So Im new and torn....

[Maineiac]

Hey all,

I am looking at buying a 1998 four runner. I have always wanted one and they have come down to where I feel I can afford one. I am looking at a sr5 with 172k on it, it is a 5 speed. I live in maine and rust is an issue but it is clean. The owner bought it new in 1998 and has had the dealer do all the work to it that it ever needed and has a folder full of recipts with all that has ever been done to the truck. they want $4000

Im also looking at another 99 runner with 109K miles on it but it has some serious rust the bumper is gone almost. and its $4500 and has no mint records and has a younger owner and mud under the truck.

My question is should I be worried about the miles? or not.

Thanks for any replies. I look forward to joining you soon

 

[downpour11]

Hey all,

I am looking at buying a 1998 four runner. I have always wanted one and they have come down to where I feel I can afford one. I am looking at a sr5 with 172k on it, it is a 5 speed. I live in maine and rust is an issue but it is clean. The owner bought it new in 1998 and has had the dealer do all the work to it that it ever needed and has a folder full of recipts with all that has ever been done to the truck. they want $4000

Im also looking at another 99 runner with 109K miles on it but it has some serious rust the bumper is gone almost. and its $4500 and has no mint records and has a younger owner and mud under the truck.

My question is should I be worried about the miles? or not.

Thanks for any replies. I look forward to joining you soon

The 98 sounds like a better option. It's well taken care of. Mine was dealer maintained for years and I just hit 380k... take care of it and you'll be fine.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Definitely stay away from the 99. The 98 sounds decent though. I wouldn't worry too much about the miles, just make sure it has been kept up to date with all of the big ticket maintenance. (timing belts, transmission and diff fluid changes, etc..)

 

[Maineiac]

380k That is a huge number wow. It has been well taken care of, good enough so that ill feel bad getting it dirty.

 

[downpour11]

380k That is a huge number wow. It has been well taken care of, good enough so that ill feel bad getting it dirty.

don't be scared

 

[Maineiac]

ERRRRRRR just got an email the 98 is sold.

Anyone know where there is a nice low miles runner for sale? And resonably close to maine. Ha

 

[YotaZach85]

I would take another look at the 99 and take a small hammer with you to check out the frame, just tap all along the frame to make sure its solid under the surface rust and if its solid and you end up buying it take it to get under coated ASAP. The bumpers on these things are notorious for rotting out. Mine is on its second rear bumper and its rotted to hell but the frame and all major components are in great shape.

 

[Gonzo113]

1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5
Here's one here. 1 owner.
Just keep looking you'll find one. They are all over up here. Just be patient. I got mine with 174k on it and no records and it runs like a clock and not rusted.
Where in Maine are you?
Good luck.

 

[Nelsonmd]

When looking at rusty runners, be sure you check the frame and axle for rust damage. See my build thread in my signature for what I have gone through with a truck from NE.

Also, I suggest looking in Mass. Mass has used car buyer protection laws (lemon laws). I bought mine in VT and really wish I would have been covered by a lemon law, cause I bought a rusty lemon. I don't know if Maine has this kind of law, but I kind of doubt it.

 

[Maineiac]

DBL post

 

[Maineiac]

I have been looking around. I have decided I want one so now I just have to find one. I am currently in Afganistan for the next few months so I have time to look. However I cannot touch so the rust thing is hard to deal with by pictures. There is a mint one on ebay in NY with the elocker but they want $8995 thats kind of the high end for me but the frame still has all the paint on it so thats nice. Thanks for all the insight and help. JJ

Here is the one in maine.

http://maine.craigslist.org/cto/2279021894.html

And the one on EBAY

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...619&item=170615438416&viewitem=&category=6442

 

[HuntNFish]

If the right one came along now could you purchase it? If there are any in the Boston area you are interested in let me know and I'll take a look for you.

Best,
Alex