Looking to buy - suggestions appreciated!

T

Tom P.

New member
Hi, all, what a great forum. I'm looking for a good 4runner for deliveries for my small chocolate business, farmers' markets, etc., possibly out of town trips, maybe some off road. I think I'd like a late model 3rd gen V6, preferably white since I'm in Austin, Texas (where it's hot all the time, except the few weeks when it's not)

Craigslist found these:

1998 Toyota 4Runner 172K miles
1998 172K miles - $4000
Photos look clean, considerable wear on center console, recent timing belt, needs new tires.

1999 Toyota 4 Runner For Sale
1999 162,848 miles - $6500

2002 Toyota 4Runner 198K. //$ 5,900.00 //
2002 198K. $ 5,900.00

Reduced1997 Toyota 4 Runner
1997 131K miles - $4500 (4 cyl.)

Your suggestions about these or in general would be most appreciated.
Thanks!
Tom
 
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1st one seems to be the best buy IMO.
2nd one might be able to steal because sounds like he has to sell.
3rd one, nice truck but make sure it has had ALL the maintenance done for that price.
4th one, I don't know anything about the 4cyl and have never driven one. Can't help there.
 
What do you think of this one:

1999 Toyota 4Runner 4WD SR5
1999 Toyota 4Runner 4WD SR5 - $7000
Super-Clean, Super-Reliable 4WD 4Runner. New BF Goodrich tires, K&N Air Filter, 5 Speed manual transmission, A/C blows cold. Clean inside and out. 153,000 miles.
 
This one?

1998 4Runner 4WD fully loaded
1998 4Runner 4WD fully loaded - $6995
1998 Toyota 4Runner, 178.5k miles, 4WD, 3.4 Liter V6, Automatic, ABS, Very Cold Air, Power Windows, Power Locks, Cruise Control, Power Steering, Tilt Wheel... No dents, minor scratches in paint, driver seat and front floor mat have minor tears and signs of wear, but front passenger seat in great shape and rear passenger seats near flawless. Tires are Bridgestone, Dueler A/T, purchased complete set new with alignment for about $1000 with mileage at 156,158 on 6/6/09. Also, had new brake drums and new transmission solenoid installed on 6/6/09. Total bill for this last major service = $2k. Buyer may review service record.

Never been in accident, only 2 owners (myself and my father), always garaged, and all records available. Car has been babied and runs great due to conscientious upkeep. Could go another 50k miles without major service.
 
Tom P. said:
What do you think of this one:

1999 Toyota 4Runner 4WD SR5
1999 Toyota 4Runner 4WD SR5 - $7000
Super-Clean, Super-Reliable 4WD 4Runner. New BF Goodrich tires, K&N Air Filter, 5 Speed manual transmission, A/C blows cold. Clean inside and out. 153,000 miles.
Click to expand...

Now we're talking! If I am not mistaken this looks to be a Highlander as well. Very sought after by some. If you just look at this one compared to all the others it seems like night and day. This looks much better cared for just by physical appearance. (not to mention the 4wd) I would inquire more into the maintenance records and go from there. I believe you also have some negotiation room with an asking price of $7000 and 153,000 miles.
 
Thanks for the responses. A simpleton question; how important is 4wd and manual trans. if I'm using it in the city? Perhaps a better question; what features should I be looking for on the 3rd gen for delivery, cargo, and some highway travel?
 
If you drive in the city, I would get an automatic. I have had several manual tranny cars and trucks, city driving with them SUCKS. Sure, it is fun outside of the city, but idling in traffic is terrible with a stick shift.

I would get 4wd. But if it never snows where you are, or rains hard or you will never need it, you could get a REALLY NICE 2wd for the same price as a decent 4wd.
 
Get a V6 4WD with low miles, preferably < 150k miles since after that A LOT of stuff will need replacing - at least if you want a truck that runs well and handles like a 50k one would.

Less miles the better, only buy a 4WD :)

The 5-speed is cool but nothing that special (I have an auto obviously) since it is only a truck not a sports car.

E-locker: cool but overrated, I have one and (like most guys) almost never use it. Great to have but hardly a necessity unless you are planning a lot of rock climbing.
 
I'm not going to do any rock climbing unless the Apocalypse hits. I have a chocolate business and go to farmers' markets and make deliveries. I may also want to do some interstate driving on highways. Thanks for all your suggestions! Keep 'em coming!
Thanks,
Tom
 
Another craiglist find:

1998 Toyota 4 Runner 4x4

1998 Toyota 4 Runner 4x4 - $6700
well cared for and is in great condition... well maintained, never had any problems with it... cloth interior, automatic locks, CD player... only 134k, runs very well, new battery.

What do y'all think?
Thanks,
Tom
 
I'd say the blue one, or the other 98 you linked above. Don't see too many blue ones, and I've always like that color. Lower miles, and seems to be in really good shape. The Limited 98 had a known service/owner history, and a lot of recent maintenance. Both look like good options IMO.
We can suggest yes or no to you all day, but you'll never know unless you go look at them.
 
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