Looking for my first 4runner

G

Golfinz

New member
Hey guys. New to the forum and am looking at a third gen 4runner for a daily driver. I have Z06 that I've decided to remove from daily driving duty and I'm thinking of putting a T4R in the stable.

I'm looking at three different cars here in dallas.

1) 2002. Has 119k miles, sport edition, offered up by a Toyota dealership but I'm unsure of the maintenance records as the Carfax doesn't go into any detail. Will ask dealer if timing belt has been changed. The car is sunfire red and looks to be in great shape! Dealer is asking 9,800. Carfax shown below

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...]][]]&minPrice=5000&listingId=337175365&Log=0
http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=JT3GN86R520222254&partner=CDM_U

2) 2002. Has 169,300 miles, black, sport edition. The Carfax shows that this car has been maintained perfectly; it's a one owner and this owner took it to a Toyota dealer that reported every maintenance record to Carfax. Oil changes were every 3-5k miles and the timing belt was changed at the correct time. Offered by the same dealer as above and they are asking 7,700. Carfax shown below

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...]][]]&minPrice=5000&listingId=337352319&Log=0
http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=JT3GN86R720253604&partner=COO_0

3) 2000. Offered by an individual, silver, limited edition with 4 wheel drive. 159k miles and is an original owner. Unsure of maintenance but will inquire more. He is asking 7,250.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...]][]]&minPrice=5000&listingId=337530757&Log=0

My question is, should high miles worry me with these trucks? Option 2 would be perfect as I love knowing it has been maintained in proper intervals. Options 1 and 2 are 2 wheel drive and the car will not be taken off road. It will be my daily driver. I will install a new radiator in all of the above as to avoid the strawberry milkshake.

Thanks for the help. I've read the forum in detail and love how these things just seemingly love the high miles. I'll post pics of my Z when I'm on a computer.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Well if you're not going off roading and you're in texas a 2wd should be fine for you. The second one seems like a good deal, though the black is going to get hot. Up to you though man, option #2 looks good for the right price.
 
Yes I'm not interested in going off road and we hardly ever see ice on the roads down here in dallas. I did find out option 3 has had the timing belt replaced in 2005 but other records aren't extensive/available as the owner hasn't kept them.

What prices should I try to negotiate to? I was thinking 8900 for option 1, 6800 for option 2 and 6500 for option 3.
 
I saw option three and the car ran great. There was some clear coat peeling on the painted fender flares (can these be bought still) and the suspension was squeaky when turning/going over bumps. This should just be bushings and an easy-ish fix, unless I'm wrong
 
Last edited:
I'm not a fan of black cars or 2wd, so I'd go with option 3. A 4wd runner will have a higher resale.
 
Will a car with 4wd require more maintenance than a 2wd? I would love people opinions on the mileage difference, prices, what I should look for when looking at them. I know the main things in general when looking at a high mile car but specifics on a T4R would be welcome. Btw, I've read the buying guide and am getting some great info!!
 
Golfinz said:
Will a car with 4wd require more maintenance than a 2wd? I would love people opinions on the mileage difference, prices, what I should look for when looking at them. I know the main things in general when looking at a high mile car but specifics on a T4R would be welcome. Btw, I've read the buying guide and am getting some great info!!
Click to expand...

The only additional maintenance a 4wd would require would be servicing the front differential and transfer cases occasionally. This just entails fluid exchanges, and is relatively cheap and easy to do in the garage. Personally, I think you'll regret not getting a 4wd, you'll be cursing yourself the one time you need it and it isn't there.
 
Ok, makes sense. I like that its 4wd bc it seems to demand a higher price but not knowing the maintenance history isn't very comforting. How can I test out the 4wd that its operating properly? It is owned by a woman that doesn't know much about the car. It's in pretty good shape on the outside (fender flares have some very slight clear coat peeling) but the rest is pretty nice for a car with 160k miles.

Option one and two are nice bc I know the history (ie both carfaxes show that the LBJ have been replaced)

I'm kinda leaning toward options one and two, need to look at them tomorrow first. I like what the carfaxes show
 
Last edited:
Is everyone's opinion option three because its 4wd vs 2wd? I honestly would never use it down here in dallas...the car would only be my daily driver.

I guess my question is should 160k miles scare me? I've seen the "how many miles is on your rig" thread and there are tons of people with 200k plus but getting this car into my hands at 160k miles is a hurdle. That why I like option 2 bc I can see its maintenance history. I will inquire more about option 3 and if I can get the vin and where the owner took it to do maintenance.
 
Last edited:
From what I've seen, only if you're planning on supercharging it; so long as maintenance has been done to it, I'd think this would be fine. I got mine @ 130K with regular maintenance done; it's @ 147K now. It STILL is 'newer' and tighter than my other 2 vehicles. Long as it's been taken care of, it should be fine.
 
Id choose the first option, however I don't like the red on a 4runner, so if you could find another low 100k mile one in a different color I'd buy it. But that's jusy u personal opinion on color. Seems good otherwise.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 243 (members: 1, guests: 242)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,306
Messages
3,554,045
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top