Thinking of getting a used 4Runner... any concerns I should have?

[5050punk]

Hey Guys,
I'm thinking of getting a used third gen 4Runner to use for snowboarding, camping, and transporting the dog. I'm looking to spend less than 6k. I found the two cars below, and wanted to see if there's anything I should be concerned about, or to look out for or ask about when I test drive these:

1996 SR5 4x4 V6. 186k miles. $5995
2000 SR5 4x4 V6. 170k miles. $5995

Both are with an automatic transmission (I would rather get a manual, there just aren't that many available for this price). I think I should be able to talk them down on the price too, as this is the KBB price for the car in excellent condition.

Thanks!

 

[Elton H]

for the price id deff get the 2000 as for stuff to watch for id ask if theres any service paper work and id see when the timing belt was changed and when it had a tune up etc done if its been awhile maybe talk them down on the price make sure the tranny shifts smooth no odd noise etc

 

[Elton H]

almost forgot welcome to the forum and good luck with your purchase

 

[5050punk]

Thanks for the response. Any mileage concerns other than the timing belt? How long do these engines typically last for?

 

[RonMAIDEN]

A well kept 3.4 will easily surpass 200k and 250k is quite common;I think even a neglected 3.4 might even see 200k miles.

I only have 150k on my '99 and I'm betting things will fall apart around my engine before it dies. The drivetrain is the least of concerns on my 4Runner.

 

[Ross Rodgers]

A well kept 3.4 will easily surpass 200k and 250k is quite common;I think even a neglected 3.4 might even see 200k miles.

I only have 150k on my '99 and I'm betting things will fall apart around my engine before it dies. The drivetrain is the least of concerns on my 4Runner.

I love hearing this! 5050punk, I'm in the same boat as you. Good luck with your search. I made a thread that might answer a few of your questions so check that one out, too.

 

[96743runner]

Another thing aside from the belts that I would look out for are the rear axle seals. Just have a look under there and check to see that there is no wetness there and if it is dry you should be ok.

Since they are the same price and the 96 has more miles than the 00, I would definitely go with the 00.

As for how long the engine will last, that shouldn't be a concern. These 3rd generation 4runners have a pretty bulletproof and reliable engine, as others said above.

 

[JohnsD90]

Hey Guys,
I'm thinking of getting a used third gen 4Runner to use for snowboarding, camping, and transporting the dog. I'm looking to spend less than 6k. I found the two cars below, and wanted to see if there's anything I should be concerned about, or to look out for or ask about when I test drive these:

1996 SR5 4x4 V6. 186k miles. $5995
2000 SR5 4x4 V6. 170k miles. $5995

Both are with an automatic transmission (I would rather get a manual, there just aren't that many available for this price). I think I should be able to talk them down on the price too, as this is the KBB price for the car in excellent condition.

Thanks!

Stick is cheaper, i got mine for $2500 144k mi

 

[5050punk]

Stick is cheaper, i got mine for $2500 144k mi

Yeah I agree that the stick is cheaper, it's just an availability problem. When I search (on Autotrader) for manuals under $10k within 500 miles, there are only 2 available, and both are slightly over my price range. If I search for automatics in the same radius, there are 27 available.

 

[longhaul747]

Hey Guys,
I'm thinking of getting a used third gen 4Runner to use for snowboarding, camping, and transporting the dog. I'm looking to spend less than 6k. I found the two cars below, and wanted to see if there's anything I should be concerned about, or to look out for or ask about when I test drive these:

1996 SR5 4x4 V6. 186k miles. $5995
2000 SR5 4x4 V6. 170k miles. $5995

Both are with an automatic transmission (I would rather get a manual, there just aren't that many available for this price). I think I should be able to talk them down on the price too, as this is the KBB price for the car in excellent condition.

Thanks!

This is a pretty easy choice to make. I would go with the 2000 since the price is the same assuming the condition on the 2000 is similar to the 1996 and has not been in a serious wreck. On the 2000 you get interior upgrades and likely some 4WD system upgrades. Possibly a center diff and rear diff lock vs the 1996 with a conventional 4WD system and maybe (but likely not) a rear diff lock.

Like anything the 4Runner is machine so occasionally we hear about someone lunching a motor but its a pretty rare occurrence really. Some here on the forum have well over 200K and even a few 250 to 300K miles and they are still trucking a long. At 170K to 190K you would be looking at a new timing belt and water pump. If it has not been on on one you are buying I would get it done ASAP. Its not critical but its one of those things that are not smart to push. I believe the water pumps on the 3.4L tend to be the bigger problem then the belt if pushed beyond its recommended service interval.

Your prices seem very good. Every market is different but here (Seattle) a 2000 4Runner regardless of mileage is going for over $10,000. I saw one on Autotrader the other day (a Limited with only 76K miles) for $13,995. Your 96-98 4Runners are going for $6,000 for a high mileage running wrecks to as much as $9,000 if its a low mileage cream puff and if they are really low mileage cream puff as much as $10,000 to $12,000. A few months ago we had a 98 4Runner SR5 4x4 with 46K miles listed for $11,995 and was off Autotrader in 3 days.

 

[Duhockey]

Id say the only thing to watch out for is your addiction to these great SUVs!!

I mean, dont buy someone elses problem, but if the seller did even normal maint on it, it should be good to go.

just look for signs of abuse, thats the only thing thats gonna take out a runner b4 its time.

 

[theizzardking]

just picked one up here a week ago in everett for 8,900 with the rear dif lock and 78K, just a price comparison,good luck buddy!

 

[JohnsD90]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...sion=&max_price=8000&cardist=6&standard=false Stick and $4500, 2WD though, its also 6miles away.

 

[rubbman]

Ooooooo so there is a market for runners w/5spd? mabey I should put mine up for sale??

 

[Duhockey]

Ooooooo so there is a market for runners w/5spd? mabey I should put mine up for sale??

WAIT... your sig says a "TRD supercharger to be installed"??? How do you have a TRD supercharger and not have it installed within A DAY!! (so jealous!!)

 

[rubbman]

WAIT... your sig says a "TRD supercharger to be installed"??? How do you have a TRD supercharger and not have it installed within A DAY!! (so jealous!!)

sorry man, but I had to tease you!

 

[5050punk]

Alright so I picked up my truck yesterday. I went and checked out about 5 different vehicles, and ended up going with the 96 w/V6 and 186k miles. Got it for $5500. Out of all the trucks I checked out, this one was definitely in the best condition, had a clean carfax, and just seemed like the previous owner took great care of it. It seems like an awesome truck. I can't wait to drive it in the winter.

I'd post pics, but my camera seems to have mysteriously disappeared...

 

[Duhockey]

sorry man, but I had to tease you!

Ill give you 150$ for it... This is a once in a lifetime offer!! :bowdown: please, please, please!!

:

 

[Duhockey]

Alright so I picked up my truck yesterday. I went and checked out about 5 different vehicles, and ended up going with the 96 w/V6 and 186k miles. Got it for $5500. Out of all the trucks I checked out, this one was definitely in the best condition, had a clean carfax, and just seemed like the previous owner took great care of it. It seems like an awesome truck. I can't wait to drive it in the winter.

I'd post pics, but my camera seems to have mysteriously disappeared...

Congrats man!! what color? thats right about what mine is sitting at! 185K and change, I know you'll love it! :cheers: