resale values of 3rd gen 4runners

[Scramble]

Thank you ToyotaBrah for your response.

What does it mean that the "bottom end" was rebuilt? Is this not a complete rebuild? Is this a typical solution for a blown head gasket? Should I have concern for the transmission at this mileage. Seller only states that the transmission has never given him any problem.

I am going to call the seller tomorrow as I have just received his number. I have been watching cl & the paper for months & find that some sellers way overprice their vehicles. And sometimes it follows that other sellers will overprice also. Until they find out that nobody is going to pay those ridiculous prices. Then everybody will lower the price. I've watched the same sellers go high, low, high in price.

4runners in this area are somewhat plentiful, but they seem to be price based on emotional attachment instead of real world value. The ads read good with a somewhat decent price until you contact the seller & they drop the ball about everything that needs to be done to them. And almost all of the 3rd gens are well above 175k miles.

Thank you.

Can you give us a link to the CL ad? Another reason it might not have sold is that most people are afraid of engine rebuilds & dont trust CL people. And rightfully so if it wasn't done correctly. There's nothing wrong with a rebuild if it was done right. Mine blew a head gasket & I also had to have the bottom of the engine rebuilt because I over heated it. Sometimes you can just get away with new headgaskets and/or new heads & other times when you're an idiot like me you need an entire rebuild. My buddy rebuilt mine 4 years & 22,000 miles ago & it's running better than ever. Good Luck!

 

[poleclimber63]

Thank you ToyotaBrah for your response.

What does it mean that the "bottom end" was rebuilt? Is this not a complete rebuild? Is this a typical solution for a blown head gasket? Should I have concern for the transmission at this mileage. Seller only states that the transmission has never given him any problem.

I am going to call the seller tomorrow as I have just received his number. I have been watching cl & the paper for months & find that some sellers way overprice their vehicles. And sometimes it follows that other sellers will overprice also. Until they find out that nobody is going to pay those ridiculous prices. Then everybody will lower the price. I've watched the same sellers go high, low, high in price.

4runners in this area are somewhat plentiful, but they seem to be price based on emotional attachment instead of real world value. The ads read good with a somewhat decent price until you contact the seller & they drop the ball about everything that needs to be done to them. And almost all of the 3rd gens are well above 175k miles.

Thank you.

"Bottom end" means crank shaft and con rod bearings... it can also refer to pistons and rings. "Top end" rebuild usually means heads have been re-done --- valves, springs, cam bearings etc.
If he's saying the "bottom end" has been done, that isn't necessarily a full rebuild. If you have the patience to cruise this site, you will come across head gasket failures and high mileage examples, head gasket failures due to cracked heads. It isn't really common but the chances increase with mileage and age, especially if it hasn't been maintained. Finding that out is definitely harder with a 20yr old vehicle.

The way you describe this truck, I would be careful--- even if its only $3K, get it inspected. If he finds reasons why you shouldn't, find another truck. These trucks in reasonable shape sell quick. Ask for maintenance records. The best deals will be trucks with 1 owner or long term ownership. Price and Value are objective.... My truck is in excellent shape and if I was to sell it I wouldn't let it go for less than $6k--- and I would get it. If I paid $3k for a truck, and the engine died, considering you'd spend 2-3K for an engine replacement, you'd now be into it for 5-6K. I'm a big fan in finding a truck in better than average shape, reassure your choice with an inspection, and maintain it--- it will pay off in the long run.

I have a 98 and I went over it with a "fine tooth comb", it looked perfect- no signs of abuse or neglect AND NO rust (almost impossible in the North East), and I bought it. I Loved this truck, however, 2 yrs into ownership, I had a con rod bearing failure. I replaced the engine but I disassembled the old one and found clear signs of sludge buildup---- the clearest sign that the PO was negligent in changing the oil. It had low mileage so it was probably a garage queen that looked great but seldom driven or maintained. For me,the engine failure wasn't a big problem, as I did the work myself--- the only inconvenience to me was the loss of use. I do the maintenance, and I've had no other problems, aside from rear axle seal failure shortly after I bought the truck (again not a big deal). After 5 years I'm approaching 300K, I still love the truck, do the maintenance, and it has changed very little in looks, since I bought it, and it's still my workhorse.

