Looking for a 4Runner....

masphx

masphx

New member
Hi,

My name is Mason and I'm located in Scottsdale, AZ. I have been looking into buying a second car for the last month or so. I have a 2008 350z MT Black. Sweet car but a little in-practical for transporting people or things. I'm looking also for a truck that can take me and my girlfriend places that the Z can't, like camping in northern AZ.
Searching forums and reviews have lead me to the 3rd gen 4runner. I first looked at the 2nd Gen as my dad use to have one a long time ago and the truck seemed great. After reading the forums and hearing about the blown head gasket issue I decided to pass on that one though.
Anyway, 3rd Gen looks like it is the one as far as reliability and price goes. I have read the buying guild so I know about some of the known issues are. I guess the auto transmission is more risky. If I pick up a 4runner should I expect to do a replacement of the radiator? How much should this run at a shop? Seems like finding a V6 MT 4runner is difficult.
Since I will be using it to go camping I might consider 4x4 but a few questions first. How much heavier does this make the truck and how much does it effect fuel economy? If I can't find a 4runner w/ 4x4 I'm sure I can do without it but just want to know.

I hope to be posting my 'find' soon.

Thanks for the read and the help,

Mason
 
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Welcome. You shouldn't need to replace the radiator, just add a transmission cooler and you'll be fine. Not sure on the exact numbers on weight or mpg's but I don't think the difference is that big. I'd go for a 4wd.
 
My brother lived in Tuscon after ASU and bought a 2000 Limited with 4wd. Loved it and later put on a Sonoran Steel 1.2 lift. He never got the locker. Someone stole it outside of Flag one summer evening. His FJ has its merits but he misses the 4runner.

I would think 4wd is a must. The locking differential would be even better. If this is not your DD, why worry about fuel economy (it isn't that bad).

The radiator is easy to replace, go with all OEM replacement parts though except for the radiator, where the Koyo 1998A is a good replacement.
 
Thanks for the tips so far guys.

So the Auto Trans does not seem that bad after all. Would you guys suggest I put in that Trans cooler shortly after I buy the truck. Is it an easy DIY or should I get a shop to install it.

The 4runner might become the DD so fuel economy is important. I'm aiming to spend $3000 w. 150,000 and I will be happy. $4000 willing if it's a nice truck ~100,000-125,000. I might go five grand but the truck would have to be very nice. Not sure if my goals are obtainable or not.

I found this one on craigslist. Seller says 140,000 and only minor door dings. Said $6100 takes it but I replied price was too high. If this is a nice truck what do you thing I can get the seller down too if I deal? I think it has everything I want, Color, 4x4 and V6. Don't really need the leather seats here in Phoenix (hot during summer) but I bet they are nice besides that.

2001 Toyota 4 Runner SR5 4 Wheel Drive

Mason
 
You are going to be hard pressed to find a 4Runner even with 2WD with low miles for those prices unless they are in pretty bad shape.
 
masphx said:
My name is Mason
Click to expand...

:hello:

masphx said:
The 4runner might become the DD so fuel economy is important. I'm aiming to spend $3000 w. 150,000 and I will be happy. $4000 willing if it's a nice truck ~100,000-125,000. I might go five grand but the truck would have to be very nice. Not sure if my goals are obtainable or not.
Click to expand...

To be blunt, $3,000 isn't going to happen. 4Runner's and Tacoma's hold their value very well, the Tacoma more so than the 4Runner even. There is a local Tacoma I saw last night going for $4k only because it had been slightly wrecked, had no front bumper, had a blown clutch, and had 213k miles. Cheapest I've seen a Tacoma for.

I would probably pay around $6k for that 4Runner. Hell I paid nearly $8k for my '99 Limited with rear locker and 140k and was damn happy to do it. :D

Good luck with your search!
 
I agree^^. A 3rd gen in decent shape with 150K is worth a lot more than $3K. You might find a deal out there, but $3K would be more like a '94 3.slow.
 
I'm gonna echo everybody else. $3000 is way too low for a 3rd gen, especially with low miles. Even $4000 is pushing it, though I have seen the occasional 2WD with 150k-200k miles in the $4000 range. Most are going to be at least $5000-$6000, especially for 4WD and lower miles.

I'm in the market as well and I originally started out with about the same budget, but I quickly figured out that I couldn't get what I wanted for my money. As brian2sun said, $3000 will get you a 2nd gen fairly easily, though it probably won't have the lowest miles. I just saw one today here in California - a '95 with only 71k miles - priced at $6200. I laughed at first; I mean, come on, $6200 for a 2nd gen with a 3.slo? But then I blue booked it...and it was pretty much spot on.

