Should I call it quits, or hang in there?

[GHARP57]

That quote is insane and I hope they were wearing masks when they gave you the estimate. They're wanting to change a bunch of stuff that probably doesn't need changing and double or triple charging for the stuff that does. For example, cam seals: You just replaced the TB. If the cam seals were leaking you would have seen it. Another example is the rear brakes. They want an inflated price to replace the shoes then another inflated price to change the axle seals and brake cylinders, then another 180 bucks to bleed the brakes? Last time I checked brake bleeding was part of the job. $856 to put on a new transmission pan gasket, then another $120 for a transmission flush? They definitely want you to go away because you'd have to be crazy to pay these prices.

The are talking about the rear cam seals they are half moons that ALWAYS leak after so long.

He said oil pan gasket not trans pan. you have to take the diff off to get to the oil pan.

Look I know some dealerships are out there will **** people. This place does not look like it.

 

[GHARP57]

2000 4RUNNER "LIMITED" 4 WHEEL DRIVE, LOW MILES

here's an option... sell mine, maybe 4-5k and buy this one.. it's the limited priced at 10k, Im sure to talk them down to 8.5k. but would be a better platform, 138k miles, with all bells and whistles...

I'm up in the air, I want to do a 3rd gen, I still think it' was the best year for 4runners. but which one?

I figure I'm going to be down, I can do it, not afraid of trying...


for the brakes, on some cars there are two reservoir's for fluid, I'm guessing not on this system... ok, sounds like I can do this system too.


I'm leaning towards getting what I want and modify that one. should have done it previously, but couldn't due to lack of funds (got a new job 3 months ago)

Like I said Richard. If you truly want some help on this Job send me a PM and I will break everything down for you parts wise. I should be able to help you get the parts for cheaper. Labor wise, you might have to haggle some and tell them you cant spend that much money. I am sure you added the 876 and the 356 together for the job on the valve cover gaskets and spark plugs. I GUARANTEE if you ask them about the job they will say if you do the valve cover job that would cover the replacement of the spark plugs and wires

 

[ridefast]

You and a friend can tackle most of that yourself.

Read this sticky. :ranger:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...faq-tutorials-documentation-reference-v2.html

 

[MPG4Runner]

decision time...

well, we got a quote for the roof fix, we are looking at $1200 in repair (welding + repair, not including paint which I would rattle can anyways) to the roof, the rust hole on the roof is surrounding the last bolt on the driver side roof rack, and the rust has gotten to the support area of the roof and down towards the window ledge (on the inside). the best thing for the truck would be a roof rack delete kit, cut the rust out, remove part of the roof support, patch roof over with Fiberglass (for 300$) and tell the next owner... no roof rack

in light of this, it's gonna be sold. it's not worth my time and money to fix it.

the repairs I agree with everyone else... it is VERY repairable. but due to the roof AND repairs, we will not repair the truck (not even the roof).

for record sake... I bought the truck for 5k in December 14 from a small dealer... I'll list it for 5.5k, and take no less than 4.5k for my troubles... in AZ the market is aggressive for these, hope it sells well


side note, I'm look at a 99 limited in los angeles for 10k with a diff lock... am having a certified toyota dealership service department do a 'Pre-Purchase Inspection' for $125 before I put the money down to actually get it. I hope to learn from my experience... and always let a dealer look at a car when spending high money (5k+).


Thank you everyone for your comments, it was a higher based truck, I probably would have put the money into it, but as a base 4x4, I just can't justify it.

 

[absalom]

decision time...

well, we got a quote for the roof fix, we are looking at $1200 in repair (welding + repair, not including paint which I would rattle can anyways) to the roof, the rust hole on the roof is surrounding the last bolt on the driver side roof rack, and the rust has gotten to the support area of the roof and down towards the window ledge (on the inside). the best thing for the truck would be a roof rack delete kit, cut the rust out, remove part of the roof support, patch roof over with Fiberglass (for 300$) and tell the next owner... no roof rack

in light of this, it's gonna be sold. it's not worth my time and money to fix it.

the repairs I agree with everyone else... it is VERY repairable. but due to the roof AND repairs, we will not repair the truck (not even the roof).

for record sake... I bought the truck for 5k in December 14 from a small dealer... I'll list it for 5.5k, and take no less than 4.5k for my troubles... in AZ the market is aggressive for these, hope it sells well


side note, I'm look at a 99 limited in los angeles for 10k with a diff lock... am having a certified toyota dealership service department do a 'Pre-Purchase Inspection' for $125 before I put the money down to actually get it. I hope to learn from my experience... and always let a dealer look at a car when spending high money (5k+).


Thank you everyone for your comments, it was a higher based truck, I probably would have put the money into it, but as a base 4x4, I just can't justify it.

10k, lol screw that. I'm local to you, we could fix your truck in no time at all. Don't give up.

 

[zumogo]

It seems that you over paid for this 4runner. If You can't find a well maintained 4runner for sale in your area just fix this one. My advise is to fix this one. My second advice is, before buying a car make sure it wasn't neglected. If it was give him half the money. And use the other half of the money for repairs. Good luck with this truck they are hard to brake. Specially if they aren't neglected.

