To buy or not to buy?

[KidVermicious]

No. Don't. Just wait it out and look for a 4wd.

^^ This. Trust your intuition. If something feels hinky, it probably is.

 

[blizz86]

^^ This. Trust your intuition. If something feels hinky, it probably is.

Exactly. I test drove a few 4runners before making my purchase. The first one i did before looking at the buyers guide. It had a super stiff gas pedal and the engine bay had all sorts of grime, i couldnt tell if anything was even leaking!
Seller didnt want to come down so i pzed it. Looking back at the pics i took of it, it was a limited with e locker.. do i think i messed up? No.

Ended up with a lexus mechanic owned 4runner 2wd... although the engine is in great condition, i still want 4wd.

 

[CreatureofLight]

There may not be a problem but in my opinion that is too much for a 2wd even from a a dealership. If you are not in a rush, you can find a 4x4 for the same price or cheaper. I paid $4350 for my 1999 Limited 4x4 with 170k miles and that 3 weeks ago.
I think I got a good deal but I saw similar ones for under $5500 asking all day long. If you are paying cash, would recommend hitting up things like Craigslist and buying from a private party.

They are correct though, there are usually no warranties available on vehicles over 100k miles.

Oh yeah, and check out KBB and NADA online to help you out with pricing.

I decided to take yours and these others guys' advice and decline their offer. Most 4Runners around here are either newer ones that are out of my price range, or they have 200k + miles on them.. Where do you live? lol I need to start looking more out of state.

 

[Millerad1651]

Look in to Tennessee ang southern Kentucky...they don't salt the roads, and I've seen plenty of good deals on 4WD 3rd gens around there...

 

[OTB]

I decided to take yours and these others guys' advice and decline their offer. Most 4Runners around here are either newer ones that are out of my price range, or they have 200k + miles on them.. Where do you live? lol I need to start looking more out of state.

Western NC.

Most the ones I saw around my year were over 200k miles.
Like I said if you are not in a rush, you can find a great deal.
You may have to be patient but you better be ready to pounce when one presents itself. I kept checking Craigslist daily and called the guy instantly.
But don't be afraid of the 200k. Many members here are well over 200k.

From my researching though, I think you are on the right track if you are on a budget. It seems the 3rd gen 3.4 is the sweet spot. Better motor than the 3.0, good reliability and won't break the bank. However, I agree with others and look for a 4x4. You may never need it, but you will always want it.

 

[Brique]

Nashville market is pretty tight right now. Good ones are pulling in a premium. I bought one a month ago after three weeks of searching for 6k and feel that I got a good deal. Should have held out for a higher price when I sold my tacoma, though.

I agree with the other posters above. Keep searching, be patient. If 4wd is something you'd like, hold out for it, or it will always bug you that you don't have it.