I certainly don't want to dissuade you from buying, but get it mechanically inspected if you aren't mechanically inclined. 4Runners are amazingly durable trucks but any vehicle that hasn't been maintained or has been abused will cost you money in the end. These trucks are not impervious to rust --- especially in the North East, have lower ball joint issues, rear axle seal issues, radiator failures (pink milkshake) and a few other lesser issues. BUT in comparison, a Jeep or Ford or GMC truck would already be in the wrecking yard.

In major cities here in Canada our equivalent of AAA, will do mobile vehicle inspects---something to investigate!

Good luck, and hope you find the right 4R.

 

[chowbus]

Thank you for the replies. Yes, I have done a lot of reading about buying a 4Runner. But when it gets to the part about the internal workings of the engine, I might as well be reading Greek. And you are correct. I don't want to buy something & then be surprised that I need to put that much more money into it.

This is the cl ad.
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/d/1998-toyota-4runner/6183827241.html

PoleClimber63, you recommend an inspection. Is a generic, local (local to area where 4Runner is being sold) mechanic shop sufficient or the local Toyota dealer better? This 4Runner is about 75 miles away from me, and I don't know anybody nor a mechanic in that town. I would have to find one in the yellow pages. What would be a normal charge for an inspection?

Thanks again.

 

[Beaumont67]

What do you mean supply is low in Ontario?
There are SO many 3rd gen autos for sale in Ontario for so cheap. Like unparalleled.
The manuals are hard to come by but there are so many autos. And they are cheaper in Ontario than anywhere in North America.
For example.
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks...x4/1281105209?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
159k miles, 4k USD

Supply is surprising Low for nice/solid 20 year old Gen3's, that are sold with Provincial Safety Check and E-Tested,
here in Ontario, Canada....anything less, will always be an easy find.
Selling used cars to get a lot tougher with new inspection standards
- The province updated their inspection standards for the first time in 42 years, requiring mechanics
to go through a more detailed, 96-page checklist before passing a car...effective 07/2016.

OldManKamps - The T4R Gen3 Kijiji ad you linked, is a $4,900 Cdn @ 256K Km (= $4K US$ @ 159K miles).
- with no undercarriage photos and probably not sold licence plate ready
- it's hardly a true local comparison, on low price & plentiful supply & demand
These vehicles can be hiding frame rot up North here and may never see the road again, &/or unless $1,000's more are invested for certification.

BTW
a) A local Ford dealer has a '99 4Runner on the lot, listed for $4,900 as is.
- looks solid enough on the outside, a good 10 ft'er / underside a rusty mess

b) 6 months ago, another Gen3 came up for sale, in our city.
Kijiji photos showed some lower rust out & at $4,500 as is, seller was desperate to sell...but no takers.
- that is the local market, from my chair

c) My brother wants a solid 2005 Toyota RAV4 (Gen2 4x4) for his wife...he has been looking for a year, in S/W Ontario.
Finally found a rust free Chilli Edition locally, & oiled yearly since new...$9,800 shocking asking price.
c1) I found a '05 RAV4 Base model with a blown head gasket / $4,500 before $2,700 in quoted repairs.

^^ The real good Toyota SUV's, are priced like Gold locally, if you can find one / the junk ones, just don't sell for much.

 

[Scramble]

Thank you for the replies. Yes, I have done a lot of reading about buying a 4Runner. But when it gets to the part about the internal workings of the engine, I might as well be reading Greek. And you are correct. I don't want to buy something & then be surprised that I need to put that much more money into it.

This is the cl ad.
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/d/1998-toyota-4runner/6183827241.html

PoleClimber63, you recommend an inspection. Is a generic, local (local to area where 4Runner is being sold) mechanic shop sufficient or the local Toyota dealer better? This 4Runner is about 75 miles away from me, and I don't know anybody nor a mechanic in that town. I would have to find one in the yellow pages. What would be a normal charge for an inspection?

Thanks again.