 

[Scramble]

I am no mechanic but I also avoid Toyota dealerships like the plague. If I feel something is beyond my ability I take it to an independent mechanic shop known for Toyota work (Toyomasters here in ABQ). I suggest you do the same if you don't want to get your hands dirty.

As for keeping this rig or buying another one...that's up to you. That list you posted is just neglected maintenance and once it's done you know you have a solid platform to work with. Buying a another rig means more money, more time, and one more chance to find more stuff you have to repair. Since a lot of this you could have spotted yourself but didn't I suggest a prepurchase inspection if you decide to go shopping. And not at a dealership.

Keep in mind that unless you are buying from a dedicated 3rd gen owner there is almost always going to be maintenance that will need be done. I had a prepurchase inspection done on mine and knew that going into it I would be putting about another $2000 (tires, timing belt, radio, rear seal) into it. I purchased all my parts myself and did what I felt comfortable with and only paid labor with my mechanic for the rest. Now I am replacing struts, and just had a new radiator, trans cooler, Airlift 1000 kit, and tranny drain/fill done. Why? Because I don't want to bother with trying to find another one when this one is so close to being right where I want it. That and I love learning how to work on my rig. In a bit I am off to buy some more tools for the strut swap.

It's your money and your call. But before you make up your mind I would source the parts you need first and see what that adds up to and see if any 4Runner fanatics live in your neck of the woods. Best way to make new friends and learn about your truck at the same time. Good luck!

This is my answer too^^^ Keep it, fix it & good luck!

 

[MPG4Runner]

I am no mechanic but I also avoid Toyota dealerships like the plague. If I feel something is beyond my ability I take it to an independent mechanic shop known for Toyota work (Toyomasters here in ABQ). I suggest you do the same if you don't want to get your hands dirty.

As for keeping this rig or buying another one...that's up to you. That list you posted is just neglected maintenance and once it's done you know you have a solid platform to work with. Buying a another rig means more money, more time, and one more chance to find more stuff you have to repair. Since a lot of this you could have spotted yourself but didn't I suggest a prepurchase inspection if you decide to go shopping. And not at a dealership.

Keep in mind that unless you are buying from a dedicated 3rd gen owner there is almost always going to be maintenance that will need be done. I had a prepurchase inspection done on mine and knew that going into it I would be putting about another $2000 (tires, timing belt, radio, rear seal) into it. I purchased all my parts myself and did what I felt comfortable with and only paid labor with my mechanic for the rest. Now I am replacing struts, and just had a new radiator, trans cooler, Airlift 1000 kit, and tranny drain/fill done. Why? Because I don't want to bother with trying to find another one when this one is so close to being right where I want it. That and I love learning how to work on my rig. In a bit I am off to buy some more tools for the strut swap.

It's your money and your call. But before you make up your mind I would source the parts you need first and see what that adds up to and see if any 4Runner fanatics live in your neck of the woods. Best way to make new friends and learn about your truck at the same time. Good luck!

I am 100% behind you, I agree, fix it myself, but... but I don't want this version, I wanted a 99-00 limited (part time 4wd, full time 4wd, elocker, leather seats, and if possible the SC version) to start with. My wife and I purchased this 97 sr5 without taking the time, we rushed the purchase cause we saw a 'good' one to us and we needed a 2nd vehicle at that time, and thought it would be safe to invest in. was hopeing that investment time would be later, but it's not. it's now. it gave us thought of what we REALLY wanted to begin with. and sure we can fix this one, get new parts in it etc... but I wanted something else to begin with, that's what it comes down to, I want to invest money in something that I really want to KEEP. that's what it's really about.

those looking for a solid platform to modify I have one..

 

[JayRolla]

I am 100% behind you, I agree, fix it myself, but... but I don't want this version, I wanted a 99-00 limited (part time 4wd, full time 4wd, elocker, leather seats, and if possible the SC version) to start with. My wife and I purchased this 97 sr5 without taking the time, we rushed the purchase cause we saw a 'good' one to us and we needed a 2nd vehicle at that time, and thought it would be safe to invest in. was hopeing that investment time would be later, but it's not. it's now. it gave us thought of what we REALLY wanted to begin with. and sure we can fix this one, get new parts in it etc... but I wanted something else to begin with, that's what it comes down to, I want to invest money in something that I really want to KEEP. that's what it's really about.

those looking for a solid platform to modify I have one..

Goodluck, thats a tough ride to find. LOL. SC is not a version, but an added aftermarket part. Some dealers installed them but thats rare to find what your asking for.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Just putting this out there... but all cars are a BAD investment. As soon as you buy one it starts to lose value. You will never get back the money you put into a car or truck, with the exception of collector cars that are in pristine condition.

So even if you find your perfect e-locker supercharged 4Runner, a year later it will lose value. And any money you put into it for maintenance or repairs doesn't increase value but just keeps it from losing value faster.

 

[vanion2]

Just putting this out there... but all cars are a BAD investment. As soon as you buy one it starts to lose value. You will never get back the money you put into a car or truck, with the exception of collector cars that are in pristine condition.

