Hi,
I have been a member since 2010 and been lurking on this site from time to time.
Just a little intro and would like to share my experience....
I bought my first 4runner (3rd Gen - 1998 SR5 desert dune) last year March 2010 from the 1st owner with 135,000 miles for $4,600. I was driving a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport before that. I sold the Jeep after driving it for 5 years with 100,000 miles for the same price. I was impressed by the "bullet-proof" reviews of the 4runner, and that was the reason for selling the 2001 Jeep for an older 1998 4runner.
The plan was to keep the 3rd Gen until more than 200,000 miles. I spent almost $1,200 6 months ago to have the timing belt, drive belts, water pump, thermostat, coolant drain, upper and lower water hoses replaced.
Everything was great with the 3rd gen until 2 weeks ago. While driving in the parkway, car over heated and run sluggishly then CEL. I took the 1st exit and called AAA. The issue was a broken radiator (at 156,000 miles). Yes, strawberry milkshake. So, I had the mechanic replaced the radiator, drain the transmission 3 times. After having it fixed, took it for a test drive it and noticed that it makes a weird noise when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear (A/T). Not sure what exactly is wrong but I feel transmission got hit from the strawberry milkshake.... Is this an isolated case and was upset because there are many members in this forum have more than 200,000 miles in their 3rd gen or even older models.
So since I have a 6 months old daughter and can't afford another car trouble, I decided to trade-in the 3rd gen for a newer 2007 4runner SR5 - CPO/1-owner/Shadow Mica for $21,000. I also accepted their offer for bumper to bumper extended warranty (7yrs/100,000 miles from date of purchase) for an additional $1,700 - Did I get a good deal or did I get screwed on the price ($21,000 + $1,700 extended warranty)? Also, my 3rd gen was valued for $2,500 trade-in. I was afraid if the transmission dies, I would loose more chances of either selling or trade-it in.
Since this thread is worthless without pics, here are the pics of the 4th gen from the dealer website. I will update this thread with new pics as I change/modify the 4runner. I still have to see if I have pics of my older 3rd gen.
Please share your thoughts and comments.
Thanks.
I have been a member since 2010 and been lurking on this site from time to time.
Just a little intro and would like to share my experience....
I bought my first 4runner (3rd Gen - 1998 SR5 desert dune) last year March 2010 from the 1st owner with 135,000 miles for $4,600. I was driving a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport before that. I sold the Jeep after driving it for 5 years with 100,000 miles for the same price. I was impressed by the "bullet-proof" reviews of the 4runner, and that was the reason for selling the 2001 Jeep for an older 1998 4runner.
The plan was to keep the 3rd Gen until more than 200,000 miles. I spent almost $1,200 6 months ago to have the timing belt, drive belts, water pump, thermostat, coolant drain, upper and lower water hoses replaced.
Everything was great with the 3rd gen until 2 weeks ago. While driving in the parkway, car over heated and run sluggishly then CEL. I took the 1st exit and called AAA. The issue was a broken radiator (at 156,000 miles). Yes, strawberry milkshake. So, I had the mechanic replaced the radiator, drain the transmission 3 times. After having it fixed, took it for a test drive it and noticed that it makes a weird noise when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear (A/T). Not sure what exactly is wrong but I feel transmission got hit from the strawberry milkshake.... Is this an isolated case and was upset because there are many members in this forum have more than 200,000 miles in their 3rd gen or even older models.
So since I have a 6 months old daughter and can't afford another car trouble, I decided to trade-in the 3rd gen for a newer 2007 4runner SR5 - CPO/1-owner/Shadow Mica for $21,000. I also accepted their offer for bumper to bumper extended warranty (7yrs/100,000 miles from date of purchase) for an additional $1,700 - Did I get a good deal or did I get screwed on the price ($21,000 + $1,700 extended warranty)? Also, my 3rd gen was valued for $2,500 trade-in. I was afraid if the transmission dies, I would loose more chances of either selling or trade-it in.
Since this thread is worthless without pics, here are the pics of the 4th gen from the dealer website. I will update this thread with new pics as I change/modify the 4runner. I still have to see if I have pics of my older 3rd gen.
Please share your thoughts and comments.
Thanks.
