looking to buy 1999 4runner

[hamdog]

I want to start off saying that I'm new to this forum!

My family and I have owned toyotas or hondas most of our life. Most of them we have owned till well over 200K miles but then the rocker panels and other body parts start to rust out therefore not passing inspection, got to love northern vermont.

Anyways I'm looking to buy a 1999 4runner SR5 automatic 3.4L V6 with 198k miles on it. The dealer is asking $3,950 for it. It just recently had a new water pump and timing belt installed at 176K miles. I have asked for maintenance records, number of owners, car fax, location it was previously owned/driven, etc from the dealer.

Besides the basic cosmetics and rust what are some other things I should be taking a look at before I attempt to purchase. I have not driven yet hopefully some time this wk. Supposedly the 4x4 works flawlessly, and it drives great, front end is tight, no engine noise, transmission shofts smoothly etc.

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[awdjunkies]

Welcome to T4R.ORG, Best place to start is here : http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

Also for a dealership, the price they gave you is pretty good. That is, if the maintenance has already been performed.

 

[hamdog]

awdjunkies........great info, thank you!!!

 

[awdjunkies]

awdjunkies........great info, thank you!!!

My pleasure sir, Good Luck on your purchase. The 3rd Gen 4runner is nothing short of ADDICTING!!!! :banana:

 

[hamdog]

Thanks everyone for the help. I called the dealer to schedule a time to test drive after work and they had sold the rig last night.....dang. Another local toyota dealer has a 4runner for sale 2005 81K miles they are asking $16k for it. They did not mention the trim, but it is a 4.7L V8 auto. I'm going to check it out. The older rigs that are in good shape are hard to come by in northern vt. I'm looking for a good hunting/winter rig but might have to trade in the 2012 focus to buy a newer 4runner and then buy a older used corolla to commute 100 miles a day (round trip) to work. The new focus is a good car I hate to say it but as good as any corolla or civic I owned so far, but doubt it will hold up once you hit the 100K+ miles. It gets 36-38mpg in summer and around 32mpg so far in the winter. The only bad thing is the car is horrible in the snow because of the 215/55R16 tires. I tried ordering 195/65/R16 for it but they could not get any snow tires in that size for it. I figured the narrow tire would help. The only other option is to put sand bags in it or get a 4runner, I say 4runner fiance says sand bags....hahah!

Thanks again this forum is great......hopefully I can find a nice 4runner for sale soon........

 

[T4R_Finally]

Hamdog, click below and read. It helped me.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

TB and WP replacement is a good start. But there are other things to check for.

 

[hamdog]

Hamdog, click below and read. It helped me.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

TB and WP replacement is a good start. But there are other things to check for.

Thanks, I had already read this......great info!!!!!!!