Looking to buy a 3rd Gen

[entities]

I had a 2nd Gen a couple years ago and liked it other than it being slow. Now I need to haul stuff again and am looking at getting a 3rd Gen. What I want is a cheap 4runner so that I can buy it with cash and keep it with liability insurance. So that means I'm looking at purchasing a 175k mile + 3rd gen 4runner.
Now I know these vehicles will last a long time with proper maintenance and I'm not afraid of having to do some mechanical work done in the future. My question is what are some ballpark $$$ amounts of good sized repair bills I may encounter with a 175k 3rd gen.

Engine rebuild?
Tranny replacement?
All belts & water pump replacement?

Any other big jobs that 200k mi 3rd gens run into? Just want to have a mental idea of what I'm getting myself into.

Thanks,
-Chad

 

[el_chapu-bling]

I have a 2000 V6 that just went past the 100K mile mark...

Things I've had to replace or fix:

- water pump and timing belt at around 90K (I actually started hearing the characteristic diesel-engine-like sound that told me it was about to crap out and immediately took it for repair)
- misc belts
- MAF and O2 Sensor (aka Air/Fuel sensor for California) at around 90K
- Tires LOL!
- I have to get new brakes soon...

Other than regular oil changes, filters, plugs, etc. I haven't had any "real" problems...yet!

 

[8084Runner]

Did the same maintenance when i bought my 2000 4runner with just under 100k. probably the previous seller didn't want to do the maintenance. Bought it at Toyota. had my mechanic run the checks and maintenance.

Besides having to replace a throttle position sensor between then and now, not a problem to have. I currently am at 117K

 

[Elton]

i got 137k on mine and runs fantastic only thing i changed so far is the spark plug wires at 134k with ngks stock ones where doin fine but it was time for a tune up also used factory denso plugs and also the t-belt was changed at 59k and i guess what ever else you have to do when replaceing it thats all i have done mantaince wise ... also new front pads change the oil every 5k

 

[MrWhite96]

My family has had seven 4Runners over the years, and my dad has a '96 SR5 V6 4WD that just passed 200K. He got it used in 2000 at 81K, and all he's done is the timing belt and brakes and tune ups. The radiator had to be replaced but it was under warranty so it was free.

No big expenses except tires and brakes, and it's been a great car. It was my daily driver when I was in college, and I put ~100K miles on it. My little brother has inherited it now, but I still love that car. In my opinion, it has the world's most comfortable seats. My current car is an '01 Limited and the leather just isn't as comfortable to me. I think the '96 rides so much better than my '01 as well.

My family currently has a '95, '96, '97, '01, and '02, and I have regularly driven them all. My favorite is still the '96, but of course the '97 is very similar.

Just so you know, the '96-'98 were similar to each other, and then the '99-'02s were similar. If I had my way I'd buy a '96-'98, but that's just my opinion.

Good luck!