Looking to buy... Couple ?'s

[LexusSoarer]

I am a big fan of Toyota, and Lexus :biggrin2: Now I'm looking at a 98 SR5 4Runner for $8700. It's got 129k on it an everything seems to be in great condition and regularly maintained. Although I was told it burns a little oil. Maybe a half a quart every 3000 miles. I think it's a little over priced from what Kelly Blue Book said, but I'm still wondering if this is a good buy if he drops it a little at those miles.

Can you tell me some of the common problems 4Runners have, maybe what some of you have had at higher miles like this. And how big of a deal they were cost wise. I would really appriciate it!

Thanks a lot.
Soarer guy.

 

[khaug]

Hi Soarer.

I owned a '98 LTD 4WD 'Runner for 5 years/75K miles. It was the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, and I still somewhat regret selling it.

The only major problem the 3rd gen trucks ('96 - '02) have shown is a tendancy for rear axle seals to fail, drenching the rear brakes with gear lube. The repair runs $500 - 700, and the fix doesn't always last!

Otherwise, these trucks appear to be anvils, resistant to most of the trials of time and mileage.

Good luck. I think you're looking for the right vehicle.

 

[Thai]

In 1999, there was a TSB (or Recall i forgot) about 4runner's rear suspension. I believe that it applied mostly to 2wd 4runner. It had something to do with rear end sagging.

I am moving this thread to the 3rd gen forum...you may get more answers there.

 

[ebelen1]

Nothing too bad to worry about on 3rd gen runners 96-02. Rear sags after awhile. There have been rear axle seals blowing like stated above.

I would worry about your specific one that you're looking at due to the oil burnage. I think half a quart at 3k miles is a lot. I've read where people that have one-year oil intervals may burn one quart over 10k+ miles but yours would worry me. Not to mention, it's a little high you said compared to KBB.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

It is common for the seals to go around 100k which isn't really that bad and the key to it not happening again is use OEM Toyota seals. I went with some aftermarket ones and they failed within 10k miles. My fix ran me about $600 with new rear brake pads and have been leak free since.
IMO the the shocks and coils should be replaced after 100k anyway since most are quite tired at that point.

What other options does the truck have? Rear locker? $8700 seems to be in the regular price range for a '98 depending on where yu live. In Colorado that price would almost be cheap.