Thoughts on: '98 4x4

[Tom P.]

Hey folks,
I live in Austin, Texas and I'm looking for a clean well-maintained 3rd Gen. V6 4x4. Thin pickins around here.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this one:
1998 Toyota 4 Runner 4x4

Thanks!
Tom

 

[PitbullRescuer]

If the maintenance is all up to date including TB/WP its reasonably priced. If not, it's priced too high. I'd be weary about buying one that color only because you're limiting your market if you ever resell it later.

 

[Tom P.]

Yeah, I'm not in love with the color, either. I'll check it out and see what's up with maintenance.

Any suggestions for finding 4Runners other than Craigslist and Autotrader?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[tylerbaird]

I'd offer somewhere between $5,500 and $6,000. It's not worth more than 6k IMO.

 

[josh.bunch]

Just helped a buddy find a black 96 limited 4x4 e-locker with 212k miles in great condition in south Austin for $3200. It took about 4-5 months of searching but it was worth the wait. Expand your search to Waco, Killeen, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Abilene, Tyler, etc. All are less than 3-4 hours. There is a 1999 white sr5 4x4 by me now for 4000 with 156k miles. Be patient. I'll post links when I get to a computer later.

 

[Tom P.]

It needs new tires for sure. I was thinking if everything checks out I'd consider $5-5500.

I'm not a mechanic so I'd like to take any good looking Runners to my mechanic. What do I look for if one is too far away to take to the mechanic?

 

[Tom P.]

This one just popped up:
96 Toyota 4Runner 4WD

'96 with new engine.

 

[tbst]

This one just popped up:
96 Toyota 4Runner 4WD

'96 with new engine.

Hasn't been driven a whole lot in the past 2 years, but has been driven a WHOLE LOT in its lifetime.

 

[Tom P.]

That's what I was thinking; driven like crazy, burnt up engine, then taken to the corner store now and then. Not the best kind of mileage.

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

If they have proof that it has a new motor then I would jump on it. I have seen many 4wd toyotas that are beat to hell sell for more than they are asking. If I was back in Texas I would go buy it

 

[Tom P.]

I called on it and people were hitting on it like live bait. Told him I'd let the smoke clear and call back to see if it sold. I don't know enough to get in a bidding war.

 

[CaliCal]

come to cali and buy mines. i'll make it to texas no problem!

 

[Tom P.]

If I go all the way to Cali I may just stay there, especially with our Summer coming on.

 

[Tom P.]

Well, I just looked at the '98 and I'm not in love. It seems mechanically sound (I'm no mechanic) but the exterior/interior are showing age. My gut says I'd only take it for around $4K, not $6700.

Am I way off base?