Looking at this 4runner...

[kellogg]

Hey guys I have an Integra and last november I bought an 06 Honda CRF 250. It really sucks not having a way to get my bike around so i'm looking into 4runners (i'll use a small trailer or hitch bike carrier). I'd like to get into wheeling and start doing camping trips out in the desert. I went down to a used car lot today and checked out a 96 5spd 4x4 with 138k. It has the 2.7 engine which I don't mind. I'm pretty sure its the base model because it had cloth seats and manual locks/windows. Anyway it drove well and its in pretty good shape cosmetically. Are there any certain things I should look for before I make my decision? The lot wants $5,800 for it. They are willing to give me $4,000 for my 97 5spd integra with 128k as a trade in. I told him I would think about it and come back in the morning. I'd like to talk him down on the truck a little bit. What do you guys think ye or ne? here are the pics from autotrader

 

[Ron Helmuth]

seems decent....

how is the clutch? when was it rebuilt? If not already then it is likely due...

Timing belt? done recently?

Trucks are a bit more expensive to maintain than the Acura I would imagine, but that one looks fine.

Rear axle seals are a consistent trouble spot on these 3rd gens.

For a 96 I would say it looks in pretty good shape. What is the story on the shift knob?

 

[kellogg]

I'm thinking that the clutch will need to be replaced soon it caught when the pedal was almost completely released.

I dont know about the Tbelt i'll ask.

Dunno about the shift nob they said they would order me one If i bought it haha.

 

[RevengEngine]

you tell them you want an official TRD shift knob!!!! haha

 

[bgmac]

$5800 is way to much! KBB has it valued at $4300 in excellent condition. http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pri...ue|358416|true&Condition=Good&QuizConditions=

 

[riverrat44]

Originally posted by kellogg ...I dont know about the Tbelt i'll ask...[/B]

The 3RZ-FE 2.7L motor does not have a timing belt like the 3.4 V6. It has a timing chain instead. Unlike the t-belt the chain does not need to be regularly replaced, an advantage of the 4-cyl motor.

(I just bought a 2000 4runner with this engine, so I've been checking into it...)

 

[kellogg]

thanks riverrat I didn't know that. How do you like your 3rz overall? I think i'm going to try and talk him down to 5 grand. The kbb trade in value of my integra is only $2,300 so i'm suprised he offered me 4. Hopefully he'll offer me the same tommorow,

 

[Ron Helmuth]

timing chains still need replacement-the mileage tolerance is higher yes.

I am no mechanic but my guess is at 138K it would be a wise idea relatively soon to have that all checked out thoroughly or replaced.

Water pump is typically done at the same time, maybe some drive belts also.

Dealer strikes me as maybe a little too eager, the values are a bit off- as you are detecting yourself and hearing from others.

As always have any vehicle competently checked out. Are you near a Yota dealer?-see if they will run the VIN# and tell you the maintenance and recall history of the specific truck. I always do that before I buy one. They are always happy to oblige-they know I will bring it to them for maintenance.

The money you spend in properly evaluating it is money saved in potential big ticket repairs. Be willing to walk-this is not the only one out there .... and this is a good time to be buying a gas guzzler like we all enjoy driving...

Plus we all know the 99s are the 3rd gen to have.....

:awais:

 

[riverrat44]

timing chains still need replacement...

The 22RE timing chains definitely needed replacement because the TC guides were made of plastic and eventually disintegrated, the one weak link in an otherwise bulletproof motor. The chain would still work for awhile but was then prone to catastrophic failure and bent valves.

From what I learned online, the guides on the 3RZ are steel and don't break. It is still possible to have problems and need the TC replaced on 3RZs, but I saw info that Toyota does not specify a replacement interval as they do with the belts on the V6, which needs to be replaced every 90,000 miles and is an expensive maintenance item.

I just completed the transaction for my 3RZ 4runner and have not even picked it up yet, so I cannot comment from experience on any of this, nor about how I like the engine in a 4runner. I expect it to be a reliable if not particularly exciting performer but that remains to be seen....

 

[Matt_Ledbetter]

About 260k on the original clutch in my '96 Sr5...

Also, everyone needs to keep in mind that values in CA are higher than other parts of the country. The price doesn't seem crazy high if it's in good shape, but probably a bit high. If they are asking $5800, it means they are really expecting about $4500 (and probably willing to sell for less).

That's why the numbers for your intergra seem high.

-Matt

 

[Jordan Petry]

I would pass this one up... I paid $5500 for my 99 Limited 4x4 Auto in Exceptional condition... It just needed a timing belt, tires balanced, and new batteries for the key fobs. Keep looking around, I just checked cars.com every night and every morning to catch the best deals. Jm .02

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I would pass this one up... I paid $5500 for my 99 Limited 4x4 Auto in Exceptional condition... It just needed a timing belt, tires balanced, and new batteries for the key fobs. Keep looking around, I just checked cars.com every night and every morning to catch the best deals. Jm .02

I would agree, check out craigslist.org or something. I personally would not go for a 4Runner unless it was a 99 or up because they have better styling in my opinion, better interior features, LCD ODO, better designed steering wheel, and other things.

I bought my 99 for $5500 in March '08, and all I needed to do was replace my exhaust manifold, which I replaced with LC Engineering Performance headers for $400. Not one other problem.

Definitely spring for a 99+ imo.

 

[p nut]

I agree with others. Pass on this. 3vz are good engines, but in MY opinion, I would go with the 3.4L V6 every time. I have had 3 3.4L V6's and they have all gotten 21MPG on the highway. The 3vz will be at 24-25MPG, maybe. Nothing too impressive, although it does help. However, when towing, these numbers will be even lower and the gap will close tremendously, due to the 3.4L's better torque. And you cannot put a pricetag on the better towing with the V6. If you've ever towed with a 4-banger and gone up hills or tried to merge onto the highway, you know what I mean.

Also, in your situation, why not get a Tacoma? You can just throw that dirt bike back in the bed and forget about buying a trailer or hitch mount. This is why I went from a 4Runner to a Tacoma. I mountain bike, hunt, ski a lot, and the rear cargo area in my 4Runner(s) were getting trashed. For my needs, a truck bed fit the bill nice. If you get a 95-00 Tacoma, watch for the rust issue. LINK

And I suggest the same for the Tacoma---Get a V6. I'd try for a 2001+ 5-sp with the TRD package. I had to get an auto, because I needed a double-cab and no 5-sp is available. Still a great truck, though.

 

[riverrat44]

I bought my 99 for $5500 in March '08, and all I needed to do was replace my exhaust manifold, which I replaced with LC Engineering Performance headers for $400....

Couple of q's for you C-O-B:

1. Did the LCE header make a difference in throttle response and/or power?

2. Did you do any other exhaust mods at the same time- e.g. larger pipe, different cat or muffler? And if so, what did you go with?

$5500 is a good price for a 1999 4runner, although I did see that is for a 2WD not a 4WD....