Need an honest opinion here...

[BruceB83]

Hey guys - You may remember me back a few months ago looking for a 3rd Gen 4WD 4R. Well I eventually caved and bought a newer Jeep Cherokee (came from an older trail built one) because I couldn't find what I was looking for. I now have an interesting option due to someone at my work really wanting to buy my Cherokee for his son. He wants to pay me $1,000 more than I paid for it about 2 months ago which would be $5,500. I found a nice 1999 Limited 4WD T4R that I could probably get for almost the same, maybe a few hundred out of pocket but it has 198K miles on it. Essentially I'd be swapping the vehicles.

Mine: 1998 Jeep Cherokee, auto, 4WD, Chili Pepper Red, near mint cloth interior and exterior, only 112K miles, no issues at all (only oil leak is a slightly wet rear main).

Possibly 4Runner: 1999 Limited, auto, 4WD, white/silver trim, tan leather interior, well maintained, 198K miles.

My initial thought was that I wouldn't sell him my Jeep unless I found a 4R with below 150-160K so I kind of set that as my mileage limit. Please try to sideline your Toyota bias for this question...would I be crazy to trade my perfectly fine Cherokee with only 112K on it for a 4Runner with almost 200K on it? My fear is that if I want to sell it in 2 years, it might be hard to get rid of. It seems like once these go over 200K, the value drops significantly because of people's mental "uh-oh" when they see 200K.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[Nelsonmd]

That is a tough call. The resale value is what might kill you there, like you said. Can you go a while without the car? My inkling would be to sell the jeep and look for a better deal on a 4runner with less miles than 200k.

How badly do you want to be able to sell in 2 years? If you are going to drive it for a while, then I would say yeah, go for the 4runner as it will likely last alot longer than 200k. I would be suspicious of a jeep at 112k, it's just about time for it to start having problems (that's not bias, I just traded my American for Japanese vehicle around 110k just for this reason). It seems the desire to sell in 2 years could cost you here.

 

[LINY4Runner]

I agree. A Runner with that many miles is one you should plan on keeping, because in 2 years you'll likely be around 230k and it's hard to convince a potential buyer that this thing really does have another 100k (at least) in her.

Another note- $5500 sounds a litttttttle high for that mileage...I'd offer him 4500 and walk.

 

[BruceB83]

That is a tough call. The resale value is what might kill you there, like you said. Can you go a while without the car? My inkling would be to sell the jeep and look for a better deal on a 4runner with less miles than 200k.

How badly do you want to be able to sell in 2 years? If you are going to drive it for a while, then I would say yeah, go for the 4runner as it will likely last alot longer than 200k. I would be suspicious of a jeep at 112k, it's just about time for it to start having problems (that's not bias, I just traded my American for Japanese vehicle around 110k just for this reason). It seems the desire to sell in 2 years could cost you here.

I've had several Jeeps last well into the 200K range before I got rid of them. Sure, they leaked oil moderately bad, went through a radiator and water pump (or two), hoses, an alternator, u-joints, belts, etc...but the good ol' straight six is strong with proper maintenance. I really can't go without right now because my usual backup is down. I'll definitely want to sell by two years. As I save cash I'll be moving up probably twice over the next 4-5 years.

I agree. A Runner with that many miles is one you should plan on keeping, because in 2 years you'll likely be around 230k and it's hard to convince a potential buyer that this thing really does have another 100k (at least) in her.

Another note- $5500 sounds a litttttttle high for that mileage...I'd offer him 4500 and walk.

That's my concern. And yeah that probably is a little high. It seems T4R prices in Atlanta are on the high side as I found when comparing them to other local areas. She's actually asking $6400 OBO, so I think $4500 is probably out of her ballpark. I don't agree, but I don't think she'll come down that far. She probably will after sitting on it for 6 weeks or she'll find someone to pay $5500 within a month.

 

[Blackdot]

My thoughts are a jeep at 100,xxx and a runner at 200,xxx both are ready for maintanience. With the runner it will most likely cost you a lot less and give you double the miles in return then the jeep would. I'm almost at 190,000 and the only thing wrong are the belts are alittle dry. I have around 500 alloted for preventative maintenace so hopefully I can get to 300,xxx with no problems. I wouldn't think your crazy for trading vehicles, those not familiar with the 3.4 might though.

 

[YotaZach85]

I'm amazed that you're able to get $5500 for a Cherokee! My buddy just bought one last year or maybe 2 years ago now but its a 98 and it had 130k on it and he only paid $1000 for it. I would take the money and run! Even if you don't get the 4Runner you're looking for you can probably buy another Jeep for $3500 if you look hard enough and you pocket $2k.

