some newbie questions!

[bent77]

hi folks, first time poster so please be easy!

okay, so i have wanted a T4R (3rd gen) limited for quite a while. finally found one and have some general questions. i read some of the stickys and they do help but still got a few questions.

1) 1998 w/ 196k and good overall condition (drives well, smooth trans, no significant rust et cet) - is 5500 an okay price? seems high but i have been looking all over and am not finding anything really even that close to that.

2) is the 1998 a good model for the 3rd's?

3) sitting on stock height and tires - what kind of city/hwy milleage are you getting?

4) read about strawberry milkshake and a couple other issues - how easy is replacing radiator in these? same question for coils and ball joints?

5) this is going to sound really stupid but if i knew i wouldnt ask. i have had a lot of 4wd but never one much like this. the 4wd shifter is 4L on top and 4H on bottom and of course N inbetween and there is a button to engage on the drives side of lever. if i am just doing normal driving i suppose the shifter should be in 4H with button not pressed??

i am sure i will have more questions but dont wont to were yall out yet.

i appreciate any help you can give!!

thanks

ben

 

[SRSRunner]

There's nothing wrong with 196k- as I'm sure many will tell you on here a vehicle with high miles that's been well taken care of is better then a low mileage vehicle that hasn't. I bought mine for 5 with that kind of mileage, but the truck was next to perfect, all receipts etc. These trucks will go 350k with ease if properly maintained. The radiator, coils are simple to replace(I've never ball joints myself). You could add a transmission cooler to prevent the milkshake. Check out the 3rd gen buyers guide- it will go over some of your questions(98 pros/cons, Tcase) As for mileage honestly if you look around on here it varies a bit. Stock I was getting 20mpg. With the lift and tires I'm getting 15, while others on here have been getting 14-16 stock. So its going to depend on your driving style more then anything.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

 

[canterm]

Bent, glad you are looking into the 3rd gen, its an absolute excellent choice. $5500 asking price does not seem that much out of line (depending on the condition and maintenance). I would not worry about the mileage if it has been maintained like SRS pointed out. Try to find out when the timing belt was last changed (it should be done roughly every 100k). If this is due for change negotiate on this because the dealer is going to charge around 1k to do it and the water pump. There is a cool toyota website you can go to and put the VIN in to see what records toyota has on the maintenance.

MPG is going to be roughly 16city/20 Hwy

For the 4X4 you will be only using Low if you are stuck and going very slow, for very deep snow, etc.

Good luck