Looking to buy in or near Austin

[whsdlove]

Hey guys, I am an 18 year high school student looking to buy myself a 4 runner for the rest of the school year. My VW Passat which I bought in August was totaled because a deer jumped out of nowhere at night!!
Anyway the insurance company gave me around $4000 for a new car, and I would appreciate any tips, advice, opinions, that yall can offer. I know its a reliable car that lasts forever two of my best friends have 96 and 97 with over 225k and they run like new! I will be looking at craigslist to find my car. Of course my parents will help me with the process, but neither know much about cars Doctor and Business, so any help appreciated!
Thanks Y'all!

 

[satek]

So sorry for the crash. Hope all is well now!

I am currently driving one am MIGHT sell it at at the end of the month depending on if I get a new car. This is highly unlikely though (i.e. 95% chance I won't sell). It's a 2WD and I just hit 240k this past weekend driving up to Oklahoma.

Tips you can find here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

So the basic things everyone recommends is an external transmission cooler and replaced lower ball joints.