New here, thinking of joining the club...what do you think?

[timmer]

Greetings!
I am considering buying either a 98 or 99 4runner. Just wanted to get some opinions on these two vehicles. Both are at dealerships in Wisconsin, one near Milwaukee and one outside Madison.

'98 - https://madison.craigslist.org/ctd/4627145639.html

'99 - https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/ctd/4626075551.html

They both look about the same, same mileage virtually, but the '99 sure looks more badass. Not crazy about the cracks in the driver's seat in the '98, but saving 1k would be nice.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for any input!

-timmer

 

[nissanh]

1998 got a rear locker!! (switch "RR Diff lock") by the illumination dimmer switch next to the tilt steering lever. Timing belt is done! Lower price!


I don't see a rear locker switch in the 99. No timing belt replacement history. Higher price! looks nice! did 4runner came with LSD?

Have you check the frame and under body corrosion?

 

[timmer]

I haven't checked either one out yet, but will likely do so tomorrow. They will both probably have some underbody rust, due to being in Wisconsin. Just need to make sure it isn't too much.

 

[sterbenlicht]

Depends on what you plan on doing with it and what you like. I'm not a big off road kind of guy. Just beaches and camping for me, so I don't care about the locker at all. It would just be a nice bonus if I found it on a truck that I liked everything else about. In this case, a black sport edition is my top choice, so it blows the other one away. I don't know if it's just the area I live in or if it's the same everywhere else, but it seems that the overwhelming majority of 4runners around here are either silver or desert dune, or a combo of both just like the 98 you posted which to me, and I may be alone on this, the colors seem to clash.

 

[timmer]

I defiantly agree about not only the black color, but the look of the sport edition, with the matching bumpers, it looks great...but for an extra 1k? I guess it will depend on what I think of them. I'm not planning on doing serious off roading, mostly just here and there when I go hunting up north.

 

[fourwd1]

Condition of the vehicle should be more important than color, but maybe that's just me.
if they use salt on streets in winter like they do around here frame rust is a major factor.
And you can't tell just by looking, the frame rusts from inside out.
The non-stock black one may have seen harder use than the stock silver one with running boards.
Just things to consider.

 

[Dan M.]

I want the black one if you don't get it... and if it was in Oklahoma. Assuming the rust isn't bad or it doesn't have any other major issues, I'd go with the black. Who knows, you may be able to get it for the same price as the other one. Never hurts to ask.

 

[Brique]

If it were me, I'd be more interested in the 1998. It looks blander to start, but will be easy to mod into badassery by adding a sport hood, etc.

Personally I hate the blue/grey interior. I know some love it and that's cool, but to me it looks dingy even when it's ultra clean. That alone would be a deal breaker for me.

Black is beautiful in these trucks, but what people say is true: it's tough as balls to keep clean and shows scratches sooo easy.

The 1998 has an elocker, which is AWESOME. My tacoma had one and it was like the Staples easy button for offroad. I'm skeptical about the allegation of the 1999 one having and LSD. That would have to be an aftermarket mod by the PO and I'd want to see documentation that there really was one, what kind it is, and who did the install, not just "yeah, the guy told me he put a limited slip in it."

Yeah, the BFGs are mean looking tires, but you can put tires on the 1998 too, and with an extra $1000 in your pocket, you can put more into mods.

This is, of course, trumped by the real condition of the trucks. Crawl under both, look at rust, look for leaks. In WI, rust is going to be a big, big issue, and if one of these has a lot less rust, that's pretty critical. Maintenance records are also going to be a dealmaker here, too.

 

[timmer]

I want the black one if you don't get it... and if it was in Oklahoma. Assuming the rust isn't bad or it doesn't have any other major issues, I'd go with the black. Who knows, you may be able to get it for the same price as the other one. Never hurts to ask.

I talked to the dealer with the black one, and he said the price is non-negotiable (we will see about that)

If it were me, I'd be more interested in the 1998. It looks blander to start, but will be easy to mod into badassery by adding a sport hood, etc.

Personally I hate the blue/grey interior. I know some love it and that's cool, but to me it looks dingy even when it's ultra clean. That alone would be a deal breaker for me.

Black is beautiful in these trucks, but what people say is true: it's tough as balls to keep clean and shows scratches sooo easy.

The 1998 has an elocker, which is AWESOME. My tacoma had one and it was like the Staples easy button for offroad. I'm skeptical about the allegation of the 1999 one having and LSD. That would have to be an aftermarket mod by the PO and I'd want to see documentation that there really was one, what kind it is, and who did the install, not just "yeah, the guy told me he put a limited slip in it."

Yeah, the BFGs are mean looking tires, but you can put tires on the 1998 too, and with an extra $1000 in your pocket, you can put more into mods.

This is, of course, trumped by the real condition of the trucks. Crawl under both, look at rust, look for leaks. In WI, rust is going to be a big, big issue, and if one of these has a lot less rust, that's pretty critical. Maintenance records are also going to be a dealmaker here, too.

Very valid points. I'll have to look into the LSD thing. The guy with the black one says there is rust underneath, but wasn't specific on how much rust. Not sure about the silver one, I'll be getting under both hopefully tomorrow.

Anything else I should be looking for?

 

[sterbenlicht]

Yes, the condition is going to be more important. Condition isn't something we can judge in this forum. That will be up to you to determine. In the end, you're still spending a pretty penny for something, so you want to make sure it's everything you want it to be.