That is a good looking truck. The owner had the engine rebuilt, put 01/02 Sport Edition seats in it & Gen 5 SR5 wheels on so he did put some love into it. Could be the high miles that are keeping people away. These things usually sell quick. $100 is the usual price for an inspection. Maybe a member from here can go look at it?

 

[chowbus]

Thanks Scramble.

Yes, it is is very nice looking truck. Plain & simple, what I like. But I have not physically laid eyes or hands on it yet.

I apologize for all the questions, I have never bought a used car before. And I am scared of making the wrong decision that will cost me out the wazoo.

About the inspection. Who drives the truck to the place of inspection, me or the seller? Since a Toyota mechanic rebuilt the "bottom end", would he be the better choice to take it to for an inspection? Or should I get someone who is not connected at all the vehicle? I have found mobile pre-purchase inspectors for $130-150, but the truck is inspected 4 wheels on the ground instead of on a lift.

Also, what concerns should I have about the transmission at this high mileage? The seller only stated that the transmission has never given him any problem. I also do not know how long he has had the truck, nor how many previous owners. I will be calling him at lunch today.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[Sean K.]

Can you call something overpriced when the 200k mile examples seem to sell consistently for 6k? People wouldn't be asking so much if they weren't selling.

People can ASK whatever they want. What they are selling them for is another thing entirely....and that's the data we don't have.


They are worth whatever someone is willing to pay.....

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Thanks Scramble.

Yes, it is is very nice looking truck. Plain & simple, what I like. But I have not physically laid eyes or hands on it yet.

I apologize for all the questions, I have never bought a used car before. And I am scared of making the wrong decision that will cost me out the wazoo.

About the inspection. Who drives the truck to the place of inspection, me or the seller? Since a Toyota mechanic rebuilt the "bottom end", would he be the better choice to take it to for an inspection? Or should I get someone who is not connected at all the vehicle? I have found mobile pre-purchase inspectors for $130-150, but the truck is inspected 4 wheels on the ground instead of on a lift.

Also, what concerns should I have about the transmission at this high mileage? The seller only stated that the transmission has never given him any problem. I also do not know how long he has had the truck, nor how many previous owners. I will be calling him at lunch today.

Thanks again for your help.

Totally understandable of your concerns and it's good you are covering all your bases. There are some shady people out there that have no conscious in selling bad cars. You're doing the right thing by asking all the questions.



You would go with the seller to an inspection place of your choice. I would be slightly hesitant in taking to the Toyota shop that he works at.

Instead, I would have a reputable individual shop that has no affiliation with the seller inspect it. Try to find a place that can get in the air and look at it from all angles. Those mobile inspectors can only do so much.


I can't speak to the life left of the transmission, because it all depends on how the truck was used and if it was maintained.
Scramble, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the earlier '96-'98 transmissions were not as prone to breaking as the later model '99-'02 transmissions?
I would inquire on the transmission maintenance...i.e. when has he last changed the fluid. Also ask if the front differential, transfer case and rear diff fluids were ever serviced recently.

If he has a service log and receipts of the maintenance done to this truck, that's a big plus in my book. Shows competence and that he cares to log everything. To find out how many owners the truck has had, I would advise you to run a Carfax report.

 

[Scramble]

Totally understandable of your concerns and it's good you are covering all your bases. There are some shady people out there that have no conscious in selling bad cars. You're doing the right thing by asking all the questions.



You would go with the seller to an inspection place of your choice. I would be slightly hesitant in taking to the Toyota shop that he works at.

Instead, I would have a reputable individual shop that has no affiliation with the seller inspect it. Try to find a place that can get in the air and look at it from all angles. Those mobile inspectors can only do so much.


I can't speak to the life left of the transmission, because it all depends on how the truck was used and if it was maintained.
Scramble, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the earlier '96-'98 transmissions were not as prone to breaking as the later model '99-'02 transmissions?
I would inquire on the transmission maintenance...i.e. when has he last changed the fluid. Also ask if the front differential, transfer case and rear diff fluids were ever serviced recently.

If he has a service log and receipts of the maintenance done to this truck, that's a big plus in my book. Shows competence and that he cares to log everything. To find out how many owners the truck has had, I would advise you to run a Carfax report.