My advice is to check Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) to figure out what you should be paying. Most sellers will use that at least as a guideline. You won't find many cars priced much below their blue book value unless there's something seriously wrong with them.
 
I paid $7,700 for mine just as it sits in this photo.
2002, Sport Edition, 3.4l with 157xxx miles, everything in great shape with all maintenance records going back to 2004.

I was absolutely ecstatic and doing back flips the whole 3 hour drive there to buy it. The seller was asking $7900, it was such a good price already that I just asked him, "What's your bottom dollar"? he said $7,700 and I said Sold! and handed him the cash. Just that quick with no haggling because I am sure he probably could have sold it for closer to $9,500+ easy.
Around here I have seen a lot less truck selling for a lot more than $9,500.
 
Yep. What they said. I paid 9500 for a '00 that is super clean w/ 120k. Here in Nor Nev $7000 might get you a 3rd Gen with higher miles. $5000 one that has cosmetic issues.
 
I payed $3900 for my present one, BUT had to replace the clutch, master and slave cylinder. I did it myself so wasn't too bad but that's the reason I got it at such a low price. I bought it with 130k and have about 140k on it now.
 
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Hi,

I want to first thank each of you who replied to my post. Each of you brought much informative information and I'm thankful for that. If this were the 350z forum this would not be the case. I'm liking this forum already!

Given all your info I'm rethinking what I can afford vs what I want. Unfortunately a 4x4 4runner seems to be out of reach so I guess I will have to settle on a 2x4. Seems like they going for $1000 less and the max I'm willing to spend is $5000 but would be much happier spending only $4000. This would get me a better looking one with less miles. I would love to have a 1999 Model (guess these are the better ones) w/ a sun roof.

Yes, I know I would not be able to go trailing with you guys but a at least I would have a car that could seat more then two people and drive on AZ dirt roads (Crown King etc).

BTW, I have checked out two 4x4s. First was a 1996 4R Black for $5100. When I meet up with the guy he admitted it as a salvaged title after I took a picture of the Vin.

Second I checked out was a 1998 Limited 4x4 for $6200. Car looked good but upon further inspection truck has rust (asked and from Michigan) and had no Vin#s on front three panels.

Only ones that seem promising right now are popping up in Tucson but its not a easy drive with work to get down there to check them out. Kind of discouraging!

Mason
 
masphx said:
Yes, I know I would not be able to go trailing with you guys but a at least I would have a car that could seat more then two people and drive on AZ dirt roads (Crown King etc).
Click to expand...

Don't underestimate the power of a 2wd! Especially if it's locked!
 
I also Thank You!

I would also like to Thank Everybody... Seriously considering a '02 4runner 2x4 Sport Package with 125K miles in the $8,000 price range... Could not even find a ding on it.

Very helpful answers...

After leaving the sports car world, Had a '93 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, (Transmission Problems but put over 130K miles on it) went to a '97 Pathfinder (suspension issues) and now have over 217,000 miles on it.

Came across a sweet looking '02 4Runner and came across this board doing some online research.

Seems like I certainly found the right place to be.

Thanks!

masphx said:
Hi,

I want to first thank each of you who replied to my post. Each of you brought much informative information and I'm thankful for that. If this were the 350z forum this would not be the case. I'm liking this forum already!

Given all your info I'm rethinking what I can afford vs what I want. Unfortunately a 4x4 4runner seems to be out of reach so I guess I will have to settle on a 2x4. Seems like they going for $1000 less and the max I'm willing to spend is $5000 but would be much happier spending only $4000. This would get me a better looking one with less miles. I would love to have a 1999 Model (guess these are the better ones) w/ a sun roof.

Yes, I know I would not be able to go trailing with you guys but a at least I would have a car that could seat more then two people and drive on AZ dirt roads (Crown King etc).

BTW, I have checked out two 4x4s. First was a 1996 4R Black for $5100. When I meet up with the guy he admitted it as a salvaged title after I took a picture of the Vin.

Second I checked out was a 1998 Limited 4x4 for $6200. Car looked good but upon further inspection truck has rust (asked and from Michigan) and had no Vin#s on front three panels.

Only ones that seem promising right now are popping up in Tucson but its not a easy drive with work to get down there to check them out. Kind of discouraging!

Mason
Click to expand...
 
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