Should I sell my 4runner or upgrade it?

Why not both?

Based on your age unless you’ve got a lot saved I’d say why not split the difference? Is the 4Runner your only mode of transportation currently? If so then I say why not forgo new and get a used beater? A ten year old Corolla or Civic; then you save on your new car costs and still have your toy. New is overrated; value drops like a rock. Like many on here I’ve got my DD and my 4Runner. Both paid off but I’m also 37 and have saved some over time. Useless you MUST have a new vehicle as opposed to maintains your 4Runner then I say keep the vehicle you love and get a beater.

Now if you’re talking about a new 4Runner then kudos because at your age that says a lot if that’s what you’re after. Unless you put all cash on it or a nice chunk of change then I agree with what others said about passing on it. I myself am wrapping up plans to purchase an 11 GX460 and convert it to the new Prado body. After a solid decade I love my 3rd Gen but I’ve wanted something newer for quite some time now and the opportunity to build something that you don’t see built everyday is what I love best about the GX. Good luck on your decision.
 
GreenbowCounty said:
Based on your age unless you’ve got a lot saved I’d say why not split the difference? Is the 4Runner your only mode of transportation currently? If so then I say why not forgo new and get a used beater? A ten year old Corolla or Civic; then you save on your new car costs and still have your toy. New is overrated; value drops like a rock. Like many on here I’ve got my DD and my 4Runner. Both paid off but I’m also 37 and have saved some over time. Useless you MUST have a new vehicle as opposed to maintains your 4Runner then I say keep the vehicle you love and get a beater.

Now if you’re talking about a new 4Runner then kudos because at your age that says a lot if that’s what you’re after. Unless you put all cash on it or a nice chunk of change then I agree with what others said about passing on it. I myself am wrapping up plans to purchase an 11 GX460 and convert it to the new Prado body. After a solid decade I love my 3rd Gen but I’ve wanted something newer for quite some time now and the opportunity to build something that you don’t see built everyday is what I love best about the GX. Good luck on your decision.
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All this coming from a guy who has a 2UZ engine in his 3rd gen 4runner:p
 
LittleCaesar said:
All this coming from a guy who has a 2UZ engine in his 3rd gen 4runner:p
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:p lol, agree; I love it to death but regret not using it as much as I should. Just rolled over 200k by the way which means 32k on the Tundra drivetrain. Been wanting some thing newer for a while that would allow me to keep the 3rd Gen and finally pulled the trigger on the used GX.
 
I'd say keep it, but don't forget the rest of the truck is 300k old too, not just the engine. Food for thought.

If you're concerned with the mileage, why not get another 3rd gen with lower mileage?

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This is one of those tricky situations that in the end, only you can answer yourself because strangers on the internet don't know your spending habits or debt tolerance levels (For example, sure I'd love to drive a 5th gen vs my beater 97 but I don't want to owe Toyota $40k+interest. I could qualify for that type of loan in a heartbeat). Maybe you don't care about having $40k of debt over a depreciating vehicle.

The newest vehicle i've ever owned was 7 years old at the time I bought it (a 2007 civic purchased in 2014).

I'm in a similar position to you. I have a 21-year old 97 Limited with 240k approaching, and a whole list of maintenance that needs to be completed (Not mods, though).

I have another option you haven't maybe considered. Don't sell it, and don't mod it ! :)

The issue with this type of vehicle (Mileage 300k+/years 20+) is even with the "toyota premium" is you really can't sell it for jack shit. Between doing maintenance and mods to upkeep it, you are likely spending very close to the value you'd receive for it on the market, so keep that in mind when making your decision (i.e once you find out how little it will sell for, you likely will opt to keep it in the first place as a viable 4WD for the winter, even if it is retired from DD duties).

The only 3rd gens that really rake in bank have under 150k miles and/or popular features like the e-locker or 5spd, etc.... At this stage, finding those miles is finding 'almost-unicorn' 3rd gens.

Like another guy said above, not having a $700-900 payment is nice, and you won't have to spend even half of that monthly on the 4runner you already own, maybe $100-200 max depending on how much maintenance/mods you do on a monthly basis.

If you face a major engine or tranny or other type of failure that would make you re-consider, then visit other options at that time.

Lastly, always keep in mind that $ you throw towards mods, no one cares about on the buyers market, they're gonna debate you on years/mileage as a way to really decrease the purchase price. You won't get that mod $ back, just be aware of that, so it's best to have mods you purchase that you can transfer to other 3rd gens or potentially other vehicles you will own long-term. (i. e you see members doing that here with winches, tires, bumpers, etc).
 
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I think it depends on your goal of said 4runner.

Are you just using it as a DD?
If so... keep it till it dies.

Are you trying to get out into the exploration world?
Then it might be worth it to get something newer.

Are you wanting something 'modded' to satisfy our ever growing need of being a car guy?
Might be worth it to get a weekend car.




First find the goal, then your answer will be obvious.


.
 
Summit5Runner said:
This is the correct answer. Never sell the 4Runner. Mod it, wheel it, make it yours. I had the same thought about sinking big $$ into my 97 and its the best thing I have done.
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Can't tell you how many people after telling them I own a 4Runner they then in turn tell me they owned one once and regret selling it. I've yet to meet anyone actually who was happy they sold their 4Runner.

I bought a 4Runner from a lady that was hardly running and she cried when she sold it to me. That was kinda weird though.
 
I get people complimenting my 99 all the time and when I tell them I have 265K on it and less than $10K into it they are shocked. I had a kid hit me up on the trails this weekend saying he couldn't find one as good looking as mine no matter what - we all know that's not true, but a clean 3rd Gen is worth a mint.

Any money you put into the truck will pay dividends in use/reliability, I would have no compunctions about buying a 300K 99 assuming it wasn't buggered, but I also know what I have to do to it (and spend)

Keep it or I'll give a $3K for it :D
 
amalik said:
Lastly, always keep in mind that $ you throw towards mods, no one cares about on the buyers market, they're gonna debate you on years/mileage as a way to really decrease the purchase price. You won't get that mod $ back, just be aware of that, so it's best to have mods you purchase that you can transfer to other 3rd gens or potentially other vehicles you will own long-term. (i. e you see members doing that here with winches, tires, bumpers, etc).
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Throw lifts into this list of mods that transfer. I won't go into all the details (Google, Google, Google) but for the most part, lift equipment (most noticeably coil springs) can be shared throughout the years, and with FJs too.
 
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