New to 4runners a few questions
- Thread starter xzaq103
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RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Here's a year to year breakdown and pay close attention to the mid gen upgrades that got added in the '99 year,some are a big deal to everyday convenience.
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html
The only real issue I've had with my two Runners (the other '97) was the rear axle seals at about 100k which really isn't an uncommon problem and it's more normal wear and tear.
I drive hard and have heavier tires and I get anywhere from 16-17 in the city and up to 21 on the hwy.
If you plan on off roading then look for the rear diff lock since that really helps out a bit. Also a fair amount of '99s and a bit less '00s (all Highlander/Sport models) got 1" taller coils.
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html
The only real issue I've had with my two Runners (the other '97) was the rear axle seals at about 100k which really isn't an uncommon problem and it's more normal wear and tear.
I drive hard and have heavier tires and I get anywhere from 16-17 in the city and up to 21 on the hwy.
If you plan on off roading then look for the rear diff lock since that really helps out a bit. Also a fair amount of '99s and a bit less '00s (all Highlander/Sport models) got 1" taller coils.
kingbiscuit
New member
Yep look out for the rear axle seal problems. I had that on mine when I bought it. If it isn't dealt with in time it will ruin the axle. Mine is a 1998, I think the axle may have improved in 99. What is your budget?? If it is around 12-13K I would definitely go with a 99. You will be able to find a few 99s below that but it will be kind of hard.
Other than that just make sure to take it to a mechanic to get checked out and you should be OK. Just keep in mind dealerships don't always do the best job checking out cars. I took mine to the one in Santa Monica and they missed about $1000 in repairs. I was pretty upset to say the least. I did everything right I thought but oh well. Make sure that who ever tests it does a road test in addition to the the diagnostic checks and inspections. It may be better to take it to a place that specializes in used car inspections since their reputation hinges on it. That is not the bread and butter of dealerships.
It will cost you under $150.
Other than that just make sure to take it to a mechanic to get checked out and you should be OK. Just keep in mind dealerships don't always do the best job checking out cars. I took mine to the one in Santa Monica and they missed about $1000 in repairs. I was pretty upset to say the least. I did everything right I thought but oh well. Make sure that who ever tests it does a road test in addition to the the diagnostic checks and inspections. It may be better to take it to a place that specializes in used car inspections since their reputation hinges on it. That is not the bread and butter of dealerships.
It will cost you under $150.
nserpa9248
New member
what are symptoms of the rear axle seal being bad?
kingbiscuit
New member
nserpa9248 said:
You have to take off the back wheels and from what I understand there will be axle grease everywhere on the brake drums. You will know if the axle is dead if there are metal shavings. Probably will be a little uncomfortable asking the owner to take off the back wheels, but oh well just make them aware it is a common issue.
With full service, up to date maintenance, decent tires, and only minor dings I would say $7000. A good price would be $6000. Im assuming it is 4x4 and V6. Any maintenance just subtract from the $7K price.
travisk
New member
kingbiscuit said:
I had mine inspected by an import shop for about $65 before I bought it. They removed all four wheels and checked the axle seals and brakes as part of the inspection. From now on, I would never buy a used vehicle without an independent inspection. It only takes an hour or so, and the sellers are usually more than willing to drop it off for an hour if it makes the sale.
Get the independent inspection done even if you are getting the car from a used car dealer. If the seller doesn't want to do the inspection, NO SALE.
geigerz2001
New member
What shop did you take ur car to for inspection?
If you dont mind, how much did u get ur car for? I saw the pictures you posted on the other thread and really like ur new truck. I am looking for a 96-99 myself hoping to spend about $10k
travisk said:
If you dont mind, how much did u get ur car for? I saw the pictures you posted on the other thread and really like ur new truck. I am looking for a 96-99 myself hoping to spend about $10k
travisk
New member
Re: What shop did you take ur car to for inspection?
Because the 4Runner was very clean and had a bunch of add-ons that I was looking for, I paid just about high blue book price (www.kbb.com). Most add-ons do not factor into the KBB price, so I figured that I got a decent deal.
geigerz2001 said:
Because the 4Runner was very clean and had a bunch of add-ons that I was looking for, I paid just about high blue book price (www.kbb.com). Most add-ons do not factor into the KBB price, so I figured that I got a decent deal.
geigerz2001
New member
Re: Re: What shop did you take ur car to for inspection?
Cool..btw which shop did you take it too? I live in Orange and I saw a potential car in Diamond Bar.
Thanks
travisk said:
Cool..btw which shop did you take it too? I live in Orange and I saw a potential car in Diamond Bar.
Thanks
travisk
New member
Re: Re: Re: What shop did you take ur car to for inspection?
I normally take my cars to Strege Automotive in La Habra, but they were busy so I used JMO in Fullerton . They seem to know Toyotas very well.
geigerz2001 said:
I normally take my cars to Strege Automotive in La Habra, but they were busy so I used JMO in Fullerton . They seem to know Toyotas very well.
geigerz2001
New member
Re: Re: Re: Re: What shop did you take ur car to for inspection?
Cool..thanks
travisk said:
Cool..thanks
trd_4runnin
New member
xzaq103 said:
Well, when i was looking for my 4Runner I was looking for between 90 and 100k. But that is just because I could afford to do that. Had I not been able to afford that I would have been fine with buying one with 130k. I have seen many a 4Runner hit 200,000 with no problem, just find out if the timing belt is done on it and if not you will want to get that done ASAP.
kingbiscuit
New member
xzaq103 said:
Usually good mechanics will write directly on the cover for the timing belt the date the timing belt was done and the mileage because there is no way of inspecting it without taking a bunch of stuff off. Also if this was someone that cared about their 4runner they should have kept the records.
If it is over 100K and it wasn't done just use it as a bargaining tool. It will cost you about $700 to get the water pump/timing belt and other various barings and belts changed associated with the timing belt. If it is pushing 130K and it wasn't done yet you should probably consider whether you want to buy it at all.
There isn't a problem specific to 4runners with the timing belt it is just expensive maintenance that needs to be taken care of like changing tires.
