Newbie looking to get my feet wet

[madcrzydrmr]

I've been shopping around for a bit and been mainly looking for a '99 (seems to be the preferred 3rd gen). I found one in my price range today (4k-ish). Its limited 4x4 with e locking diff and the color I dig. Main concern is the mileage at 294k. Should this be something to be concerned about? The body/paint/interior looks well kept in the pics he sent. I spoke to him on the phone and he ran through the list of maintenance (cv joints, ball joint, suspension, regular service to trans, etc...) and claims needs nothing. Wife daily drives it and has never had an issue. It is a Texas truck in SoCal so rust should be a non issue. I just hope it'll pass Cali's ridiculous smog test. Is this something a newb should get into? Or is it the start of a nickel and dime scenario at this mileage. I plan on using the rig for daily driver, camping and light to medium off roading. At most I may lift it a bit and fatter tires down the road, but not for a while.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Nachtjager]

I'm kind of a noob too - be prepared for very suckish gas mileage. Emissions stuff shouldn't be a nightmare as long as the cat converter's still okay and it's still got the factory air filter assy.

As for the mileage, that's at the edge of my comfort level, personally, for just jumping into a truck. I just bought a '99 with 120K on it and just had the timing belt, trans cooler, and a few other things done, I love it. Problem with a truck with that many miles on it is you just really won't know what kind of shape the internals are in, or how the suspension is holding up, until you've already bought it. It's a roll of the dice in my opinion, but if I were in your shoes, I'd hunt for lower mileage. I passed on a really cleaner Limited 4Runner to get my more base-model because the Limited had 270K miles on it - just couldn't deal with going into the deal with that many miles on the clock. I'm hoping I'll eventually see that kind of miles on the odometer, but I'd prefer to put them on there myself.

Good luck. hwell:

 

[BrianSD_42]

Always go with KBB value and don't let someone rip you off buy charging more.

Even in SoCal these trucks are not as rare as it seems.

 

[madcrzydrmr]

Thanks for the input. I've been researching and prowling the classifieds for a while trying to maintain patience for the right one. It's getting increasingly difficult as the weather warms and the lake is calling me.

 

[BlackCat914]

300k miles? Is he paying you 4g's to take it?

 

[OffRoadGuy]

Sounds like his wife works for FedEx and uses the truck to deliver the packages.

300k Mileage doesn't scare me if he can produce all the maint receipts. 4ish is a bit high, offer $3k-3.2k if its a stock limited with no mods. Walk away if he doesn't accept. Not worth buyers remorse if you bought it to high.

 

[madcrzydrmr]

thanks! I had a feeling. back to the search.

 

[Jbot]

That seems a little steep for that many miles.
I am also in SoCal and i bought my '99 for $4k and the millage was 180k
If you hold out til you find a good deal you'll be good, it just takes time and patience.