Noob here, can I ask some questions??

[jonjonbear]

Hello group,
Name's John..Selling my Silverado and looking for a 4runner. Given the price I see them, I think I will be in the range of a 2000-'01 model. They all seem to have a TON of miles on them. I used to drive Mercedes diesels which high miles were no issue..Most I am seeing have 140K-170K but they look great. It's obvious they hold up well. I am hoping to find a 2wd limited. Anything I should be aware of, or look out for, listen for or the likes? I have looked at other vehicles and just can't seem to like one as well as the 4runner and I like the 2000+ look..Are the timing belts an issue on these? How $$ to change and how often? I am hoping I find one that has had this done.
Any tips would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks,

John

 

[RevengEngine]

Timing belts SHOULD be replaced at 90,000 miles.

My brother's 1999 Limited 4WD has 175k and he just required a $2000 repair, although I don't remember what it was for. The engines are durable and well-built, but like any other vehicle, it's a risk. I would go for the 2WD that has 140k or so. If the seller can't tell you if the belt has been replaced, beware.

I see you live in Bastrop...home of the Bastrop Bears. I've been through there a bunch!

 

[direwolf74]

I would personally look for a 01 SR5 4wd. 3rd gens. are extremely reliable, over engineered vehicles with hardly any issues. Do timing belt, water pump every 85,000-100,000 miles along with other routine maintenance and you cant go wrong.

 

[jonjonbear]

Timing belts SHOULD be replaced at 90,000 miles.

My brother's 1999 Limited 4WD has 175k and he just required a $2000 repair, although I don't remember what it was for. The engines are durable and well-built, but like any other vehicle, it's a risk. I would go for the 2WD that has 140k or so. If the seller can't tell you if the belt has been replaced, beware.

I see you live in Bastrop...home of the Bastrop Bears. I've been through there a bunch!

Hey,
Thanks for the quick note. Yep. Bastrop Bears! We just had a terrible fire a week or so ago in the Pine forest..Was pretty scary..
Thanks for the tips on the vehicle. I am pretty apt at looking them over, just always nice to ask folks who know these rigs.

John

 

[jonjonbear]

I would personally look for a 01 SR5 4wd. 3rd gens. are extremely reliable, over engineered vehicles with hardly any issues. Do timing belt, water pump every 85,000-100,000 miles along with other routine maintenance and you cant go wrong.

Hi there,
Thanks for the info. They sure do seem over engineered just looking at them. You suggested the SR5, is that just a personal preference? I was steering toward the limited for the extra luxury features but I do like the chrome bumpers on the SR5.
If I have to budget a timing belt and water pump, what's a ballpark on that?

Thanks,
John

 

[Ghostrider]

I had the water pump and timing belt done at the Georgetown dealer in December for about 650. I like my SR5 over the LTD because of the chrome bumpers. No paint damage to worry about

 

[Clemsonfan15]

SR5 vs Limited is just a personal preference. I would go with a Limited.

Check the rear axle seals too.

 

[Matt Starr]

I had the water pump and timing belt done at the Georgetown dealer in December for about 650. I like my SR5 over the LTD because of the chrome bumpers. No paint damage to worry about

Negative ghost rider the pattern is full lol.
Name that movie.
You two are crazy, I haaaaaaate the chrome bumpers. Chrome and grey plastic is just tacky to me. I've spent the last 3 weeks painting all the chrome and plastice on my runner,

HOW ON EARTH did you get suckered into paying $650 for a water pump and timing belt change. I got 3 quotes for $300 including parts. I ended up doing it myself and spent 140 on parts.

 

[gptoy96]

Yup, timing belt and rear axle seals.

My seals went because my breather got plugged, not sure if this is the same case as others who had their seals go but a quick check/cleaning may save that part.

Other than that a 3rd gen should treat you well for a long time.

 

[peter78]

140,000 to 170,000 may be a bit high in mileage, I would try for something under 140,000 miles if you could. My 2001 has 110,000 miles. If you see a 4Runner with 140,000 miles, I am betting the belt may not of been changed. I would give it a 60 / 40% chance of it being the same belt, maybe 70 / 30%. The belt does tend to last and the engine is a non-interference. It would be nice if they have records, the problem being 90% of used cars have no records.

The good thing for 2000 is you might find a stick shift, although they are rare. 2001 has VSC, which I think is an important safety item.