So even if you find your perfect e-locker supercharged 4Runner, a year later it will lose value. And any money you put into it for maintenance or repairs doesn't increase value but just keeps it from losing value faster.

^^^This right here.

I could throw a TRD S/C into my 4Runner right now and it wouldn't increase the resale value more than the price I paid for it. For as many people who would be interested buying one there would be as many who don't want to deal with the upkeep. In fact, when I was shopping there was an S/C 4Runner on the same lot but I didn't even bother with the test drive because the one I bought was cleaner and I don't like dealing with FI engine maintenance/issues.

Same thing with my 93 MR2. Clean ones are hard to find but when I bought mine I talked them down $500 because it was a 19 year old car that only fits 2 people even though it was a one owner car (the owner actually passed away and his daughter was selling it) and other an 19 years of the usual wear and tear was in great shape. I see people trying to sell the same version for $2K more and they never sell.

Vehicles are always the worst investment to make unless you are buying a mint condition, limited edition classic and even then you have to pay to keep up the maintenance or they lose value.

My suggestion is keep the one you got until you find the one you want (or close enough) and then buy that one and sell the one you have now. By then you will know all the ins and outs of 4Runners and be ready to pull the trigger if everything is on the up and up. Otherwise you will be shopping too eagerly again because you really need a 2nd vehicle and missing the opportunity to "practice" on your future 4Runner.

But that's just a suggestion. At the end of the day it's your call and this is just another forum on the internet (not the real world).

 

[gamefreakgc]

At the end of the day it's your call and this is just another forum on the internet (not the real world).

WHAT??? THIS ISN'T THE REAL WORLD???

You mean people don't always know what they are talking about on the internet?? I thought I could trust everything I read on the internet! And that cute girl I met in a chat room isn't actually a girl but a 45 year-old man?

 

[Scramble]

WHAT??? THIS ISN'T THE REAL WORLD???

You mean people don't always know what they are talking about on the internet?? I thought I could trust everything I read on the internet! And that cute girl I met in a chat room isn't actually a girl but a 45 year-old man?

That was me by the way. TTYL :tongue:

 

[MPG4Runner]

I really could to the repairs... a 65 mustang before, have a 75 bronco, I'm no stranger to bleeding knuckles lol... just welding.

I think the term... 'you get what you pay for' comes to mind...

WHAT??? ..... that cute girl I met in a chat room isn't actually a girl but a 45 year-old man?

I think I met her too, turned out her name was Jerod

 

[MPG4Runner]

you beat me scramble...

 

[Kryptoroxx]

I really could to the repairs... a 65 mustang before, have a 75 bronco, I'm no stranger to bleeding knuckles lol... just welding.

I think the term... 'you get what you pay for' comes to mind...

I think that you will find that while the 3rd Gen has not reached the classic classification that they soon will be. It's a solid vehicle that's worth putting money into imo. Once the gremlins are found it's pretty easy maintenance.

 

[MPG4Runner]

Wrenching Party!!!

Well a turn of events...

my wife and are keeping the 97 4runner, basically I've let it sit and she wants a 4runner for dogs now, and since I haven't sold it, I am fixing it so she doesn't use mine.

here is the LIST of things it needs...
Right Front wheel bearing has play
Left Rear wheel cyl bad
Left Rear axle seal leakage (might as well do right seal too)
rear brakes
bleed brakes for repairs
control arm bushings broken ball joints
Roof Repaired!!! <probably will outsource this

^^^^ this is to make it safe and dry on the road

and here is another list that I'll get to do later...
valve cover gasket/tube seals/cam seals
spark plug & wires
oil pan reseal (16$ gasket)
PS rack has play/bushings dmg'd from oil leaks w/tie rods ends
alignment for repairs
power steering flush

^^^^ these aren't critical, but will be tackled once the 1st section is done.

for the things needed...
I'll need to get all the parts still so need to dig up some part numbers here soon
don't have a press for the front bearings, passenger side needs replaced...
do have air compressor and air tools avail
have 2 jack stands, not 4... and a nice floor jack.
have basic tools, few specialized...


anyone local interested in wrenching?? (PM)
food and drinks guaranteed (non-alcohol family here, but still welcome)

 

[azcat90]

Good luck

You've found the right forum for this - I owned a 2000 Limited that I had to replace with a 97 Limited because the frame rusted, To tell you the truth I like my 97 better because the AC controls work and I don't have to worry about losing the valet key which was the only key I had.

I did some of the repairs you listed - if I still lived in the valley I could help but if you read all my posts you'd see all the stupid things I did - you may not want me near it...

 

[Gadgetguy]

Just putting this out there... but all cars are a BAD investment. As soon as you buy one it starts to lose value. You will never get back the money you put into a car or truck, with the exception of collector cars that are in pristine condition.

Not always true. Sometimes you just have to find the right deal. I bought a 1996 Bronco off a lady about two years ago that was spotless, cleaner than most any vehicle I've ever had for $2500. Put a lift and some tires on it and sold it for $6000 after wheeling it and putting a few dents in it. I came out ahead by about 3 grand. It wasnt a collectors item at all.... you can find 25 of them on CL all day for $3000 bucks. What you need, is the right BUYER.