Newb 3rd gen purchase

[obreezey686]

Hi guys- Looking for a truck to have on the weekends to drive out to the beach, and to Vermont and upstate NY some weekends. Not a daily driver, and no hard core wheeling at this point. Probably looking at 150-200 miles on the truck a weekend in the warm weather to the beach and a bit more on weekends if i go to VT, mostly highway. Some soft sand on the beach and some snow/mud upstate once I get to the destination. I have a friend looking to sell his mom's 97 Limited 4wd with e-locker. 170k on the clock. It was her car not his, so never really been offroad, i doubt the e-locker has ever been used (hopefully it still works, not sure how to tell in a test drive). Not sure about timing belt or fluid changes, still need to test drive etc. I am familiar with the interior and body changes in the 99+ years, but seems like if this is in good shape it is worth a look. I can prob get this for 3500, maybe 3k what are your thoughts? thanks!

 

[SR5Runner97]

Hi guys- Looking for a truck to have on the weekends to drive out to the beach, and to Vermont and upstate NY some weekends. Not a daily driver, and no hard core wheeling at this point. Probably looking at 150-200 miles on the truck a weekend in the warm weather to the beach and a bit more on weekends if i go to VT, mostly highway. Some soft sand on the beach and some snow/mud upstate once I get to the destination. I have a friend looking to sell his mom's 97 Limited 4wd with e-locker. 170k on the clock. It was her car not his, so never really been offroad, i doubt the e-locker has ever been used (hopefully it still works, not sure how to tell in a test drive). Not sure about timing belt or fluid changes, still need to test drive etc. I am familiar with the interior and body changes in the 99+ years, but seems like if this is in good shape it is worth a look. I can prob get this for 3500, maybe 3k what are your thoughts? thanks!

Check the last Timing belt water pump, rust and yeah that's a :jaw drop: deal around this area. I see people asking 6500$ for a recon title 4runner auto no e locker. But pnw prices are high for runners. I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat, but depends what the prices are around you.

 

[541joseph]

For that price if its not totally rust do it. And to test e locker put gear shift into n push 4wd button put in low and then push e locker button and drive a little then make a turn. You'll know if its working inner tire will a nice black mark

 

[obreezey686]

The truck is actually in Virginia so maybe less rust than up in NY, less road salt and salt air. Wondering if anyone actually uses the "AWD" option on the 99+ limited 4wd versions. I think with anything this old, condition and needed maintenance will dictate if its worth it. Do you guys recommend having a mechanic look at it to check brakes etc? Any way to check seals, compression? I own boats and have them surveyed before purchasing but haven't owned a car in a while since i live it the city. thanks again.

 

[obreezey686]

Also, sounds like it would be a bit rough on the old girl to try to burn tires with the locker on a test drive. Would you actually do that?

 

[541joseph]

Yes I would. It's really not that hard. It's what it's designed to do

 

[SR5Runner97]

I think with anything this old, condition and needed maintenance will dictate if its worth it. Do you guys recommend having a mechanic look at it to check brakes etc? Any way to check seals, compression?

Bring a basic mechanic, and have him in the car with you and just call him a buddy. If she's a friends mom there is no reason why she would lie to you, if it brakes down she would feel horrible so there's a good chance she's not trying to screw you over. I'd bring a mechanic if you have one but not worry too much. Just pump the brakes while going 25 to check brakes.

Also, sounds like it would be a bit rough on the old girl to try to burn tires with the locker on a test drive. Would you actually do that?

Take your friend with you on the test drive instead of his mom. When I sold my ranger I didn't have the guy go with me. Him and his mother (He was 16), I said here's the keys go take it for a ride. Instead of saying can I go alone, go at it differently. "Hey can I take it for a drive?" Her "Sure." "Okay i'll be back in 10 minutes"

I feel like you're thinking too much, a 3rd gen 4runner for 3500$ is insane. If she was in Portland/Vancouver area she can get an easy 6k if it's a clean title. Buy it, change all fluids, check brakes and START MODDING
BUY THE DAMN THING ALREADY. :AK47:

 

[Jaketino]

I feel like you're thinking too much, a 3rd gen 4runner for 3500$ is insane. If she was in Portland/Vancouver area she can get an easy 6k if it's a clean title. Buy it, change all fluids, check brakes and START MODDING
BUY THE DAMN THING ALREADY. :AK47:

I agree. I bought mine for $5500. 98 limited auto with locker. I could have sold it that day for $7000 easy just based on all the other rigs going on craigslist at about the same time. If I saw one today for $3500 I would go get a loan just to buy it and sell it for a profit.

If you can afford it, and there isn't too much wrong with it, buy it!

 

[Kalva]

Hi guys- Looking for a truck to have on the weekends to drive out to the beach, and to Vermont and upstate NY some weekends. Not a daily driver, and no hard core wheeling at this point. Probably looking at 150-200 miles on the truck a weekend in the warm weather to the beach and a bit more on weekends if i go to VT, mostly highway. Some soft sand on the beach and some snow/mud upstate once I get to the destination. I have a friend looking to sell his mom's 97 Limited 4wd with e-locker. 170k on the clock. It was her car not his, so never really been offroad, i doubt the e-locker has ever been used (hopefully it still works, not sure how to tell in a test drive). Not sure about timing belt or fluid changes, still need to test drive etc. I am familiar with the interior and body changes in the 99+ years, but seems like if this is in good shape it is worth a look. I can prob get this for 3500, maybe 3k what are your thoughts? thanks!

You know the history of the truck as its your friends mother's. Living on Long Island myself 3000-3500K is still a great deal and you have an E-locker with a Federal transmission (better clutch materials) & Federal emissions (one cat) you are starting out in great shape even with 170,000 miles (don't tell your friend or his mom).

As stated earlier in the tread change the fluids, give a full tune up and verify timing belt replacement (you can try to deduct some or all of the timing belt costs 800-1200+, remember most shops get 100.00+ an hour around here) yet again you are still ahead at 3000K and its not your daily driver.

 

[woodro]

id say its very good deal , i also live on long island and couldnt even find a clean 3rd gen when i was looking ,had to leave the state .

where on long island are you from ?