Yes the SR5 has chrome bumpers and chances are they are rusted on the inside. I think my bumpers started rusting on the ship over from Japan. I kind of like them, the last time I had chrome bumpers was a car from the 70's.

If you look hard enough I think you can find a 2WD Limited that is in good shape, I would think it would it would have lots of life left.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

HOW ON EARTH did you get suckered into paying $650 for a water pump and timing belt change. I got 3 quotes for $300 including parts. I ended up doing it myself and spent 140 on parts.

Who does it for $300? Where'd you get parts for $140?

$650 is the norm at the dealerships and is what most people pay.
I was lucky and had a friend do mine and it just cost me a steak dinner and a case of beer.

 

[jonjonbear]

Thanks guys!

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I now have much more to consider. There has been some mention on the rear axle seals. Is there a way I can see if this is a problem during a test drive/walk around? Will I see oil on the backs of the rear wheels/brakes? I was searching this issue and some guy had posted that it's 750.00 a SIDE? I never thought axle seals were that much of an issue. He mentioned Toyota has some sort of "fix" for this problem. Looks like the timing belt isn't a huge issue either way, except the prices When you usually have that done professionally, do they change the front seals (cams and crank)? Glad to hear it's not a valve crasher..
Again thanks for all your input and comments!!!

John
Oh. One more question, is the rear AC vents standard on the Limited or is that an option?

 

[Ron Helmuth]

Limited means automatic only

jon jon bear

a Limited is always an automatic and the plusher of the creature comforts. SR5 could be manny tranny or auto.

Rear axle seals are a problem area as clemsonfan15 notes

Minor annoyances are the inaccurate fuel tank gauge and the interior clock may not be functional.

You should not have to settle for high mileage ones any longer-lots of folks dumped their SUVs when fuel prices went north.

Finding a 2wd one is about impossible up here. Personally what's the point of having a 4Runner without 4wd? Perhaps you never see snow or mud or rocks down there.

Resale value should be lower with a 2wd so that will help your price point.

$600-700 for timing belt and water pump all labor and parts at a dealership is a fair price. The dealerships here run specials all the time for $289 for just the belt and labor. By the time you add in a water pump and check idler bearings or other peripherals-(a set of accessory belt changes at same time is likely wise for example) you will be right up there.

Yes Matthew it can be done for less.

 

[az4runner02]

I recently bought a 2000 SR5 4x4 with 52,000 miles for $9800. Be patient and you can find a lower mileage 4runner, depending what you have to spend. With the economy the way it is there are deals to be had if your paying with cold hard cash. $$$

Who paints chrome bumpers anyways???? . :cannon: :nono:

 

[RonMAIDEN]

TB is a job,for the very least, someone who is pretty mechanically inclined or a pro and with a reputable shop a warranty is nice and dealer will always back their work up with minimal hassles which isn't the case with some neighborhood mechanics so a dealer might be a bit more $$ but can be worth it.

 

[004Gunner]

Re: Thanks guys!

There has been some mention on the rear axle seals. Is there a way I can see if this is a problem during a test drive/walk around? Will I see oil on the backs of the rear wheels/brakes?

Yes you can easily spot the oil on leaking rear axle seals. Look on the backing plate behind the rear wheels to see if there is any oil. Keep in mind that it would be leaking from the inside so even a "little" oil on the outside is a good size leak. You should use a flashlight even if you inspect it during the day because the backing plate is black. A more in depth inspection of taking off the rear drum can give you a 100% confirmation. The seal itself is cheap but the labor can run up quickly. If you need more details on rear axle seals you can get plenty of it here. I have done it a few times myself. IMO avoid the chrome on Runners if you live where roads get salted unless you think bumpers are needless excess.

 

[Matt Starr]

Who does it for $300? Where'd you get parts for $140?

$650 is the norm at the dealerships and is what most people pay.
I was lucky and had a friend do mine and it just cost me a steak dinner and a case of beer.

Haha, I love those kind of deals I can't remember for the life of me what the place is called but it's on Evans just east of Sante Fe. Theres some other shops but I cant remember them cause I just called them. I got my timing belt for $50 and my water pump for $90 at advanced auto parts.

 

[Matt Starr]

I recently bought a 2000 SR5 4x4 with 52,000 miles for $9800. Be patient and you can find a lower mileage 4runner, depending what you have to spend. With the economy the way it is there are deals to be had if your paying with cold hard cash. $$$

Who paints chrome bumpers anyways???? . :cannon: :nono:

I had the chrome powder coated and I painted the plastic myself