 

[BruceB83]

My thoughts are a jeep at 100,xxx and a runner at 200,xxx both are ready for maintanience. With the runner it will most likely cost you a lot less and give you double the miles in return then the jeep would. I'm almost at 190,000 and the only thing wrong are the belts are alittle dry. I have around 500 alloted for preventative maintenace so hopefully I can get to 300,xxx with no problems. I wouldn't think your crazy for trading vehicles, those not familiar with the 3.4 might though.

I think you're on point with this post.

I'm amazed that you're able to get $5500 for a Cherokee! My buddy just bought one last year or maybe 2 years ago now but its a 98 and it had 130k on it and he only paid $1000 for it. I would take the money and run! Even if you don't get the 4Runner you're looking for you can probably buy another Jeep for $3500 if you look hard enough and you pocket $2k.

Haha. Wow, is it beat up? $1K is cheap. Most 98 and 99s around here go for about $3500 give or take a grand depending on 2wd/4wd and mileage/condition. Mine is in great condition with very low mileage for the year. $1K is what I'd pay for a future trail rig convert.

 

[rjaudi]

I would look around for the 4runner, but sell the Cherokee.

Here is one on my local Craigslist in North Carolina:

99 Toyota Limited 4runner

 

[troopa4life]

I agree with RJ, sell the cherokee and look for a lower mileage t4r. Good luck with everything.

 

[MAD 69]

You would crazy not to take this deal Brucie, nice Runners are getting harder to find even if you had to put $1,000 in repairs for the Runner. Especially if you are buying it from a lady who is the original owner? and she never took it offroad? If you don't buy it someone else will. If you find a nice T4R you can afford - go for it, I haven't heard of too many people complaining after they bought one with semi-high mileage.

By the way, I had a 1980 Corolla with almost 400K miles on it and hardly put any $$$ in maintenance. It still ran good when I finally got rid of it. Don't underestimate a a Toyota. Can't say that about many Jeeps...

 

[Nelsonmd]

I've had several Jeeps last well into the 200K range before I got rid of them. Sure, they leaked oil moderately bad, went through a radiator and water pump (or two), hoses, an alternator, u-joints, belts, etc...but the good ol' straight six is strong with proper maintenance. I really can't go without right now because my usual backup is down. I'll definitely want to sell by two years. As I save cash I'll be moving up probably twice over the next 4-5 years.



That's my concern. And yeah that probably is a little high. It seems T4R prices in Atlanta are on the high side as I found when comparing them to other local areas. She's actually asking $6400 OBO, so I think $4500 is probably out of her ballpark. I don't agree, but I don't think she'll come down that far. She probably will after sitting on it for 6 weeks or she'll find someone to pay $5500 within a month.

If you don't mind me asking, why are you set on selling in 2 years? I think the question becomes, do you want to make $1k right now, or not have to go through the trouble of buying a new car? If you can bring that woman down a bit, then I think you stand to make a good deal (essentially trading the jeep for the 4runner), and you will probably be able to make your money back when you sell the 4runner in 2 years (certainly the 4500 you paid for the jeep).

But why sell in 2 years? That isn't very long. If this isn't the car you will want in 2 years, then what will you want then?

 

[YotaZach85]

Haha. Wow, is it beat up? $1K is cheap. Most 98 and 99s around here go for about $3500 give or take a grand depending on 2wd/4wd and mileage/condition. Mine is in great condition with very low mileage for the year. $1K is what I'd pay for a future trail rig convert.

It wasn't when he got it, lol, shes a hurt piece now though! He put a budget boost and 31s on it and just beats the ever loving crap out of it, I've seen him run trails that guys with 33s, armor and lockers are afraid of! Its a bare bones, manual windows and locks, it has a/c, 4wd, and an auto trans but those are the only options it has.

 

[BruceB83]

You would crazy not to take this deal Brucie, nice Runners are getting harder to find even if you had to put $1,000 in repairs for the Runner. Especially if you are buying it from a lady who is the original owner? and she never took it offroad? If you don't buy it someone else will. If you find a nice T4R you can afford - go for it, I haven't heard of too many people complaining after they bought one with semi-high mileage.

By the way, I had a 1980 Corolla with almost 400K miles on it and hardly put any $$$ in maintenance. It still ran good when I finally got rid of it. Don't underestimate a a Toyota. Can't say that about many Jeeps...

Yup, someone else bought it. I was on the way home from looking at another one when I called to setup a time to go see it. You're not going to believe this but they let it go for $4500 and they were asking $6400. I cannot believe it. So pissed right now...

