Thoughts on this 1997 Limited 4x4

[gilp]

Hi all, this is my first post to this forum and I absolutely love it! So glad that I found you guys. I've been searching for my second 4runner in life(last one was a 1988) and I'm looking at 96-99 as my price range is no more than about 6500. I live here in Southern California and I want to get some thoughts on a vehicle posted on craigslist:

1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER V6 4X4 LIMITED

My question is this. I've talked to the guy for good long time the other night, seems like a really nice guy, lives local to me and I get a the feeling hes not trying to hide anything. The car overall has 197k on it, but it has had the engine replaced about 6 mo. ago. From what I could tell, he did an oil change and something happened, like he forgot to tighten the drain pan bolt or the oil filter. Anyway, whatever he did, it killed the engine. He had it replaced with a used engine at a local shop back in may. My issue is that he does not seem to know how many miles the new engine had on it when it was put in. I'm going to check it out tonite to see how it is. He says he has all the paperwork for it so I think, with any luck, I should be able to track down the engine history by finding the engine serial number.

My first thought after seeing the add, was no way. I was looking for something that had same engine/tran combo from the factory as I think that is best...but maybe I'm wrong. Plus he wants $5750 for it which seems to be about $1000 to high as other 97 and 98's with similar mileage are going for about 5 or less.

If I could get some thoughts on this it would be great. Check myself before I wreck myself. As others have posted, these usually go pretty quick.

Sorry to ramble on - thanks in advance everyone

 

[StreetKill831]

Unless you find some SOLID info on the new engine, I would pass on it. Keep looking, it is well worth the wait to find the right one. Also, that price seems very high, although since he replaced the engine you have to look at it from his end. I'd just stay away from it.

 

[KeatonMP]

Unless you find some SOLID info on the new engine, I would pass on it. Keep looking, it is well worth the wait to find the right one. Also, that price seems very high, although since he replaced the engine you have to look at it from his end. I'd just stay away from it.

:iagree: I would pass. Replaced engine is a red flag right there. Keep looking and get something that doesn't make you ask questions. You'll be happy in the long run.

Oh yeah....and Welcome

 

[TheDurk]

Well, one question is what's up with the 4.0 liter engine? They had those only in the 4th Gen, 2003+, I believe. Typo, or they actually got the bigger, newer engine in there? Our v6 is 3.4 liter.

 

[gilp]

Thoughts on this 1997

Thanks guys for the warm welcome.

Yeah, my gut said no, by head said no, but you know...I had to just double check to make sure I am not missing anything.

I backed out of even going to see it tonight. I will be patient and get what I want as this will be a family hauler and travel vehicle.

I will keep folks posted as see more and find something. Cant wait to get my picture in there with all you folks!!

 

[brian2sun]

That thing doesn't say it's 4x4 either. Not sure if all Limiteds are 4x4, but usually they make a point to state that. If it really does have the 4.0 I would go for it, but I think it's a typo. I haven't seen a successful 4.0 swap in a 3rd gen yet.

 

[gilp]

It said 4x4 in the title of the posting on craigslist. I'm almost 100% sure that is not a 4.0 engine in there as the work was done by a local shop. I would 'guess' that the he bought the engine from a supplier of used engines with around 100k or so - I've heard of these before. I think he said it cost a total of $1200 including installation.

All of you are right though, nothing about this truck is right.

I'm looking for 96-98 with leather(sr5 or limited) 4x4, preferably with locker, with around 140 - 170 k in good/excellent shape. Expecting to pay around 5k +/- $500. I think should be reasonable......right? lol

 

[brian2sun]

I think you will pay more in the $7000 range for the options you want - Limited, 4x4, locker, <170K. For $5000, you'd probably have to settle for ~200K and maybe not get a locker (because that could take some time to find).

 

[gilp]

You may be right on that Brian2Sun as I've only seen a few deals like that down in the 5k range and they were gone, sometimes within a few hours.

What are you thoughts on a 200k vehicle? This will be driven as my daily driver as well as our trip/offroad car. I drive at most about 8k a year as I work at home most of the time any my wife will probably drive occasionally. When does it become nickle/dime for every little thing?

Thanks for all your responses - looks like your in San Bernadino? im out here in orange county, mission viejo.

 

[KeatonMP]

I think you will pay more in the $7000 range for the options you want - Limited, 4x4, locker, <170K. For $5000, you'd probably have to settle for ~200K and maybe not get a locker (because that could take some time to find).

