Should I trade my 2wd for this 4x4?

[kellogg]

I've had 4x4 envy since I got my 4runner and today I came across one on craigslist that looks nice. I called the used car lot and they said they would do a straight trade for mine, I pay tax and registration.

Mine: 1999 Limited 2wd Stock
Green/Beige Trim
140k
Immaculate condition inside and out

Theirs: 1996 SR5 4x4 5spd V6
E-Locker
Silver
Condition looks ok from pics
133k
Asking $4,995

I'm going down to see this car on friday is there anything I should look for with the 4wd? If it looks, drives, and feels good do you think I should do this?

pics from craigslist:

 

[Charlee78]

That's a difficult decision but personnaly I would go for it if you can have it inspected andit is in good condition.

V6 manual is a little better on fuel economy and you have a better feeling of the torque of the engine.

Like you said, it's 4X4...

E-locker is a big big winner in the equation, I have one on mine and it is awesome in the snow/mud terrains ( if you do the gray wire mod, it's even better ).

Trying to think about other pros but that's about it!!

 

[Charlee78]

Just saw it has less milleage that yours too... and leather seats.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I would go with no....unless your actually going to use it. I would think your current 4runner is worth more than $5,000.

The one thing that the '96 has going for it is the awesome, pretty rare, combo of 5spd and locker.

 

[trd_4runnin]

Kinda depends. It's not technically a good deal at all. But if the 96 is more what you are looking for then I suppose you could go for it. You aren't going to get a bad truck it doesn't look like, but your truck is worth a lot more than that.

 

[jroyal29]

yeah i'd go for it.. with the options and 4x4 its def worth a shot

 

[Sloan]

your limited is probably nicer, i would look for maybe a 99 4x4 instead. it would have the inside upgrades but if your wanting the 5 speed option then that was has it so do it.

 

[Stick Figure]

if you have a second vehicle, then i would say sell your current, and buy a 4x4 after the sale. Otherwise you are probably going to be losing some resale value in the trade. I personally would rather have a 4wd than a 2wd, but i would hold out for the later model 4wd.

 

[(4)runnin'it]

i went through exactly what you are going through, and i did that, except i couldnt find anyone to give a straight trade. but i came out on top by a long shot on my deal. i sould my 97 SR5 2wd (leather, grill guard, aftermarket deck) with 120k on it for 6,500. i bought my 97 limited 4wd w/ locker for 6,577 with 105k. but it needed a new timing belt and water pump. but it was over all in better condition and i am WAY happier with my current one than i was w/ the old one. I WOULD DO IT (after you get it inspected) and that leather looks perfect.

 

[kellogg]

thanks for the replies.

I put some terra grapplers on my 4runner a few months ago and they still have a ton of life left. I wonder if I could get them to let me keep my tires.

Maybe my best bet is to sell my car privately ( I think I could get at least 6500 for it) and either get this one and put some money into it or get a newer 4x4. I guess i'll figure out the next step when I go check it out.

 

[Thai]

Maybe my best bet is to sell my car privately ( I think I could get at least 6500 for it) and get a newer 4x4.

There i fixed you statement above...it reflects what I think you should do.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

it's only money

I have had many cars in 31 years now of driving and one general rule of thumb is never go down in years.

After you have already been driving a 99 era 3rd gen I personally would find it hard to drive the 96 edition.

Those little touches like the cupholder seem trivial but could be meaningful if you are used to them.

Having said that the leather is outstanding on that 96 and it has the 4x4 and the 5 speed and the elocker

I could see why you might be tempted. Tough choice.

 

[kellogg]

ha I like your style Thai. Ron how do you like the five speed v6? Seems like it would be fun. Have u ever towed anything with it? I've never towed with a manual

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I can see a 5spd sports car being fun, but our slugish 4runners...not so much.

 

[4daRUNNER]

for 5 grand with all them options, you might wanna take that baby to the nearest ASE Certefied mechanic. it might set you back $60 to $80 bucks but if your really thinking about it, i will get it checked out from top to bottom. i havnt seen your 99 limited but i know its worth more than 5 grand maybe even double that with your low miles. sell it privately and at the same time, keep searching for that one you want. -4DARUNNER

 

[rjyhdc4]

If you want 4wd, it doesn't get better than this...

 

[Ron Helmuth]

plenty of pep for me

the 5 speeds are a hoot to drive. At least with the V6.

Mine has plenty of power but I came out of a 2nd gen Runner with the 22Re. So it is all relevant.

Only towed with it once. Strapped a car home about 40 blocks.

I would not recommend towing with the Runner, and have said so several times in various posts. The short(er) wheelbase and narrow track relevant to the vehicle height is a bad set of physics for extensive towing.

Once in a while is fine, but on a regular basis I don't recommend it.

 

[kellogg]

I tow a 21ft boat sometimes and I just wanted to make sure the manual would'nt be an issue. Having never owned a 4x4, How do you test 4 wheel drive works on pavement?

 

[KellyJ]

I tow a 21ft boat sometimes and I just wanted to make sure the manual would'nt be an issue. Having never owned a 4x4, How do you test 4 wheel drive works on pavement?

With the system in the 96, you are going to only be able to use the 4x4 on loose traction surfaces. Using 4x4 on dry pavement might cause drive train binding and potential damage. You should be able to use 4x4 on boat slips regardless if it is wet or not, since even if it's dry you will only need it for a few feet in a straight direction.

I noticed in the first picture that it's riding on a spare. I don't know about you but I am very anal about my vehicles and that would bug me if they sold it to me with a spare on it. You should definitely see if you can swap out your wheels and tires if you end up buying the 96. 5 speed, locker and leather make it an enticing choice. Good luck choosing

 

[kellogg]

Ya that spare is an eyesore. I really want to keep my tires so swapping wheels too would be great. I doubt the dealer will like that idea. Oh well, its all about haggling. He knows he can sell my truck for 2-3 grand more than that one. Why else would he have offered me a straight trade right off the bat?