gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Wow, even a 40K 4Runner from the northeast already has rust, that's insane. Obviously nothing terrible but even the skid plate started to rust away.
Starting Cost vs Maintainance
- Thread starter Notoyz
- Start date
AntleredRuin
New member
I once found a low mileage in Houston (around 65k). That is, until I ran the CarFax and found the ODO had been swapped or rolled back. More like 265k.
I'd honestly be a bit worried about a 20 year old vehicle with that low of mileage. That's barely 2k a year, and you can bet that that 2k was for just short commutes. It most likely hardly ever got a chance to warm up fully, so it was always in closed loop, high rev startup mode, which where the most engine wear comes into play.
That engine may very well be in worse condition than one with quadruple the mileage. None too good for the tranny, either.
I appreciate all the responses, most pretty much in line with my thinking. Just a bit of background here, mostly a GM guy, done engine swaps on S10 blazer and Z71 silverado's.
I feel like more of a parts replacer tho LOL. Do all of my own maintenance, repairs whenever possible. Have access to a friends shop, but he's retiring so that will be coming to an end :-( I'm looking for something to get as a project car, but as I'm easily double most of you guys age I may have to rethink this!
Body style of these 3rd Gens appeals to me, would like to do some mild offroad for the bucket list, use for travel camping, not real serious expedition use but would like to have the option to sleep in when necessary.
In the SE here and runners are easily 1K or more than what I see ya all picking them up for. Have been looking in the Austin, Tx area also, but don't see much price difference and then the worry of flood damage from recent hurricanes.
I feel like more of a parts replacer tho LOL. Do all of my own maintenance, repairs whenever possible. Have access to a friends shop, but he's retiring so that will be coming to an end :-( I'm looking for something to get as a project car, but as I'm easily double most of you guys age I may have to rethink this!
Body style of these 3rd Gens appeals to me, would like to do some mild offroad for the bucket list, use for travel camping, not real serious expedition use but would like to have the option to sleep in when necessary.
In the SE here and runners are easily 1K or more than what I see ya all picking them up for. Have been looking in the Austin, Tx area also, but don't see much price difference and then the worry of flood damage from recent hurricanes.
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SE 4Runners
Based on the mileage I’ve seen people put on these trucks, a higher mileage 4R would be alright if it’s well maintained and documented. I think I was lucky to get a 1-owner 4 Runner for free, even though it didn’t run for almost 2 years. I know i’ll Be chasing little bugs in it for a few months, but I was able to get it running with a couple of parts. It’s not my daily driver, so I can work on it after work or on the weekends. I live in the southeast and I’m surprised how many of these Gen3’s I see driving around. It’s unreal.
Based on the mileage I’ve seen people put on these trucks, a higher mileage 4R would be alright if it’s well maintained and documented. I think I was lucky to get a 1-owner 4 Runner for free, even though it didn’t run for almost 2 years. I know i’ll Be chasing little bugs in it for a few months, but I was able to get it running with a couple of parts. It’s not my daily driver, so I can work on it after work or on the weekends. I live in the southeast and I’m surprised how many of these Gen3’s I see driving around. It’s unreal.
Flying off the shelf here in the southland LOL So about 8:00 pm last night I figure lets check craigslist for giggles and grunts. 1999 very clean looking body 3150.00 price, I text the guy, no response, call this am an it sold at 7:00 this morning. Im beginning to think I'm never gonna find "The One" to quote BFAD
prcGTI
New member
I’m facing the same situation as....every time I find one checking out and contact the seller the response is “Sold”
Very frustrating!
prcGTI
Scramble
New member
Scramble
New member
If you find a good one you have to be quick! You have to use all of the above, check everyone everyday. I found my Limited on Cars.com at 9pm on a Fri night, went & looked at it Sat & bought it on the spot.
Wow! You must be over 100 years old!
Congrats to you! :bravo:
Not over but closer to 100 than 20 :amen:
1biker
New member
Did you guys look closely at the eBay listing for that '98 with 43k, particularly the underbody shots, or lack there of? To my eye, there is some rust going on that someone just did a quick paint job over. The engine bay has some some seriously rusted hardware as well. Low miles yes, but someone might be in for bad surprise, hopefully I'm wrong.
2ndhandyotaman
Member
I didn't read every reply, so hopefully I'm not repeating an answer. When I look at an older vehicle to purchase, I evaluate it like this: How much will it cost to bring this vehicle up to date on maintenance/repairs vs. paying prime dollar for one already in that condition? If there's a decent savings to be had once you bring a neglected vehicle up to date vs. buying one that's 'turn key', then it may be a wise decision. If you are only to be at the value of one that doesn't need any work after doing a ton of work to a neglected one, it's pointless ( to me) to waste the time doing it because you could spend that time and money doing more productive things.
I'll throw my experience out there, for what it's worth. I bought a '00 limited from a used car dealership in Oklahoma for $3200. It had 172k miles and a clean carfax but had a few previous owners. I drove from Iowa where I was living at the time to get it because the frame and body were extremely clean. When I got there I discovered it had been in a front end collision that was not reported. The core support had some minor damage but everything else was OK. The valve cover gaskets were leaking, which I was fine with.
I have spent ~$1700 maintaining it since I bought it a year ago. I use OEM parts whenever possible. This includes Bilstein 5100 shocks, rear wheel bearings and axle seals, tundra brakes, OEM upper and lower ball joints, replacing the core support, control arm bushings, etc.
When I pulled the valve covers everything looked ok, there was some sludge buildup but nothing excessive.
Now at 189k the thrust washers are shot. I'm now having to spend ~$1300 to replace the engine.
Would an extensive maintenance history have saved me from the engine replacement? Maybe.
I have spent ~$1700 maintaining it since I bought it a year ago. I use OEM parts whenever possible. This includes Bilstein 5100 shocks, rear wheel bearings and axle seals, tundra brakes, OEM upper and lower ball joints, replacing the core support, control arm bushings, etc.
When I pulled the valve covers everything looked ok, there was some sludge buildup but nothing excessive.
Now at 189k the thrust washers are shot. I'm now having to spend ~$1300 to replace the engine.
Would an extensive maintenance history have saved me from the engine replacement? Maybe.
TrexRunnerGirl
New member
I understand the pain of finding a good used one. I got skunked on mine but I still love the thing - even with all the work I've put into her.
This just came up for sale and I want to go see it just to see the frame situation. and its JADE!! other than Bronze, my fav color for a Runner.
1997 Toyota 4Runner 4dr Limited 3.4L Auto 4WD
Stock # 50555A, Gas V6 3.4L/207, Automatic, 122176 mi., 17/19 MPG
Selling Price: $4,999
This just came up for sale and I want to go see it just to see the frame situation. and its JADE!! other than Bronze, my fav color for a Runner.
1997 Toyota 4Runner 4dr Limited 3.4L Auto 4WD
Stock # 50555A, Gas V6 3.4L/207, Automatic, 122176 mi., 17/19 MPG
Selling Price: $4,999
Recently purchased my '97 SR5 4Runner with 167k on the clock. Interior near perfect after a vacuum and some spot cleaning. Shocks are shot, brakes are questionable, and no maintenance history. Starting my own history. Got it for $3500. It sure would be nice to have a must do maintenance list and simple upgrades. First time 4Runner owner. Sold my '81 CJ8(Just Empty Every Pocket) and bought the Yota. We couldn't be more pleased.
Regards,
CaneCreek
Regards,
CaneCreek