If you don't mind me asking, why are you set on selling in 2 years? I think the question becomes, do you want to make $1k right now, or not have to go through the trouble of buying a new car? If you can bring that woman down a bit, then I think you stand to make a good deal (essentially trading the jeep for the 4runner), and you will probably be able to make your money back when you sell the 4runner in 2 years (certainly the 4500 you paid for the jeep).

But why sell in 2 years? That isn't very long. If this isn't the car you will want in 2 years, then what will you want then?

Well if I had a 4WD T4R I wouldn't be completely set on selling in 2 years. I have a plan to be in a paid for $15-18K vehicle in 4-5 years so I'm not planning on keeping whatever I have for longer than that. I don't know, I should probably just stick with my Cherokee for now and jump into a 4th Gen when I'm ready. I just love the 3rd gen's so much...I wish Toyota still made it. I have a hard time believing the newer 4Rs will be as reliable in the long run. I've just looked for so long and haven't found something. I'm exhausted of looking for one right now. Being picky about it's cleanliness doesn't help either.

To answer your question about what will I want in 2 years, I'd take a low mileage 2000-2002 4WD T4R.

 

[LINY4Runner]

It wasn't when he got it, lol, shes a hurt piece now though! He put a budget boost and 31s on it and just beats the ever loving crap out of it, I've seen him run trails that guys with 33s, armor and lockers are afraid of! Its a bare bones, manual windows and locks, it has a/c, 4wd, and an auto trans but those are the only options it has.

I have a buddy EXACTLY like this

Yup, someone else bought it. I was on the way home from looking at another one when I called to setup a time to go see it. You're not going to believe this but they let it go for $4500 and they were asking $6400. I cannot believe it. So pissed right now...

Damn I was on point huh?

That sucks- but keep at it...you'll be one of us eventually!

 

[topdown4runner]

Grand cherokees eat trannys for some reason.

I'd dump it and make a tidy profit.

Generally speaking, toyota milage vs Jeep milage is a 2 for 1 deal.

a 200K mile 4Runner is like a 100K mile Jeep.

 

[Whackmaster]

I would sell the Jeep and look for a 4runner..The jeep will have vacuum issues with the A/C not blowing if you pull anything..The Jeep has a weak frame or lack of frame. If it has power windows you'll have issues with the regulators breaking.When the fuel pump goes out and it will, you have to drop the tank...

Jeep means" just empty every pocket "...They will nickle and dime you to death.

My jeep cherokee was totaled by a women rear ending me at 30 mph..The uni-frame was bent and every panel from behind the front fenders was wrinkled.

They do have good motors (6 cylinder) but the small stuff will drive you crazy..

I have driven toyotas for ever and I should have had my butt kicked when I bought the Jeep..I got a good deal with the previous owner, an elderly man,that you could tell he had taken good care of it and even then it was small repairs all the time...

 

[topdown4runner]

Sell the jeep and pick up this nice lower milage 4Runner 4x4. It costs a little more, but it will last years and years.

I went to Atlanta to get my T100, you can come to Orlando from Atlanta for this 4Runner

2001 4RUNNER TOYOTA

 

[liv2bike]

Just dumped a 2002 grand cherokee Laredo with 160k on it for $4400. Amazing shape but dripping some oil. Turned around and paid cash for a 2001 4Runner Sport with 139k miles on it in better shape mechanically and cosmetically with just a little cash out of pocket. Love both trucks. The cherokee is now living next door in my neghbors driveway so it is still close to home...

 

[BruceB83]

Sell the jeep and pick up this nice lower milage 4Runner 4x4. It costs a little more, but it will last years and years.

I went to Atlanta to get my T100, you can come to Orlando from Atlanta for this 4Runner

2001 4RUNNER TOYOTA

I would but I just have too much going on right now. That's crazy low compared to up here.

Just dumped a 2002 grand cherokee Laredo with 160k on it for $4400. Amazing shape but dripping some oil. Turned around and paid cash for a 2001 4Runner Sport with 139k miles on it in better shape mechanically and cosmetically with just a little cash out of pocket. Love both trucks. The cherokee is now living next door in my neghbors driveway so it is still close to home...

A 4WD 2001 with 139K would sell for over $8000 here.

Oh, love your signature BTW. (The work ethic line...not the Gators part)

 

[BruceB83]

I think I'm going to go look at a 1998 Limited 4WD with 200K on it. I guess I'd just keep it for a few years. It's higher mileage than I originally wanted but he's asking $5600. He says it's clean and accident-free. After seeing the 99 with 200K go for $4500 I think I'll offer something like $4800 and walk if he doesn't take it. I'd have about $700 I could put into it right away without having to come out of pocket from the sale of the Jeep.

I would assume after putting that money into it it would be good for a long time before needing anything else.