Looking at 96 Ltd. 4 Runner with 268k mi. worth it?

[killacush]

Noob here.

I'm looking for a truck/suv to DD carry my bikes about, instead of driving my STi.

I found a local 96 Limited 4 runner with 268k on the clock. I'm going to check it out tomorrow.

But my most important question..... is this high mileage of a 4 runner worth it?

It hasn't been off roaded, mostly highway, girl owned with all maintenance done at Toyota (unverified, as I haven't seen it yet).

Cosmetically, its in ok shape. Hood paint faded, slight dent on the front bumper. Also, I don't care about looks, this thing just needs to be able to hold some mountain bikes, and keep on trucking.

What are things I should look for (strawberry milkshake, etc)?

What would YOU pay for this?

Seller is asking $3500, which seems high, especially given that it will prob need a timing belt super soon.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

If all maintenance is up to date, and there is NO rust, I'd probably go up to $2,000 for something like that.

 

[killacush]

If all maintenance is up to date, and there is NO rust, I'd probably go up to $2,000 for something like that.

Thanks Shooter

 

[JayRolla]

If its super clean he could get that amount for it. Ive seen them sell no lower than $3k here in in CO no madder the miles.

 

[killacush]

Pics!

If its super clean he could get that amount for it. Ive seen them sell no lower than $3k here in in CO no madder the miles.

Cosmetically, it't no gem (again i don't care about that)

Just don't know if the drivetrain is worth that.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

If its super clean he could get that amount for it. Ive seen them sell no lower than $3k here in in CO no madder the miles.

Actually, I do agree. I was going with the $2k price because of some of the body issues that were mentioned. The cosmetic condition is listed as "ok". If it is in really outstanding shape, mechanically and NO rust, I can see paying more than the $2k, maybe close to $3k. I still think that if you look at all vehicles with the same cosmetic problems, you can probably find something in a newer year and maybe a little less miles for the $3.5k.

I got my '97 SR5, diff-locker, 5-speed 4Runner, with 262k miles, a fair amount of rust, "ok" cosmetics, and in need of some maintenance recently for $2,300. I do think I got a pretty good deal, considering what is out there. Just for reference... and I am up in WA, where the market is a little askew (high priced).

 

[JayRolla]

They have dropped a bit since I last bought. 3+ years ago I paid $5k for my auto, no diff lock, limited with 180k miles on the clock. I thought it was a little high on mileage but it was very clean.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I paid 2500 for mine with 254,000 and knowing it needed tires and shocks.

I didn't know about the rusting frame problem until after I bought it. Wasn't too bad repairing it. But time consuming sandblasting the frame rails and rear crossmember making sure I got it all.

Sad thing is they still rust from the inside. Anywhere it was welded there is rust.

 

[JBurt]

With that many miles I would check for good compression, any leaks, condition of trans (make sure fluid looks ok and it shifts right). Also check the condition on ball joints, tie rod ends, and such. Those might be negotiating points.

You can run the vin on the toyota owners website to see what maintenance actually has been done at a dealership.

 

[yotallycrazy]

Yea At 268k I would do a compression check.that would give you the most peace of mind...everything else will just be negotiating points.just make sure you tell her that tb,wp,bjs are things that must be done.and if that doesn't work throw kbb in her face it's like 2500 in perfect condition.

 

[blueblur1984]

I'm sure you've already checked out the car, but for the next guy here is my 2 cents. I've insured people that have taken the 3.4 engine past half a million miles, but I've also had a friend who blew a head gasket under 150k miles (not his fault...bad rebuild by previous owner). Check the service records compared to what the factory recommends, visually inspect all fluids to see how clean they are, compression test and, if you have one, do an ODB read.

Pricing really depends on the local market. Here in northern california (at least at the time I bought mine) there aren't a lot of them for sale so they go for a lot more than they're worth. Mine is pretty beat cosmetically but it still cost me almost $4k...the same thing in nevada would have cost me $2500. I would have made the drive but it's a big gamble considering rust issues out of state and the big chance it wouldn't pass CA emissions.

 

[Ask10]

Just misc FYI, my 3rd gen has 274,000 on it, and with regular maintenance it feels absolutely solid. Right now the diff carrier is leaking badly and the u-joints are on their way out but really, such a small price to pay for so many miles. Engine and trans are completely original, and it's seem a bit of off roading too.

Compression test is middle of the pack, I forgot the exact number, but it was right in the middle between factory fresh numbers and wear limit.

So, high miles yeah, but I'd be confident mine would go 350-400k easily with the condition it's in so don't worry too much. As stated main thing is current condition.