Pricing on 3gen 4Runners

[alphyn]

I'm looking to buy a 3rd gen 4runner 4x4, manual transmission, under 150k miles and preferably a 1998-2000 model year.

I've been digging through craigslist and autotrader the last few weeks to get some sort of feel for what vehicles are being listed at but don't really have a good understanding of how much people are paying for them. All listed prices for private party and dealer seem to be way above kelly blue book, not that I have had much faith in their numbers ever. Also, pricing seems to vary wildly. Some people have their 'runners up for $12k, others $5k. I understand there's a collectivity value with the model I want being in short supply and last of the manual transmission 4runners out there.

While tossing out the outliers, what is the median price I should expect to pay from a dealer and from private party? My gut feel is somewhere between $6-7k +/- $1k based upon mechanical condition, upgrades, pristine service records, etc.

Any help would be much appreciated. Also, any buying tips would be super helpful as well. This is my first post, so hopefully I'll be able to join you all as 4runner owners sooner than later.

 

[badattitude]

Good luck, you'll love the 4runner. IMHO think more like $7K-$9k for a nice one.

I paid $12,500 for my 1999 Automatic SR5 in 2008, 78,000 miles. It seemed like I over paid at the time but now I can tell you it was the best money I spent. No other SUV is in the same league.

If you find one with a elocker be sure to snatch it.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

$6k is a starting point for most and goes up to almost $9k depending on miles,condition and options but you should find what you need in the $7-8k range.

 

[alphyn]

Good luck, you'll love the 4runner. IMHO think more like $7K-$9k for a nice one.

I have a feeling I'm going to need a lot of luck on this search. I think there are about 30 posts for automatics for every for-sale manual out there. My insistence on a manual transmission is very problematic. But then again, I'm a pretty problematic person in general.

Thanks for your reply!

 

[JohnsD90]

I have a feeling I'm going to need a lot of luck on this search. I think there are about 30 posts for automatics for every for-sale manual out there. My insistence on a manual transmission is very problematic. But then again, I'm a pretty problematic person in general.

Thanks for your reply!

Include 96 and 97 in there too, theres manuals around, just keep looking. I paid $1850 for mine and it needed a diff. Around me they are normally $5-$6k for them though. They are harder to find for sale, but theres a ton cruising around. I tried to sell mine and got no almost no interest at 5k so idk.

 

[Brignola85]

Mileage will be your biggest price factor, and expect a limited to run 1.5k+ more than a SR5. (I know, you're not looking for a LTD.)

Here in central PA, I have been seeing anywhere from 4.5k - 12k depending on mileage and condition. I went and looked at a 2000 sr5 yesterday with a trashed interior, but mechanically sound (151k) and he wanted 7k. Another 98 SR5 is listed here with 310k miles and they still want 6k for it. I have yet to find what I am looking for.... (Black 98-00 SR5 <150k miles.) in my price range. Good thing I'm in no hurry.

 

[GX4SEVEND]

what about this one?

1998 toyota 4Runner - SALE OR TRADE

 

[GX4SEVEND]

Or this one.

1997 Toyota 4Runner



I found two in less than 5 minutes. You are going to have to loosen up your criteria a little, specifically the mileage, or you'll be looking a while

 

[alphyn]

Mileage will be your biggest price factor, and expect a limited to run 1.5k+ more than a SR5. (I know, you're not looking for a LTD.)

... Good thing I'm in no hurry.

Looks like you and I are engaged in the same sort of search. Question for ya. Are all 3rd gen LTD's automatics? I swear I've seen some 2nd gen ltd's with manual transmissions, but didn't know about 3rd gens.

 

[alphyn]

Or this one.

1997 Toyota 4Runner

Yeah, I've seen both of those up. I know the mileage isn't too bad on them, especially the white lifted 4runner. I might go take a look at it this weekend as soon as my paycheck clears. The miles are a bit high for my liking. I want to stay South of 150k and am willing to pay a premium for it. I could be wrong in my thinking, but I feel like this might be my last chance to own a manual transmission SUV. I owned a 1999 Camry that died out at 250k. Maybe I'm overly paranoid about joining the 200k mile club on a $7000 vehicle too soon.

