Pricing on 3gen 4Runners

[kavalis]

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 an 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.

Got mine in 2004 from ma & pa private party for $16K, it had 53k on it. They were asking more but came prepared with the carfax and the Blue Book print out.
I have 133k on it now and the book is 7k... only I have a guy that wants it for 8k... I would like 10K for it like you say its rare. :reddance:

 

[josh.bunch]

How about this one? No locker, but for the price you can do that and much more.

 

[steezemcqueen]

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.

Incorrect. The 2nd gen limiteds were available with a manual.

 

[steezemcqueen]

what about this one?

1998 toyota 4Runner - SALE OR TRADE

Interesting interior on that one...

 

[Brignola85]

Wow. It looks like I need to start a thread so that you guys can find ME a worthy buy. Haha.

 

[mrlouie]

I got mine for $5,200 about 2 and a half years ago, looking at the prices I see on CL now it seems like that was a steal...

 

[ogden8]

You have to take into account the private market in relation to demand. The 4runner is a popular used vehicle because of it's reliablity reputation. Another example of this the Suzuki Samurai. Kelly BB is like 700 bucks, but anything decent is 4500 dollars plus!!

I don't think it matters which 4runner you buy, get the one that has all the proper maintenance done on it, that will make it last all that much longer.

I just got my 98 5 speed SR5 4WD a couple weeks ago for 5800 with 126k on the odometer. On the other hand, I've dropped 1200 in the tundra brake uprade, timing belt, and towing package. But I am not worried, this vehicle will last awhile. I love no car payment!

 

[alphyn]

How about this one? No locker, but for the price you can do that and much more.

$3k sounds a bit too good to be true for a vehicle in decent shape! That steering wheel made me think there's a bazillion miles on it:

<img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r3/prodinsts/8/0/9/2/8/0/0/2/images/90491317_350x263.jpg">

My spidey sense tells me there's a mountain of repairs in that truck.

 

[alphyn]

Incorrect. The 2nd gen limiteds were available with a manual.

I thought so! I swear I saw one with a manual in one of my searches. Check it out: '95 4-Runner Limited

 

[alphyn]

You have to take into account the private market in relation to demand. The 4runner is a popular used vehicle because of it's reliability reputation. Another example of this the Suzuki Samurai. Kelly BB is like 700 bucks, but anything decent is 4500 dollars plus!!

Yeah, 4runners appraise a lot higher then their KBB value. Or at least are listed for much higher than their KBB value. It's always a starting point, though. Your mention of the Samurai inspired me to do an image search. I remember them being neon pink and adorned with crazy early 90's graphics. I hope those aren't going for $4500. Those just need to go away and die.

This one looks pretty cool, though. It even comes with a chainsaw on the front:

<img src="http://image.4wheeloffroad.com/f/16850360/131_0908_08_z+august_2009_4x4_trucks+1988_suzuki_samurai.jpg">

 

[alphyn]

Just found this beauty in Eureka, CA

ROY'S AUTO CENTER | 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4

Don't quite know to to get it back from Eureka or come up with $12k and still have a girlfriend...

But, mentally I'm workin' on it. 98k miles!


-----

On a side note I did buy my 2007 Audi A3, black w/manual transmission 24k miles $5k under blue book, from Las Vegas last year. Flew out to vegas, had the dealer pick me up, signed the paperwork and drove back to LA that night. It can be done...

 

[SCRunner12]

Just found this beauty in Eureka, CA

ROY'S AUTO CENTER | 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4

Don't quite know to to get it back from Eureka or come up with $12k and still have a girlfriend...

But, mentally I'm workin' on it. 98k miles!


-----

On a side note I did buy my 2007 Audi A3, black w/manual transmission 24k miles $5k under blue book, from Las Vegas last year. Flew out to vegas, had the dealer pick me up, signed the paperwork and drove back to LA that night. It can be done...

Don't buy that 4runner. It is WAY overpriced. I would pay 8k max for that one. It doesn't have the SR5 flares, not sure about the locker and it says the rims are 15". Finding a 5 speed sucks, but can be done.

 

[alphyn]

Don't buy that 4runner. It is WAY overpriced. I would pay 8k max for that one. It doesn't have the SR5 flares, not sure about the locker and it says the rims are 15". Finding a 5 speed sucks, but can be done.

Yeah, $12k is a bit steep and out of my price range. I've seen quite similar 4runners going for between $7-9k, but all had more mileage. Kind of hard to beat 98k miles on a 12 year old vehicle. I have a pretty good lead on a 4runner that I think I might be able to get for $6-7k that I'm checking out this weekend.