seems to need some maintenance the mileage is far lower then the rest and IMO that colour is awesome!!

EDIT: Owner maybe hiding something as the pictures look a bit suspicious, who takes dark pictures and posts them on a for sale ad?
 
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1blink said:
Front crank shaft seal is accessible during a timing belt job. Don't think there is a rear crank seal. The only rear seal I know of is the rear main seal. For that one, the transmission has to come out.
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Good to know. Hopefully the owner has some maintenance records so I know if a timing belt job is in the cards soon. Then I could hit them both at the same time. Issue with a "bad" front crank seal would be an oil leak, correct? Intensity of the leak depending on how bad the seal is?

AirOlson said:
All in all, out of the ads you posted the blue one is the best "Bang for your Buck". Although it seems to need some maintenance the mileage is far lower then the rest and IMO that colour is awesome!!

EDIT: Owner maybe hiding something as the pictures look a bit suspicious, who takes dark pictures and posts them on a for sale ad?
Click to expand...

I'm always shocked what people think are appropriate pictures for sale items. The blue/purple one is what the wife has always wanted too (Loves 4Runners, loves purple, lol). I'm a little worried the post is 30 days old too, they might not even have it anymore. Going to email them today.
 
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voldosm said:
Too good to be true? High miles, but claims one owner and all maintenance records... Might be motivated to sell too, based on the date given. This one seems pretty stacked:

'99 Manual with TRD supercharger 250k miles
https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/cto/4552785194.html
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Try searchtempest.com. Allows you to search multiple CL sites at one time with keywords. Then their autotempest tool adds in a few more criteria.

You should be able to find a sub-200k 4x4 for under 6g's with good maintenance records.
 
Well, no word back yet on the '99. Shot 'em an email (only contact info) yesterday morning and again this morning. Have a feeling it might be gone, since it was posted a month ago.

Gonna keep looking for manuals though. [MENTION=108751]ARC[/MENTION] i checked out your build thread. Very tasteful job and I love the Tepui! Living out in Junction must be awesome for your Runner (I'm in Denver).
 
Check for frame rust, worn suspension, try and talk them down some with problems you find, but yeah I'd buy it. Be sure and try out the 4x4 and diff locker first. To lock the rear diff, put it in 4 low, drive less than 5mph, and hit the RR dif lock button. It will flash on the dash, then go solid when engaged. If it keeps flashing, that means it didn't lock
 
1blink said:
To lock the rear diff, put it in 4 low, drive less than 5mph, and hit the RR dif lock button. It will flash on the dash, then go solid when engaged. If it keeps flashing, that means it didn't lock
Click to expand...
I'd make a slow, deliberate turn and listen for some tire in the back, too. Just to make sure it's locked and strong.
 
Damn, the listing has already been removed, before I could call the guy... Up less than 24 hours. :dizzy:
 
AirOlson said:
Im sure you'll find the right Runner eventually, heck it took me 2 years to find mine lol
Click to expand...

Just gotta keep the search up! Thanks for responding to these posts guys. It really helps me decide what is worth investigation and what not, using everyone's expertise and friendliness. Lovin' the community so far! :snacker:
 
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