My poor baby...

[4RunnerBarbie]

Hey guys! I joined this board because I miss my poor baby. I got into a wreck on 6/6 and my 4runner sacrificed it's self for me. It was a 98 SR5 I got used back in '03. It had just been paid off in November of last year, it was perfect, and I never wanted another car...ever! I know it sounds corny but it's been through so much with me...I can't even begin to explain all the times it has helped me.

Now I

 

[4RunnerBarbie]

*Warning.....Graphic!*
AND

 

[The Dude]

OUch! Sorry to hear about that. Glad to hear that you're ok and your 4runner took the beating for you though. It's kind of a trip to see your post because I got into a little bit of a wreck myself on the same day (06/06/07). Not nearly as bad though. Some guy just pulled out of a parking space without looking and backed into one of the doors.

I actually feel the same way about my 4runner as you did with yours. It's been through a LOT with me (100k miles worth) and I don't ever plan on selling it to anyone. N God-willing, I hope to keep mine for as long as I'm alive. I say "God-willing" because I believe that there are certain things in life that are beyond our control. If someone up there greater than me decides to take it away, then so be it.

Best wishes in your search for a new car and I'm really sorry about what happened to your truck.

 

[The Dude]

How'd it happen btw?

 

[RonDeF]

4RunnerBarbie,

I am glad to hear that you are ok. Your 4Runner did the right thing and protected you. I hope you can find a deal on another 4Runner. I would stay away from a car becuase you are much safer in the 4Runner.

Ron

 

[Ron Helmuth]

stick with the Runners

likewise-glad to hear you are okay-that is most important

I would encourage you to save your funds and stick with the 3rd generation Runners 1996-2002 that we are all here for and so fond to talk about.

A decent 2002 can be had in the low teens dollar wise and decent mileages can be found perhaps around 70-100K miles.
You might be pleasantly surprised to drive a 99 -2002 edition and see the minor improvements made-yet still feels like your old '98 overall.


However, if you drive a lot and want to save money a Prius will certainly do so for you. Again I would encourage you to buy just slightly used as the depreciation here in Colorado at least is significant. I see new Prius' used to sell right around $30K mostly loaded with options, can be had now for right around $20K with as low as 10K miles.

Best of luck and show off your ride when you get it. Stay in touch with us if you find a used Runner we can help you check out.

 

[GatorGreg]

Sorry to see that. If fuel mileage is a concern you may want to check around for a 3rd gen 4banger. They only made them up through the '00 model year and are fairly rare but they are out there. Here's a thread discussing their milage: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=28190
Not as good as a Prius of course but pretty good for a 4Runner.

 

[Rock Slide]

Now I

 

[Ron Helmuth]

found you a '98 in Denver

Stevinson Toyota East here in Denver (actually Aurora CO) has a clean looking '98 that looks similar to yours as pictured.

I can send you a link to it. Let me know- I see you are far away. You perhaps could get by with just a 2wd Runner?

It has the 2.7L 4 cylinder and 115K miles-just getting broken in. I don't believe it has the sunroof.

I can send you the link if you like. Presently they are asking around $8300 I believe. I viewed the rig while over there a couple of weeks ago, so if they want to move it make them an offer...

 

[4RunnerBarbie]

Thanks everyone...somehow I knew people on this board would understand! I

 

[4RunnerBarbie]

Oh and...
4banger? What is that....I've tried googling it and can't figure it out. (maybe it's just my blonde coming through though)

 

[RoyB]

4 banger is a 4 cylinder engine. has less power than your v6 and probably gets the same gas mileage. i wouldnt bother.

good luck in your search, i just picked up my 01 limited in chicago for 14K (80K on the clock). really like the vehicle for the week ive owned it so far.

 

[RonDeF]

If the Washington DC area isn't to far for you to go, you may want to check out Fitzgerald Auto ( http://www.fitzmall.com ) in Gaithersburg, MD. They sell used 4Runners for a decent price, check out the prices below. Good luck in your search for your new 4Runner. They sell new ones at great prices, I got mine for $5,400 below MSRP.

2002 $15,800
2003 $19,800
2003 $19,400

Ron

 

[pat161]

That really sucks. I was in the exact same spot April 06, I totalled my 00 4Runner, which was the vehicle I had always wanted. Mine was a 2.7 5speed w/ low gearing and most SR5 options, not an easy truck to find. Of course I had added alloys, a TJM leather seats and other items. I tried to warm up to the new Tacomas, 4th gen Runner and even the new Xterra. But it came right down to the 3rd gen is the only vehicle for me. I ended up w/ a certified 02 Sport Edition and so far I am loving it. I do miss the 5 speed and ease of working on the 2.7, but the 3.4 isn't bad. So I say go for a 01 -02 3rd gen.

Now I am not saying get the 2.7, which I would given the chance, but the 3.4 and 2.7 do not get the same MPG. I averaged 20-22 w/ the 2.7 and saw a high of almost 25 on a trip through NY. Driving under the same conditions I average about 16-18 w/ the 3.4 and my high was 22. To me 3-4 MPG is a big difference.

 

[RoyB]

Now I am not saying get the 2.7, which I would given the chance, but the 3.4 and 2.7 do not get the same MPG. I averaged 20-22 w/ the 2.7 and saw a high of almost 25 on a trip through NY. Driving under the same conditions I average about 16-18 w/ the 3.4 and my high was 22. To me 3-4 MPG is a big difference.

you also went from a manual to an auto

 

[RonMAIDEN]

My mom gets solidly over 20mpg in her '99 Limited with a fair amount of highway and 18 around town and yes the 4banger is better on gas but I like power. This is even more of a big deal if you live in a high altitude area and the lack of oxygen prevents the motors from making 183 crankhorse in the V6 and with a 4 banger the power loss is even more noticeable.

3-4 MPGs is a big diff but so is 33 more ponies and 40lbs more torque which makes the diff even bigger when moving 4000lbs.

I'll take the V6 and it's power since it's what I need for what I use the truck for so if gas mileage is such a big deal then buy a small car.
I drive a '99 Civic (just recently bought) to save gas and keep the miles off my Runner. I get 32hwy and 27 city with the EX.

 

[pat161]

you also went from a manual to an auto

Well considering Toyota lists the auto as getting better MPG than the manual I guess the 4 gets even better gas mileage than I thought.

Also anyone that whines about the power has clearly spent no time in a properly geared 2.7. My 00 would keep up with the 02 in every situation. I could actually pull hills in 5th that the auto needs to unlock the T/C or drop 3rd to pull up.

Once again I like the 6, but the 2.7 gets a bad rap, and mostly from people that have little or no experience owning one.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

So,you have to change gears to equal a V6?

I'd challenge any 3rd gen with a 4 banger (NA) at the dragstrip for a friendly race. Any takers in Denver want to prove a point?

The V6's torque will pull the hills much easier and you won't have to wind the engine up so much just trying to do 70mph up a mountain pass.

I've driven a few 4bangers and the V6 is a big power diff.

 

[4RUNNER4MARLEY]

I got my 99' a couple of months ago for $9900 and it had 67k on it.

I just got back from Yosemite and it did great with its 4 cyl engine. I love mine!

I always wanted one and finally got it (blew my 94 Honda Accord and I am a student -but I found the $)

I am going to put alot of miles on my MTN BIKE this summer since I dont have to drive to school.:biggrin2:

 

[Rock Slide]

Thanks everyone...somehow I knew people on this board would understand! I