Agree on everything. I've always owned a manual but from what I've read on here these auto trans are some of the best ever made & most of the problems were in the 01-02's. I wouldn't worry about the trans, even the best trans can fail if it was beat on or not maintained. Just change the radiator & lower ball joints right away.

She should definitely get the Carfax before making the drive.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

What's all this "Gen3 and Gen5" talk?! I feel like I'm on the GLOCK forum all of a sudden.

 

[99 sr5 highlander]

People can ASK whatever they want. What they are selling them for is another thing entirely....and that's the data we don't have.


They are worth whatever someone is willing to pay.....

I agree, but dealerships are not in the car storage business. They will price a car to sell it.

 

[poleclimber63]

Thank you for the replies. Yes, I have done a lot of reading about buying a 4Runner. But when it gets to the part about the internal workings of the engine, I might as well be reading Greek. And you are correct. I don't want to buy something & then be surprised that I need to put that much more money into it.

This is the cl ad.
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/d/1998-toyota-4runner/6183827241.html

PoleClimber63, you recommend an inspection. Is a generic, local (local to area where 4Runner is being sold) mechanic shop sufficient or the local Toyota dealer better? This 4Runner is about 75 miles away from me, and I don't know anybody nor a mechanic in that town. I would have to find one in the yellow pages. What would be a normal charge for an inspection?

Thanks again.

Wow, that looks like my truck! Exact yr and colour. One difference, mine has 280K KM= 170K mi. I must admit, 275K mi is getting up there. However, a buddy of mine has a 97 4Runner with 480K KM=290K mi and he's had no problems--- he did buy it from the original owner who maintained it meticulously.

The ad sounds good--- almost exactly what someone would want to hear... Definitely get it inspected. You could start a thread ASAP asking for members in the Raleigh area to point you to a mechanic! There are several prolific contributors in that area! If you can't find someone, a Toyota dealer will work, but they will be the most expensive option-- but they do know these trucks!
As far as cost, I'm on the West Coast of Canada but here a reasonable vehicle inspection will cost $125-175 and if you want a compression test they'll add $100. The compression test will give you an indication of the condition of the engine---- dry/wet compression test will give an indication of ring/cylinder wear and a leak down test, general condition of valve seal (cylinder heads). All 6 cyl. measurements should be within 10-15% of one another. If they aren't, find something else. A $225 investment can save you hundreds in possible repairs within a few months---- nothing is perfect, you will probably spend something-- fluid changes, maintenance etc.

Scramble mentioned something important (and I believe a previous post said it) if the seller has no comment on the lower ball joints--- I very strongly recommend the first maintenance you do, is replacing them--- with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, they are a safety issue. Tacomas, Tundras and Sequioa's from this era have the same design weakness. Once they're replaced, you're good for 100k!

good luck!

 

[Sean K.]

I agree, but dealerships are not in the car storage business. They will price a car to sell it.

No, they are in the business of making money. If they can gouge someone on price, they will do so. The used market is notorious for overpricing vehicles.

 

[chowbus]

Thank yall for the help.

The 4runner has been sold to someone else. Seller told me to call him yesterday at noon, which I did but he did not answer. Go on cl & fb today & truck is gone.

Oh well, you win some, you lose some. If I'm patient something better will come along.

Thanks again.

 

[Septimius]

Thank yall for the help.

The 4runner has been sold to someone else. Seller told me to call him yesterday at noon, which I did but he did not answer. Go on cl & fb today & truck is gone.

Oh well, you win some, you lose some. If I'm patient something better will come along.

Thanks again.

don't beat yourself up, it wasn't meant to be. i would heed the suggestion above and start a thread asking for a good mechanic to bring the next potential one to for a thorough inspection. happy hunting!

 

[jerbrun0515]

Hope OP bought that 99 SR5 w/ 145k miles for $4,500 back in 2013 because 10 years later they can sell it for $15,000 w/ 280k or more miles.

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[Sean K.]

Hope OP bought that 99 SR5 w/ 145k miles for $4,500 back in 2013 because 10 years later they can sell it for $15,000 w/ 280k or more miles.

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Welcome to the wonderful world of suppy/demand/shortages, COVID, inflation, etc.