I have an opportunity to buy a 2000 T4R Limited, I know the only owner of the vehicle and I know its never been off pavement. Mechanically I believe it's in great shape, has a death wobble at times and the antenna doesn't go up or down but hey it's got an e-locker! Cosmetically it's rust free aside from the hitch and it's very clean on the inside except for the driver seat being kind of worn. My only hesitation is that it has 216,000 miles on it, the guy is asking 4k for it. Is there any life left in it? Does it seem like a good buy? I would be using it for a daily driver. Thanks in advance! :bigok:
Thinking about buying a 3rd Gen
- Thread starter DirtyDan
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NHRunner
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These things are not synonymous.
We regularly see "Should I buy this?" threads. It's almost impossible to make a good judgement with the limited information you can provide us.
Use the buyer's guide. As for the condition of the vehicle you are looking at, use your best judgement, or the judgement of a friend/neighbor who knows cars and the buying process well.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html
I've read the buyers guide. I guess what I'm really looking for is a little reassurance that buying a vehicle that I'm not familiar with (Toyota's in general, I'm a Ford Ranger buff) that has over 200,000 miles on it isn't a bad idea. From what I hear 3rd gens have a lot of staying power.
People are gonna be able to give you a strong maybe, but really that's it.
The mileage is probably fine. I think it's safe to estimate 300K on the 3rd Gen that's been taken care of, but only with the acknowledgement that every truck is different, and even the best taken care of rig might surprise you with something.
If you're comfortable wrenching yourself and can live with a truck that might occasionally have some issues, and can afford $4k with an extra budget for an unforeseen repair, then, like, maybe.
What's up with that death wobble, though? It's not a skateboard. Hard to be sure what you mean.
The mileage is probably fine. I think it's safe to estimate 300K on the 3rd Gen that's been taken care of, but only with the acknowledgement that every truck is different, and even the best taken care of rig might surprise you with something.
If you're comfortable wrenching yourself and can live with a truck that might occasionally have some issues, and can afford $4k with an extra budget for an unforeseen repair, then, like, maybe.
What's up with that death wobble, though? It's not a skateboard. Hard to be sure what you mean.
NHRunner
New member
There are some pretty wild 3rd gens on this forum that are built with over 200k. I have 2 3rd gens with 225k+. At this point in the life of the vehicle, the ride quality will likely degrade as various bushings wear out. They are all easily replaceable by following writeups here. The other common issue with higher mileage is typically that ujoints begin to add some noise to the driveline that makes the ride unpleasant.
On the whole, you won't likely face massive repair costs on a well maintained vehicle, but will have to commit a little more time to small maintenance jobs.
On the whole, you won't likely face massive repair costs on a well maintained vehicle, but will have to commit a little more time to small maintenance jobs.
