Potential Buy of a 1999 "Highlander"

[BurghRunner]

I have an opportunity to buy a 1999 TR4, SR5, 4X4, "Highlander Edition" (rear locker), Auto Tranny, with 78,000miles..

This would be my 2nd Runner for more aggresive off-road and modding.

Any special items to look for when considering this year and edition?

Thanks - Hoping for a quick response as I continue to search the forum.

 

[4Evr4RunN3R]

he has a 99 highlander editionhttp://www.top4runners.com/index.html

 

[gptoy96]

Timing belt, getting close to it needing to be replaced. Sometimes rear axle seals like to go, usually with more mileage. All I can think of for typical things, list is pretty short, hence being a Toyota.

Other than that, just vehicle-specific things. Depending on how the last guy maintained it, carfax, obvious wear and tear etc etc.

 

[J.A.]

Nice low mileage 99. How much $, is it black or green?

I would check to see that the rear axle seals are good. You would check for fluid behind each rear wheel. Not many other common major issues. Good Luck.

 

[BurghRunner]

Price is from a friend at around 7K - haven't talked to specific yet. Its Green.

For the rear axle seals - can you be just a little more specific where I should be looking.

Thanks everyone.

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

Sounds like a pretty good price if it is in good shape, especially since it has the rear locker. If I'm not mistaken, that model also shares the awesome selectable 4WD system the '99 Limited has. Is your friend the original owner? T-belt is the only real major maintenance thing to consider at 78k, but a LOT of people let them go quite a bit longer than normal since the 5VZ is a non-interference engine. I have 160k on mine and it still looks good (but I also visually inspect it regularly).

Regarding the rear axle seals - they typically start leaking around the 100k-120k mile mark. You will notice fluid leaking from around the drum brake, and gathering on the inside of the rim. IF you can catch it quickly you might not even have to replace the shoes.

 

[J.A.]

Yes it is a great price.

No the SR5 Highlanders do not have the multi-mode set-up that the Limited's had in 1999.

Also the rear seal issue can indeed happen much earlier than 70k miles. I had to have mine replaced twice. The first time while under standard factory warranty and the second for free while out of factory warranty but still covered as it was within one year of the previous warranty replacement. As mentioned earlier look for wetness at the rear drum brakes. Additionally when taking off...if the seals are leaking, you will notice the rear brakes will be locked up until somewhat significant throttle is given to force a release.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Pretty much you got the most coveted year to have since '99 was the year of the mid gen upgrades and the only year the Highlander model had the skinny plastic flares which are a bit more trail friendly than the widebody painted Limited flares of the '00-'02 models.

The only thing I wish the Highlander had was the multi-mode auto tranny but at least a 5 speed was available at that time.