Unsure of Which 4Runner to buy, any help?

[kieranoconn]

At the moment I am looking at buying a Toyota 4Runner. I have some knowledge behind 4Runners but have never owned one. I'm looking at either 2002 Toyota 4runner SR5 4WD For Sale | LANGLEY TWP BC or 1998 Toyota 4Runner - Used SUV Byrnaby BC | Brillyan Auto Inc. . I will be taking my 4Runner on some trails as I live in British Columbia and off roading, not too heavily though. I'm 18 so keep that in mind The black is a limited 98 and the desert is a 02 SR5. Maybe in the near future I might put on a small lift. Any comments or opinions would be great. Thank you

 

[Nunyabiz]

I am rather partial to the 2002's myself, especially the Sport Editions.
But it more depends on how well they were maintained, condition of interior, rust etc.
If both are in perfect condition I would go with the 2002.

Try to ascertain how well each was maintained and do NOT depend too much on "Carfax" they are wrong as much as they are right.
If its possible take off the valve covers and have a look see.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Is that $8000 US or Pounds?

Get the lower mileage one. Offer $6500 once you have the money secured.

 

[kieranoconn]

It's Canadian dollars

 

[Kanger328]

As mentioned above, really depends on maintenance condition. Check them out. Look for rust, start it up, look for leaks, ask for a test drive (may need your parents to go cuz some salesmen won't take an 18 yr old seriously). I like the '98 because...REAR LOCKER!

 

[Ritz Carlton]

I personally like the 1998 more because its black and a limited, plus having that rear locker would be awesome. Like everyone else said look at how well its been maintained and check the carfax for service records and see how many owners each one has had. See if the timing belt and such have been done. I'd get whichever one you like best after test driving them both and negotiating with the sellers.

 

[tek9]

prices in BC are sadly on the high end - and I doubt you can get it much lower that the listed ones.

I like the 1998 one - make sure to check it thoroughly though. Looks like the engine is still wet from being washed - so probably you won't see any leaks. 130K km is super low - check when the TB/waterpump have been replaced.

The best thing you can do it also reading this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyer-s-guide.html before you make any decisions.

 

[Atrox Caeda]

Hands down get the 98 with locker. That will make your head hurt so much less in the future. I know you say you are going to wheel it just a little, maybe... just accept the fact everything is going to change and you're not going to be able to stop yourself from buying all sorts of stuff for your rig. With that said you will get to a point where you want to shoot your own foot since you passed on a locker to get a multi-mode 4x4 version. Granted I think almost everything in the 02 is better and more up-to-date per interior... it's not worth it.

My $.02 or maybe its $.03 since it's Canadian money.

 

[kieranoconn]

thanks for the input, i stumbled across this listing and was wondering if any of you have opinions on this 99 1999 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 3.4L V6

 

[Atrox Caeda]

thanks for the input, i stumbled across this listing and was wondering if any of you have opinions on this 99 1999 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 3.4L V6

He has the TRD sticker on it... at least 10hp more than stock, haha. Again if it has the factory locker then it would be better than the 2002. It also has work already done to it meaning you save money.