Looking to buy?

[Aggie03]

Howdy,
I'm really interested in purchasing a 3rd gen runner and I have a few questions.
What is the reliability of the 96-99's?
What mechanical issues to look for?
Any concerns with a vehicle with over 100-150,000 miles on it?

I'm also only looking to spend $10,000 or less, so I have to keep that in mind.
Thanks for your input, and this is a great site.

Brad

 

[lee]

Howdy,
I'm really interested in purchasing a 3rd gen runner and I have a few questions.
What is the reliability of the 96-99's?
What mechanical issues to look for?
Any concerns with a vehicle with over 100-150,000 miles on it?

I'm also only looking to spend $10,000 or less, so I have to keep that in mind.
Thanks for your input, and this is a great site.

Brad

99s are largely considered the best year, but it sounds to me like you need a 98.

those can be had for well under 10K in good shape with around 100K on the dial... depends on who you buy from.

major issue is really only with the 96-early 97s headgaskets. a dealer can run a vin and find out if its been fixed.

the 4runner's engines can go for 200K plus, so as long as its been kept right, 100K+ miles can make for a great deal on a nice truck.

what do you plan to use it for? good luck.

 

[FCSCouto]

I got pretty lucky and and found a 99 ltd 4wd for 12,000 with 97,000. Only problems so far have been: had to replace the radiator at 112,000, and i've had a nagging o2 sensor problem that should be fixed today

 

[Aggie03]

Thanks for the replies!
I will be mostly using it for a daily driver and to go up in the mountians some. I just moved to Colorado and I'm ready to do some light wheeling.

Any more advice y'all can give would be very helpful.

Brad

 

[Jason B]

Good luck on your search and welcome to the club!

Be sure to check out my site to see what's I've done to my '97.

 

[bflooks]

3 years ago about, i bought a 98 4runner, 4cyl, 5spd, 4x5 with 16" wheels and tow package for $12,800. it had 62k on it then. now, it has 123k on it, and i have really done nothing to it. get's me about 20/21 mpg now. i love the truck, and have complete faith in it. hell, if i wasn't due for an oil change, i would take it on ANY trip with out concern. good luck, and shop around. there was one dealer when i was looking for mine that had a 99, with 190k on it for $17k! clearly, i did not buy that one.

 

[runnergranny]

Got my '99 4x4, SR, alloys, non-smoker, 112k a month ago for $10k even. Best advice I can give is try to find a private sale with service records. If none, expect to do a timing belt/water pump/fluid changes right off the bat. Allow $1,000 unless you are handy. We did that to ours immediately, even though it ran like new. 'maintenance' at that mileage.

Check the tires for indicators, glass, chips, interior wear, scratches, etc. Everything you see is a bargaining chip to get the best price. The seller wanted $2,500 more than I paid. Most sellers have moved on to a new car, so they are looking to sell. Don't be scared off of runners above your price range. Deal them down, depending on their situation. Have the cash on hand if you're able to go that route for the best deal.

Look and drive several and you will be able to pick the best one. We found all of them had a weak brake pedal, so by the 3rd test drive, we ruled out that as a concern. The one we bought was the tightest and peppiest.

after 1,000 miles, it's a keeper!