Newbie wanting a 4Runner

[kstallguy]

Hello to everyone. I just had a couple quick questions that I was hoping you could answer. I am in the market for a new car and the 4Runner caught my eye. I have 15,000 set aside for any thing that I find. I like luxury (used to have an Acura Legend coupe), and I also have a need for 4wd. What would be a good choice in your opinion.
I used to have an 89 Toyota 4x4, that was passed down from my stepdad. I received it with a little over 240,000 miles and continued to drive it till the final 298,000 miles at which point I blew the head gasket. I've missed the truck since and the 4Runner seems to fit my needs, so here i am.

 

[dancojgl]

$ 15,000 is a good down payment. How much luxury you want will determine which model (SR5, Sport, Limited) you choose.

In the mid-size SUV market, you'll find there really aren't low-end models any more. Manufacturers know that if you spend > $30,000 on a vehicle, it has to have alot of features as standard equipment.

The SR5 is fully-loaded: Auto-A/C system, power windows, power door locks, power side mirrors, tilt-wheel steering column, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo, 4-wheel disc ABS, traction control, skid control, downhill assist, hill-start assist, tire pressure monitor system, roof rack, running boards, etc.

The Sport model adds bigger wheels, bigger front disc brakes, X-REAS suspension system...

The Limited adds heated leather seats and more.

And all three models are available with either the V6 or V8.

The best advice I can give is to see your dealer and check out all three trim levels yourself...

Have fun!

—Dan

 

[zach34]

You can pick up 3rd gens for about 15 grand. I'm very pleased with my '99. We picked it up with around 20k miles a few years ago. I think we paid 20 large.

 

[kstallguy]

I like the looks of the 3rd gen. I don't need leather, but it would be great if it had it. Thanks for the advice guys. I'll be buying one by the end of this week, either through auction or private seller. I found a 98 Limited 4x4, white with the silver 2 tone. tan leather interior, fully loaded with 106,000 miles for $13,950. The truck looks like it never left the showroom. Is this a good price? Also, is there anything that I should watch out for when buying a 3rd generation? Is there any scheduled maintenance that absolutely HAS to be done in it's life that I should look for (timing belt etc.)?
Thanks

 

[kstallguy]

gas mileage

I just got to wondering. What kind of gas mileage can I expect out of a 98 or 2000 Limited 4x4 like what I've found? How far can they go on a tank of gas and what's it going to take to fill it up?

 

[zach34]

The gas tank is quite small. Gas mileage isn't great, but it's not all that bad.

I'm in high school, and get paid 7.50 an hour, and I can afford gas, insurance, booze, and parts for my truck, I'm sure you can manage.

 

[peter78]

Expect about 16 MPG and around 275 miles for each fill-up. I average a little better with 2WD at 19.33 MPG.

 

[toybox]

The gas tank is quite small. Gas mileage isn't great, but it's not all that bad.

I'm in high school, and get paid 7.50 an hour, and I can afford gas, insurance, booze, and parts for my truck, I'm sure you can manage.

Sounds easy but what if you have a mortgage, kids, preschool, multiple kinds of insurance, house repairs, water, electric, gas, phone, internet access, food and yo! I still want booze and toys for my truck.


aaahhhh.........yeah life is sweet when you still live at home. Especially if I am a high schooler with a late model 4Runner.

 

[bluewolf]

aaahhhh.........yeah life is sweet when you still live at home. Especially if I am a high schooler with a late model 4Runner.

I detect a slight bit of hostility toward the "me" generation!

A kid in high school makes $7.50 an hour?!?!?!?! I wanna go back!!

 

[toybox]

I detect a slight bit of hostility toward the "me" generation!

Ya' know you just might be right.

Originally posted by bluewolf A kid in high school makes $7.50 an hour?!?!?!?! I wanna go back!! [/B]

Yeah, but I only had to spend $0.89/gallon for gas when I was in HS (but only made $3.10/hr, minimum wage)

 

[biglatka]

The gas tank is quite small. Gas mileage isn't great, but it's not all that bad.

I'm in high school, and get paid 7.50 an hour, and I can afford gas, insurance, booze, and parts for my truck, I'm sure you can manage.

Wow! You can pay for all that on 7.50/hour? You must have to work many hours to support your lifestyle???

Do you remember the old "Fram" commercial, "Pay me now or pay me later"? My advice (and it wasn't asked for) is spend more time in school and at your studies so you can afford a new 4Runner with all the accoutrements, later on.

Toybox – I’m with you……. “The sweet bird of youth”.

 

[GatorGreg]

Sounds easy but what if you have a mortgage, kids, preschool, multiple kinds of insurance, house repairs, water, electric, gas, phone, internet access, food and yo! I still want booze and toys for my truck.

Not to mention the $6.50 for a gold T4R.ORG sticker