Totaled my 3rd gen - in the market

[4'running'26]

Well, I totaled my 3rd gen yesterday after hydroplaning in a heavy thunderstorm, skidding down an embankment and rolling over once. It was quite the experience and I can laugh about it since I came out unscathed. I loved that thing, though.

Starting to think seriously about an older 5th gen. I am tight as all get out and have never had a car payment to contend with but I'd be willing to take out a small used auto-loan if the right 5th gen came along.

My father is actually driving across the country currently and has agreed to stop and look at one for me on his way. I read through a lot of the "New here, read this" stuff but am hoping a few of you could give me some specific pointers to pass along to dad.

The rig in question is a 2010 Trail Edition with close to 200,000 miles. My main concern is that it resided largely in IL and WI and therefore was probably subject to quite a bit of salt.

1. Any specific places to look that might indicate a very unfortunate rust situation other than the obvious: frame rails, suspension components?

2. Any other issues that one might look for on an older, higher mileage 5th gen?

Thanks, all!

I'm sad about losing the 3rd gen, especially because it had a 5spd manual transmission, but excited about the potential "upgrade."

JT

 

[jdm-v35]

At 200k I would foresee a lot of needed maintenance as well as possible issues. I believe in toyota reliability, but If you plan to keep it long term I think that you are buying into problems. Things are bound to start failing at that point.

Even being tight on a budget I would recommend you pay a little more and buy something newer with lower mileage. You would probably get up to the same cost after maintenance and fixing over a short time anyway. Once the issues start it seems to be like a waterfall effect.

Again, that is my opinion if you plan to keep it long term. If it is just for a year or so, or plan to rebuild engine/trans yourself then maybe it would be ok.

I bought the 4runner brand new last year only because I plan to keep it for 20 years and don't buy into the newest car every few years like most people do. I also don't drive much though. My daily is an 07 camry with 55k. got it new in 07 and plan to keep driving it until it gives me any serious issues.

 

[4'running'26]

Thanks for the advice. I think I was spoiled with my first third gen, a 2000.

I bought it with 192,000, put over 100k on it in five years, and in six or seven cross country trips, the only thing I ever needed service was a u-joint in Sacramento. Crazy reliable.

I'll definitely keep what you said in mind, though.

I hope you like Castle Rock. My sister recently relocated there as a new attorney...just what we need, more attorneys!

 

[jdm-v35]

Thanks for the advice. I think I was spoiled with my first third gen, a 2000.

I bought it with 192,000, put over 100k on it in five years, and in six or seven cross country trips, the only thing I ever needed service was a u-joint in Sacramento. Crazy reliable.

I'll definitely keep what you said in mind, though.

I hope you like Castle Rock. My sister recently relocated there as a new attorney...just what we need, more attorneys!

It's great out here in Castle Rock. Really like it and never go into Denver honestly because its too crowded. I think ive been to downtown Denver twice ever. Has everything I need and it is a lot more relaxed outside the city.

I think besides rust, the thing I would worry about going would be the trans since it's an auto. A manual pretty much just needs trans oil changes and maybe a clutch every so often. The auto would probably cost quite a bit to fix. Next would be suspension components(bushings/shocks) being worn or brake calipers rusting up.

 

[Sonoran_Desert]

I am glad you are OK and sorry about your truck. The rollover had to be a scare.

I am relatively new to 4runners and can't comment other than thinking it might be ideal to see if you can find a vehicle you can drive for now to give more time to find the right purchase.

 

[Mutant138]

So this is just my opinion here...

But, if you are on any sort of strict budget I would really just get another 3rd or 4th gen. Your money will go further especially if you mod.

 

[LimeLED]

I am glad you are OK and sorry about your truck. The rollover had to be a scare.

I am relatively new to 4runners and can't comment other than thinking it might be ideal to see if you can find a vehicle you can drive for now to give more time to find the right purchase.

This is good advice right here. It's rarely a good idea to be shopping for a used vehicle in a hurry. Patients tends to reward one with a better vehicle for less money. I feel like this is especially important since it sounds like you keep your vehicles for quite a while. Sorry to hear about your 3rd gen. Good luck in your search for another 4Runner.

 

[llDemonll]

So this is just my opinion here...

But, if you are on any sort of strict budget I would really just get another 3rd or 4th gen. Your money will go further especially if you mod.

this is the right answer. unless you're getting a car payment to buy a car you'd actually buy dont stretch the budget just to get a newer generation

 

[4'running'26]

Thank you, all, for the advice. It is definitely good to keep in mind that patience while shopping for a used vehicle is usually rewarded.

I do have another vehicle to use in the mean-time, which is great, so I don't feel pressured to get something just so I have it.

I don't plan to mod heavily so that isn't really factoring into my decision. I would love to have another 3rd gen, especially since I could just pay cash for it, but finding the right one these days is tough. I live in the rust belt so I either have to find the incredibly rare, non-rusted 3rd gen around here or else be willing to look in the south or west coast, which then brings on a whole new level of complexity in terms of flying out to see it, spending money on that, etc.

Thanks again for all the advice and for helping me to keep a level head.

JT

 

[cheezfrys]

Glad you're ok and good luck with your search.

 

[Arnezie]

Save your money buy a beater or something you can pay cash for. Cash is king and a loan on a vehicle that has close to 200,000 and is 10 years old Is just insane to me. Pick up another 3rd gen or get a Honda Civic till you can afford to pay cash for a vehicle.