I paid $5K for mine just a few months ago and it has all the options he wants so theres still hope. My front seats are cracking badly though and I replaced the steering wheel because the leather was cracking on that too, so maybe all of that helped me out. hehe

 

[brian2sun]

Nice, welcome to the forum BTW!! Yeah I live in Lake Arrowhead. There's a bunch of great folks here in SoCal so if you get a 4runner, you'll have lots of people to help you out with mods or repairs. As for a 200K+ 4runner, all I can say is mine is still going and I'm at ~202K. There will be a few things that will probably need to be fixed r maintained before long like axle seals, steering and suspension components, etc.., but a Toyota with 200K is like a Jeep with 75K IMO.

Edit: It's a regional thing too Keaton. There are always deals around if you hold out long enough, but it seems like 4runners go for a lot more in places like SoCal and Colorado than other places.

 

[StreetKill831]

I just picked one up this weekend with all those options with 198k on it for $2k

I have to replace the water pump, timing belt, and the front diff sensor and maybe the transfer case sensor. Then she should be good to go.

 

[runrunner]

I would pass. Price seems high.

Also, its funny as he advertises that he has ran synthetic oil since 100k, new timing belt, H2o pump, etc. which is all irrelevant as that engine is no longer in the truck

 

[gilp]

Here is a possiblity:

1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER LIMITED

I talked with him already this morning, nice guy. this truck has a salvage title due to accident back in 2003, insurance paid him off and he kept the car. No frame damage was done - all he said was he had to replace the bumper, grill, hood and radiator and that was it, all done professionally by a shop. He was able to get it reinsured by state farm - so for now, the salvage is a none issue. I will run car fax on it when i go look at it.

Pics are not great but the good is:
-127000k really low
-all work has been done by longo toyota and he has all the receipts.
-only drives it on the weekend, mainly sits in front of his house and he does not need the car anymore.
-needs timing belt/water pump. IMO this is good - that way i know when it was done if i end up getting it.
-willing to negotiate.

let me know what you think based upon that. The craigslist add does not have much info...

 

[Pikeman]

Gilp- Brian2Sun is correct about the pricing. It varies a lot based on region and the options. California is a high market, mainly because we don't have the rust issues. Also demand for our trucks is high as you have found by the quick sales. However it is good that you are seeking advice here to verify it isnt over high.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

I wouldn't necessarily pass on the 1997 just because the motor has been replaced. Just about every used motor I see sold around here has a replacement warranty of usually 3 months and the mileage should be on the paperwork.

The truck looks pretty clean in the pic's and at least for the market here, the price is not off the charts.

The 1998 I wouldn't be overly concerned about the salvage title as long as the damage is documented. Remember, most insurance companies will salvage a vehicle if the cost to fix is 51% of value. If you start adding up new parts like a hood, bumpers and such, it doesn't long to hit the threshold.

But follow your gut instinct. That is always my barometer.

 

[Jon]

I'm liking the 98. I'm gonna be in the market for another 4runner soon for my wife. $8k is my cap for a 96-99, low milage Limited 4x4.

 

[gilp]

Update for everyone - I got the 98! I took a good friend with me and we inspected it thoroughly for a few hours. Mechanically speaking, excellent - I mean it is solid. Drives straight down freeway, shifts perfect, engine is very smooth. all electronics work perfect, original stereo sounds great. It looks as if its never been offroad, ever. Owner says he took it on a dirt road twice over the 6 years he owned just to put it in 4wd - I checked it, it works. 127k miles, rear locker(was soo stoked when I saw that) interior almost spotless with typical wear on leather.

Car fax was exactly as he said it was. Salvage was from rear end crash that damaged front and rear, no frame damage - I saw all the paperwork. But the paint job on the work was poor and those parts need paint. He had a stack of maint. records for all work done at toyota dealer.

$4400 - i thought was a smokin deal. Maybe I could have held out for a car with a better paint job(most parts of the car are in really good shape)but with 127 k on it, its got so much life left. Oh what to do with it now...LOL


Thanks so much everyone - this forum ROCKS! I'm sure i will be making many visits back here - actually have a few things to post already.

Happy!

 

[assman]

i just bought my son a 1997 with 112000 for $5000. the guy said it was in perfect shape which meant it needs some work. it looks good , runs good and am now enjoying the challenge of what i can fix or replace next. to me if it looks good thats #1 , the rest can be fixed. good luck and happy hunting