It's possible someone abused the black one, but that's more of a jumped-to conclusion for most of us because we trust no one more than ourselves with taking care of our own things. Most people in these forums frankenstein so many things on their vehicles, and most buyers would rather start with something owned by a retired couple kept in a garage with low mileage. Leave alone the fact that while many of us have a lot of modifications done, we also meticulously care for our vehicles far better than the average owner does.

Assuming you have a supply of all the vehicles you care to have sitting in front of you to choose from, you have to decide why you want one. I prefer these trucks both for their reliability and their styling. They're some of the best looking SUVs on the road. If those aren't exactly up to par, I would wait for the one you want or consider what it would cost to make one the way you want it. Don't leave yourself with regrets a month after you spend the money. If you plan on building a monster truck like some of the guys here have done, then just go with the better condition truck and we will look forward to your build thread haha.

 

[timmer]

So I looked up both VINs with the Toyota owner's website, only two service records each in there. Gonna have to dig more into these two trucks when I check them out I guess. I'll update after I look at them. Thanks for all your input!!

 

[Brilliant]

black one.

 

[Scramble]

That button could be the "Hill Start Assist" button unless that's only on the 5 speed.

 

[SchoolMe]

That button is definitely for Locking Diff, it's included feature with all 3rd gen Limiteds. I have a 98 limited 4x4 and have NEVER had the need to use the Locking Diff. over 4+ years.Even when getting out of deep snow.. But I don't off-road with mine either..

There are subtle differences between the dash setups 98 vs 99, and front bumpers are different.. One has running boards, the other don't. One has the star rims and the other has the 3 spoke wheels..

The BLACK 99 is sick. I love the low key cloth interior. SR5 pkg is sporty. New tires cost around $800+/- installed. Consider that. Says dealer has a carfax, I check other source and it's a 2 owner from Wisconsin it's whole life, 2nd owner acquired it at 116,xxx miles in 2007.

The 98 has had 3 owners, all in Illinois, mainly Chicago. Last owner acquired with 137k-140k in 2010. This has a nice CD player, crack in leather is not a deal breaker, very clean. Why was timing belt done at 160k, was it not done at 90k or 120-140k?? If it was, should be good till 180-200k.. Regardless, proven service history is key, and this one has like a grand worth of recent service, so they say.

Hope his helps you out some.

Check em both for under carriage rust and such, and drive both of them if you can manage it in the same day! Listen with radio OFF for squeaks and rattles, check all glass for cracks and fit, I like to look over and check the weather stripping, etc.. Cash is king and price is always negotiable.

Good luck!! I'm so jelly..

 

[MTD]

I wouldn't buy the black one if there is rust... If you want I can go check out the one in sun prarie if you want? I am in madison.

And welcome!!! Good to see another Scoonie on here!!

 

[timmer]

I wouldn't buy the black one if there is rust... If you want I can go check out the one in sun prarie if you want? I am in madison.

And welcome!!! Good to see another Scoonie on here!!

I appreciate that, but I'll be in Madison this week for work, so I'll have a chance to check it out. Used to live in Sun Prairie and actually still own a house there I rent out.

So I did check out the black one, and it looked pretty decent and drove very well. Needs some work on the brakes and a little body work to prevent body rust from taking over, but it is still manageable. Underbody has a fair amount of rust, but nothing that is overly concerning.

What is concerning to me is the fuel gauge does not work and the dealer has zero maintenance records, to include timing belt replacement information. There isn't a sticker showing when the timing belt was done, and the dealer is not willing to fix either issue or budge on the price.

The more I sat in the blue interior, the less I liked it. But, I did like the generation (first 3rd I've driven), and really liked the sport edition. I found another black '99 sport just south in Illinois with only 106k miles and excellent maintenance records. The problem I see there is then I'll have to sell my current car myself, and I'm not crazy about dealing with that. But the positive of doing this is I'll likely get more for my car ('05 Focus ZX5 with 100k).

Thanks again for all the input, I really do appreciate it!

 

[TheArkMaster]

The only plus I see in the 99 is the sport hood, the tires, and the original J-shift.
Saying that, I would go with the 98 due to the diff lock(big plus), the lower price. The diff lock is an easy few hundred alone. Tires can be bought for 400 used to give it the same badass look, and I like the color better.
Assuming theres service records, and everything looks good under the hood and frame, I would go with the 98.

If neither seem right, WAIT. There are other runners out there with everything you want. I cannot stress enough to WAIT for the runner you want. Don't settle, just keep looking constantly, multiple times a day. Be ready with cash. You'll get the perfect one for you.

 

[Brique]

It took what seemed like forever to find my truck, and looking back, it really wasn't all that long. Despite the fact that people (sellers, of course) kept telling me I'd never find what i was looking for, I knew they were full of it and eventually did find the exact truck i wanted.

 

[Jowenbrown]

+1 to making sure it's the right one. Avoid buyer's remorse. I spent almost 4 months of shopping before I found the one that had everything I wanted at the right price. I crawled under dozens of them and test drove scores of them before I pulled the trigger.

If you end up not getting either of these, PM me and I'll send you a bunch of info that helped me sort through the hundreds of 4Runners that come up for sale all the time.

 

[JoeBand]

the black one has the mudguards i've been looking for. :wow: