let me preface this with a little about my self. i'm fifteen, about to be sixteen, and a 4runner will be my first car, and my parents and I are basically splitting the cost. Ive been browsing craigslist and have been looking for a t4r under 8k. so, in an incredibly random stroke of luck, i ran across a 1999 v6 with a 5speed, 4x4, AND and factory rear elocker. i realize how rare this combo is, and for $5000, it would leave me plenty of room to add a lift, tires, anything else... but this truck has 251,000 miles on it. is that too high mileage to still run reliably for any extended period of time? I'd love you guys thoughts and opinions as to whether this would be a solid buy or not.\
Thanks!
Sam
This 4r is indeed a somewhat rare find. However, are you talking miles or kilometres? As I'm from Sask. myself, the Winter's tend to be really hard on vehicles, especially Japanese that aren't that impervious to rust....
So, things to consider:
1. How rusty/ condition of the body
2. Does the owner have maintenance history/ work performed.... has it had any major work done
3. THIS IS IMPORTANT, get it mechanically inspected!
If this 4r has 250K KM that's pretty much average for a 99' (mine has 230K) as long as its been maintained, 250K KM wouldn't be a huge worry. Has the TB/WP been replaced 50K ago? Is the oil really dirty (gives you an indication as to whether the owner cares enough-- even when he's trying to sell), How quiet is the engine--- is it smooth at idle and acceleration, brakes--- does it shake or pull, how loose is the steering any torn joint boots(CV's,TRE's,BJ's)? Condition of tires? Suspension---- is the rear sagging? Does everything work? These trucks are quite rugged but, like anything else, if it hasn't been maintained, you could be, at best, be looking at some work, and major effort at worst (I did an engine replacement after 2yrs--- luckily it wasn't hard). Do not let your desire over-rule your common sense. Get the facts, at least answer these questions and make your decision. Check out this link:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html
Personally, I love the 4r. I've had lots of vehicles over the years and this is one of the best to work on. My last truck was a GMC Suburban and it was expensive and painful to work on--- it seemed everything associated with maintenance was an afterthought! none of the components were particularly durable-- junk!
By the way, one of my sons just passed his Learners test here in BC, and he can't sit his "N" drivers road test for a year, is that the same in Sask? If its the same, at least you'd be able to learn to drive and do mech. work on it till you get your "N"..... My son turned 16 in July, I wish he had the budget you have! You're lucky, when I was 15, my dad banned me from purchasing until I was 16 and licensing it till I had my drivers license! Be patient, do your homework (on the truck!!) and don't rush if there are any major question marks about this truck, you have plenty of time to find the right truck and time before you're going to be in a position to drive it on the road! Good Luck!!!