Any thoughts on 4runners into their 200k - 300k's? Do they fall apart or keep on going? Any major repairs / rebuilds expected other than routine maintenance such timing belt / water pump, clutch, shocks, brakes, etc.?

Thanks again for the links!

 

[josh.bunch]

Neither of these are manual but they do have e-locker.

2000 SR5

1999 LTD

 

[GX4SEVEND]

They'll run a long time. Some people have rebuilt their motors but its usually after 200K. But some are still running on stock everything pushing almost 400K. I wouldn't be scared of mileage at all.

I bought mine with 167K for $4800.

 

[josh.bunch]

Any thoughts on 4runners into their 200k - 300k's? Do they fall apart or keep on going? Any major repairs / rebuilds expected other than routine maintenance such timing belt / water pump, clutch, shocks, brakes, etc.?

Thanks again for the links!

I've got 270K on mine with no rebuilds, overhauls, etc. I have never changed my transmission or diff fluids either. Not proud of it, but it's the way it is. I dont have a squeak or rattle in the thing.

I think everyone should own one of these. They take alot better care of me than I take of it.

 

[JohnsD90]

2nd gen only came in limited's in 95, and all limiteds ever made were automatics from the factory, no matter the generation they were all auto only.

 

[PrelateBishop]

I have a feeling I'm going to need a lot of luck on this search. I think there are about 30 posts for automatics for every for-sale manual out there. My insistence on a manual transmission is very problematic. But then again, I'm a pretty problematic person in general.

Thanks for your reply!

I had nearly identical criteria as you when I was looking for a truck a year ago. It took nearly 6 months, but ended up with a '00 Highlander 5-spd with 120K on the clock. The only option it had that I didn't want was leather interior, but I've learned to live with it.

My advice would be to stick to your guns until you find what you really want, or you likely will never be super happy with it. Trust me when I tell you it was kinda frustrating during my search, but I've no regrets.

Good luck with the hunt.

 

[Brignola85]

Looks like you and I are engaged in the same sort of search. Question for ya. Are all 3rd gen LTD's automatics? I swear I've seen some 2nd gen ltd's with manual transmissions, but didn't know about 3rd gens.

Yup, all of the 98-00 (My search range) LTD's are auto. I am actually looking for auto, it'll be my very first one! (My T4R's are my third vehicle, and I'm looking for something that my mother in law can also drive while in a pinch, as she is stuck in her handicap conversion van that no longer gets any use.)
My price range is a little on the low side at the moment though, so as long as it's black, clean, works, and has 4x4... I'm a happy camper. Gotta sell my current 2wd T4R first though, or the wife will have a fit.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I've got 270K on mine with no rebuilds, overhauls, etc. I have never changed my transmission or diff fluids either. Not proud of it, but it's the way it is. I dont have a squeak or rattle in the thing.

I think everyone should own one of these. They take alot better care of me than I take of it.

Oh for the love of Pete, spend $40, take 30 minutes, and change the fluids in your diffs and TC. Then take it to get the tranny flushed. You sit and scratch your ass while someone else does the work.

For shame....:nono:

 

[josh.bunch]

Oh for the love of Pete, spend $40, take 30 minutes, and change the fluids in your diffs and TC. Then take it to get the tranny flushed. You sit and scratch your ass while someone else does the work.

For shame....:nono:

I have the best of intentions to get the diffs and TC done, but I think I'm leaving the tranny alone. I've been told by 5 different shops to leave it alone. I will do more harm than good since it has been so long. I don't have any issues with my tranny so I don't wanna 'F' with is something that works great. I would be kicking my ass, not scratching it if I changed the fluid and ruined the tranny.

Also if I could find someone who would change those fluids for $40 I would be all over that:boink: but it aint happening that cheap. Best I can find is someone who will do both diffs and TC for $120+fluids. People trying to rip my ass off. :uzi:

 

[flatboy]

I recently aquired a 2000 limited with under 14,000 miles and paid just over 20g. Advertised as new/prestine condition and it is, still smells like leather. Got it appraised for insurance and it came out at 14,000$. Oops not a good investment but what is nowadays lol.



shayne

 

[Nunyabiz]

Depends on your location in the country also.

Generally speaking you are looking at at least $8K for anything decent.