Looking to buy a 4Runner...

[CoMarc]

Hey all,

I joined up here cause I'm looking to purchase an SUV, and the 4Runners appear to be one of the best out there with the highest fuel economy. Currently, I'm just running a couple cars (for my wife and myself), but I want something that will get up to the mountains and do some rough roads that my cars don't do as well.

Anyways, I'm looking at a few 4Runners in the area between the years of '96 and '99, but I'd like to see if y'all have any comments on what I should look for specifically. Such as usual starting points for rust, oil leaks, any interior defects, and anything else anyone can think of. I'm also looking to find out what price range I can expect to pay to purchase a fairly decent truck.

Thanks for your help in advance,
Marc

 

[Run4urLife]

Lots of research on the internet (google)..

Find a specific one you want, get the mileage, trim level, note the upgraded options, etc. and compare it to Blue Book..

Maybe think about investing in a Carfax subscription, when you're ready to start really checking VINs so you can know even more about it...

Get underneath it and look at everything, test drive, check out the engine bay when running, get a flashlight and spotlight around anywhere you see seams..

Look at fluids, open oil cap, take a peek...

Be honest with what you see, and stick to what you're looking for... too much information about it is better than none at all. If you're not buying it from a 1 owner seller who is going to be dead honest with you, you will have to assume at whatever mileage it's at that it may or may not have had certain maintenance issues done (timing belts, water pump, plugs, hoses, etc.) and you may need to plan to get those done just to be certain about it.

Thats about the best i can say, i just bought a 2001 sr5 3 weeks ago after seriously considering a 2001 Honda Odyssey but research on the Ody scared me away from them (some bad trans. issues) Overall i'm glad i got the 4runner but i still want an Ody too

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Search on here and over on yotatech and you'll find more info than you ever wanted to know.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

kids and dogs?

99s are the best year out there according to some. How could I disagree?

Depends on what you are looking for but some subtle changes over the years make the 99s desireable.

For example the seat belt tuck ins on the back seats-and the dash mounted cup holders were moved and so on.

99s are sometimes a little taller also.

Give us a little more what you are looking for and we can likely find you one...

5speed or auto tranny?

v6 or the 4cylinder?

16 inch wheels or the 15's?

all of which could help miles per gallon

 

[CoMarc]

I've looked at a lot of the '98s and '99s, and the thing about the '99s that bug the heck out of me is the way the front bumper looks like it's sticking out it's bottom lip (yes, looks mean a bit to me). However, it does come with a lot of other great options the year before it didn't.

When it comes down to it, I'm looking for the 3.4L V6, cloth interior, black exterior, and I lean more towards the 5-spd manual transmission than the automatic. The primary function of this vehicle would be to get up into the mountains here in Colorado where cars are scrapping their under-bellies or can't go at all so we can go camping. It would probably also serve as a travel vehicle. As for wheel size, that'll probably be an upgrade someday to 17inch wheels someday in the future. :biggrin2:

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I've looked at a lot of the '98s and '99s, and the thing about the '99s that bug the heck out of me is the way the front bumper looks like it's sticking out it's bottom lip (yes, looks mean a bit to me). However, it does come with a lot of other great options the year before it didn't.

When it comes down to it, I'm looking for the 3.4L V6, cloth interior, black exterior, and I lean more towards the 5-spd manual transmission than the automatic. The primary function of this vehicle would be to get up into the mountains here in Colorado where cars are scrapping their under-bellies or can't go at all so we can go camping. It would probably also serve as a travel vehicle. As for wheel size, that'll probably be an upgrade someday to 17inch wheels someday in the future. :biggrin2:

I'm not sure if you use cup holders when you travel, but the ones on the '98 for the front passengers are terrible. I hate mine. When you hit a bump or something they jump around and could possibly splash onto stuff. They are also bad if you have a drink that drips. The water will drop down onto the shifter and all that stuff down there.

 

[mulepen]

I hear you on the drip.
in my 98 limited i have to do a weekly cleanup of the shift area.
nasty. but it's the only complaint i have on my 4runnerr.