Second opinion on this 4runner please

[CaboTruck]

My brother visited this 4runner today and have booked it in for a pre-purchase inspection at a local garage tomorrow morning:

Toyota 4 Runner

I'm wanting a second opinion.

The Good:

- Seller seems like a decent normal guy (not so common on these I found)
- Truck was purchased from an older couple the seller knows and dealer serviced.
- Seller claims a local mechanic commented the truck was incredibly clean for its age.

The Bad:

High mileage is a concern I have. 197k miles on the clock.

2wd, would prefer 4wd.

Opinions please?

 

[5vzT4R]

He had the head gasket replaced. Better hope it did not overheat for to long and warp the heads or anything else. And the person who performed the work did it right. And that's not high mileage for these Toyota's. I bought mine with 205k miles and that's very low compared to others in this forum. There is a guy with 650k+ on original engine/tranny. So don't be alarmed by miles, only neglect of maintenance.

 

[masphx]

He had the head gasket replaced. Better hope it did not overheat for to long and warp the heads or anything else. And the person who performed the work did it right. And that's not high mileage for these Toyota's. I bought mine with 205k miles and that's very low compared to others in this forum. There is a guy with 650k+ on original engine/tranny. So don't be alarmed by miles, only neglect of maintenance.

I would still be wary of high miles. If the mileage is high really try to read the person you are buying from. Original or seventh owner? Greater mileage and owners should involve a more closer look.

That 4Runner w/ 600K plus mileage is original owner, meticulously dealer maintained, seems to be 90% HWY driven and non rust belt. Hard to find a 4Runner that has all the same conditions. A 4runner with under 100K might have had a harder life and thus engine wise more wear.

IMO I would pass on the blown HG 4Runner you are looking at. These 4Runners are reliable because they have factory specs. Once that guaranty is gone one should not know what to expect.

 

[CaboTruck]

Looking at some alternatives. Tempted by the prices on Nissan Titan trucks.

See: 2004 Nissan titan

Any thoughts? extra $2.5k buys much less mileage and much newer vehicle.

 

[Robb235]

Looking at some alternatives. Tempted by the prices on Nissan Titan trucks.

See: 2004 Nissan titan

Any thoughts? extra $2.5k buys much less mileage and much newer vehicle.

And probably a higher gas bill. I've heard those trucks drink gas like no other. I don't have any personal experience with them though.

 

[Desert Fox]

If you prefer 4x4 don't consider a 2x4

Just setting your self up for remorse.

It is a nice looking vehicle but I think you are being driven by the price not the vehicle.

I would keep shopping if it was me.

 

[CaboTruck]

Cracked combustion chamber, thank god I didn't trust my gut.

 

[masphx]

If you are willing to travel check out the Phoenix craigslist. There is a 1998 5speed 4x4 FS. Has sports hood and 98s did not come with it so could mean front end collision. Looks like an enthusiast owned it and it has 140K miles. Price is ~6400.

 

[BlackCat914]

If you are willing to travel check out the Phoenix craigslist. There is a 1998 5speed 4x4 FS. Has sports hood and 98s did not come with it so could mean front end collision. Looks like an enthusiast owned it and it has 140K miles. Price is ~6400.

I'm buying my next truck from AZ and driving it back to IL. I was looking on cl the other day and all the trucks have SPOTLESS frames. I'm totally jelly.

 

[yakobo75]

I just got my 01 last month in the Chicago area...was a bit pricier (8100 otd) but carfax was clean and all major service was documented on Toyota Owners website from 2 owners. Best thing was it only had 105K miles and the timing belt/water pump had been done this past winter by the dealership. Frame looked great too with no rust. I got lucky...This one looks good too if you have the cash...comparable to mine but mine was green.

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5, $8,991 - Cars.com

 

[CaboTruck]

I'm buying my next truck from AZ and driving it back to IL. I was looking on cl the other day and all the trucks have SPOTLESS frames. I'm totally jelly.

I have a car friend who was voluntarily helping me search but looked in Arizona not Cali - Are there better deals there? For what reason?

 

[BlackCat914]

I have a car friend who was voluntarily helping me search but looked in Arizona not Cali - Are there better deals there? For what reason?

I'm pretty sure everything is overpriced in Cali. 4Runners included.

 

[Offroad_Medic]

I'm buying my next truck from AZ and driving it back to IL. I was looking on cl the other day and all the trucks have SPOTLESS frames. I'm totally jelly.

Both my old Tacoma and my Runner are out of Arizona and I will always buy cars from down there. My '97 runner had 206k when I bought it and the frame is pretty much spotless. There is barely rust anywhere and for all I know it was caused by my last winter commuting in salty Utah. I have seen newer trucks with lower miles covered in frame rot. AZ for the win.