Need Help! 1st 4Runner..Looking to buy

W

Willowedwolf

New member
:welcome: Hey guys! So, I need your help. My friend is selling a 97 4runner 4x4 lifted. This will be my first car so I am a bit worried. I am quite famiiliar with larger vehicles. The truck is great but it has 300 k miles on the engine. The tranny was recently replaces and has 106 k. He's selling it for 4200 but for us $3500 because we used to work with him. I will post a link to the page he has it listed on. Basically, the truck was used for a commuter vehicle. 120 miles a day.3" spring lift and BFG 31x10.50x15 AT tires with black alum. wheels. Tire have 50%+ tread remaining The transmission has 106k, the motor has 300k. Timing belt, water pump and tune up was completed 45k ago. Runs and drives well, very minimumal valve noise. It was a 120 mile a day commuter. The interior is tan leather, driver seat has a few tears, all others are in good condition. All windows, a/c door locks, seat belts, heater work great. Also has weld-on rock sliders below the doors, never been used. The only bad is the top and hood has some clear coat flake (common on all Toyotas), few squeaks in the suspension (lifted) and rear tires are slightly cupped.

I want it because I got the mountains a lot and have two very LARGE dogs. It is perfect for me.


lifted 1997 4Runner
 
Register to hide this ad
That seems like a lot for 300K+ miles...even at the friend price. Was trans replacement performed by dealer or at least a reputable mechanic? What kind of tranny (new, used, rebuilt)? Has he had any issues since then? All other maintenance kept up (LBJ, fluids, various gaskets, etc.)? The paint flaking is pretty much normal for something this old. The lift doesn't add much value to the vehicle unless it was something crazy like an Icon/Fox/etc. setup, which I don't think it is from what I see in the pic.

That being said, 4Runners run a high premium in Cali. It'll be hard to find a decent 4Runner in the $3k range. I'll let others chime in.
 
I agree on the price vs mileage. That's my biggest worry. Brandon actually is a mechanic at a transmission shop we have worked with before. It's a used transmission with 100 k on it. He's been using it for go to and from work and hasn't had any issues with. I plan on moving to Oregon within the next two years, so the premium wouldn't be too painful for a bit.
 
Never trust anyone named Brandon.

That being said, it does seem just a little much for the mileage. Also "some" squeaks in the suspension can mean things like control arm bushings going bad, which pretty much means complete new control arms with new bushings in most cases (for both upper and lower) because that is the easiest thing to do, but can still be costly. It could also mean other things are on their way out, but that is what I experienced when I had a small squeak in my suspension. It turned into control arm bushings going bad.
 
Thank you guys for all your help. We actually decided against this particular 4Runner. That being said, what would you guys suggest to look for in a pre-owned 4Runner? I would prefer either a 3rd or 4th gen. Any suggestions?
 
I'm pretty sure that anyone here would suggest a 3rd gen since this is the 3rd gen section. ;)

Like you I'm also looking to be a T4R owner as well and I just don't like the size and style of the 4th gens. I want something that's smaller and easier to drive and will still handle good in the snow.

Good luck on your future purchase!
 
StaticShot said:
I'm pretty sure that anyone here would suggest a 3rd gen since this is the 3rd gen section. ;)

Like you I'm also looking to be a T4R owner as well and I just don't like the size and style of the 4th gens. I want something that's smaller and easier to drive and will still handle good in the snow.

Good luck on your future purchase!
Click to expand...


I know exactly what you mean. I want something I can go 4x4ing with in the mountains and still drive around town with my dogs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 202 (members: 0, guests: 202)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,071
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top