New member...about to buy 4Runner...help with choices

[turbocharged]

So I'm about to buy one of three 4Runners, but am having trouble deciding which one. I know which one I want (Car #1), but I'm not sure if it is worth the extra cash even if they will take my offer. So, I'm just looking for some insight from some 4Runner owners.

Car #1:
- 1999 4Runner Limited 4WD
- 171k miles
- Red w/ missing clear coat on hood and roof
- Locking rear diff
- Worn drivers seat with one tear
- Tires don't have much life left
- Sunglass compartment door falling off (hinge broken on one side)
- In-dash monitor
- Extremely clean inside and out (zero rust to be found)
- Asking Price: $6995 (max offer would be $6500 all fees included)

Pictures that I took can be seen in my album here. This is the only one I have driven and I was quite impressed. I'm not sure if they will budge on price however.

Car #2:
- 1997 4Runner Limited 4WD
- 175k miles
- Green (paint condition unknown but seems nice in pictures)
- No locking rear diff (at least doesn't seem like it in the pictures)
- Asking Price: $5650 (Figured I would offer $5500 all fees included)

I'm going to look at this car either tomorrow afternoon or Saturday morning. This is the one I know the least about currently. Here is a link to the autotrader ad

Car #3
- 1998 4Runner Limited 4WD
- 230k miles on chassis
- 109k miles on engine (pulled from 2001 V6 Tundra and installed last month)
- Black w/ good condition paint all around
- Normal wear on seats with no tears
- Locking rear diff
- Zero rust (says the seller...haven't seen myself)
- Passed inspection after the new engine and has had full inspection of suspension components.
Seller seems very open and honest
- Asking Price: $5495

I am honestly not worried about the engine in this one and that fact that it was swapped. I am more worried the miles on the rest of the drivetrain. The seller seems very open to questions and answers them honestly with the whole story. Here is the link to the craigslist ad....he has also sent me addition pictures of the engine and seats...both look clean.

 

[afg10000]

Can't find one with a few less miles? I'd find out if the TB/WP have been done. Any paper work or Carfax? I'd check the suspension out as well. I guess I'd go with #1 if that's the one you like. Gots to have the locker -

 

[turbocharged]

Guess, I should have explained in my first post.

No matter what car I get, unless I have documented proof otherwise, I am assuming that the timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, spark plug wires, pcv valve, fuel filter, air filter, and cabin filter need to be changed. I will also be changing the coolant, transmission oil, engine oil/filter, and differential oil.

 

[afg10000]

sounds good-I was at a dealer checking out a 97 limited a while back. Got the guy down $1000 bucks off BB just for the lack of TB paper work. welcome to the family -

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Unless you know who did the motor swap, stay away from #3. I'd probably go after #1. But I'd be looking to get it for less than $6,500 if the TB/WP haven't been done.

 

[turbocharged]

Yea, #1 is the one that I want...just hope they are willing to drop their price. If they don't I'll probably be looking at one of the other 2.

 

[Singtoe]

number 1 for sure.

I would buy the 99 just for the cup holders. Elocker is a bonus too.


You aren't going to find low mileage cars in NC. Everything is spaced out down here. Stay away from the swap unless it was a 2UZ swap.

 

[audiness]

#1 looks clean and well cared for. No rust. I would a premium for that over the other 2.

 

[nyvram]

#1 here as well although i hate that it doesn't come with a sunroof.

is that a GPS in dash or an appradio? thats kind-of a nice touch.

also the rear spoiler has been painted..not a big deal but sometimes i am a bit leery if someone has been busy painting wiper blade handles & stuff. just leave it as is and let me handle refinishing it so that you have a better idea of the aging of the vehicle as a whole.

ps if you get that one, pick up that 'forever black' stuff on amazon and dye that rear bumper cap.

 

[turbocharged]

#1 does have a sunroof actually (everything works perfect with it and all the other windows...maybe a little slow though), you just can't see it in the pictures for some reason.

The in-dash monitor is just a aftermarket headunit with a screen and A/V inputs...no actual navigation function built into it.

 

[turbocharged]

Thanks for the help. I ended up picking up option #1 ('99 Limited 4WD w/ rear locker). Got it for $6200+tax, title, etc....feel like I definitely got a great truck for the money.

Quick picture after taking it home today .

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Congrats. Good luck with it.

 

[Clemshady]

That is a good looking 4Runner. Welcome to the forum and get ready to spend some money on upgrades if you spend a lot of time on this forum. With a fat wallet anything is possible. :lol: