I am seriously thinking about purchasing a used 1998 4Runner this weekend. The mileage is high at 92K. 1998 Limited 4WD. Everything else looks pretty good but seller is asking $13K. Advice??? I have heard really good things about the 4 Runner as well as other Toyota products, however I would like to ask people who actually own 4Runners what they have to say... What questions are important to ask the seller? What problems have you seen consistently with the 4 Runner that I should look out for? I am just getting out of a lemon of a car (Mazda) and am very gun shy... Please help!!!
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- Thread starter SMedina
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Take this with a grain of salt since I've never owned one, but my first impression of that generation of 4Runner is:
-Will be very reliable (compared to competing models with similar milage)
-Very capable off-road
-Not a big fan of the interior... looks a little dated IMO
-Doesn't ride very smooth. If you want a comfortable daily driver or something over the highway... unless you like that "wiggly jiggly rough tough truck" feel, you might want to look at other options. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad or unbearable... and if your previous Mazda was a truck, you'll be right at home. Just realize that this is most definitely a truck-based SUV.
As far as the price: go to www.edmunds.com and check the TMV (True Market Value). It's usually a little lower than KBB and usually a little more realistic. KBlueB is a dealer's selling tool, and KBlackB is a dealer's buying tool. They are not very accurate when trying to make a fair sale or purchase private party.
-Will be very reliable (compared to competing models with similar milage)
-Very capable off-road
-Not a big fan of the interior... looks a little dated IMO
-Doesn't ride very smooth. If you want a comfortable daily driver or something over the highway... unless you like that "wiggly jiggly rough tough truck" feel, you might want to look at other options. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad or unbearable... and if your previous Mazda was a truck, you'll be right at home. Just realize that this is most definitely a truck-based SUV.
As far as the price: go to www.edmunds.com and check the TMV (True Market Value). It's usually a little lower than KBB and usually a little more realistic. KBlueB is a dealer's selling tool, and KBlackB is a dealer's buying tool. They are not very accurate when trying to make a fair sale or purchase private party.
You should be aware that the third gen 4Runners are prone to failure of the rear axle seals. This lets the differential lube contaminate the rear brakes. Advanced cases will show diff lube splattered inside the rear wheels. Repair is expensive and may not last long before failing again.
Otherwise, it appears these are near-bulletproof vehicles. I owned a '98 for five years and 75K miles, and it was nearly perfect. The one serious shortcoming was the brakes: Towing a 4,000# trailer down long, steep grades will cause the brakes to completely lose effectiveness. Otherwise, it was a great truck.
Otherwise, it appears these are near-bulletproof vehicles. I owned a '98 for five years and 75K miles, and it was nearly perfect. The one serious shortcoming was the brakes: Towing a 4,000# trailer down long, steep grades will cause the brakes to completely lose effectiveness. Otherwise, it was a great truck.