Used 4Runner maintenance costs

[sandhuatt4r]

I am looking to buy a used 4Runner - 2WD preferable since it is mostly going to be short in-city runs. Wondering what maintenance costs are like on these trucks? I have Mitsubishi Montero Limited and it eats dollars like they were growing on trees every time it goes in the shop for repairs. Do not want a repeat of that.

Since most used 4Runners (1998-2002) come on the market after 100K+ miles, what parts/components should the seller have replaced already? Timing belt, water pump, brakes - I would assume? For example, what maintenance should already have been done on a 2000 4Runner with say 140k miles on it?

What trouble spots should I ask about?

Thanks!

 

[4-Ripcord]

www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

 

[sandhuatt4r]

www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

Thanks for putting together all the comprehensive information.

 

[sandhuatt4r]

How does a 2001 2WD 4Runner with 83k and clean record sound for $8k?

 

[jdkilroy]

Personally, I can't understand why you would be looking to get a SUV for "... short in-city runs."

Why not just get something safe and economical ?

Just askin'

 

[rebelbowtie]

Personally, I can't understand why you would be looking to get a SUV for "... short in-city runs."

Why not just get something safe and economical ?

Just askin'

A Kia is cheap and loaded with enough standard accessories to make Audi/BMW owners envy and have great safety ratings and decent warranty.

 

[sandhuatt4r]

Personally, I can't understand why you would be looking to get a SUV for "... short in-city runs."

Why not just get something safe and economical ?

Just askin'

Buying a house and expect to be making runs to hardware or furniture store to fix the place. Even otherwise, I am making trips to all kinds of store on some projects I work on. Wagons just aren't my thing so that leaves SUVs. I figured since mpg isn't an issue, I should look for something that I can buy without taking a loan and is reliable.

 

[sandhuatt4r]

A Kia is cheap and loaded with enough standard accessories to make Audi/BMW owners envy and have great safety ratings and decent warranty.

Funny, you should mention Kia. My other car is a 2009 Kia Spectra with 50k miles I bought two days ago for $8k. For the second car, to replace my Montero, I looked at used Kia Rondo but the seller was asking for too much money.

 

[mattleegee]

for small runs and working on stuff i would suggest maybe a Taco
2wd can be had for cheap, regular cab even cheaper, get the bed lined or just abuse it, perfect little home depot/dump truck

 

[sandhuatt4r]

Bought the 2001 4Runner 2WD SR5 with 83k miles on it. Paid 7700. To be honest, my 99 Montero is much more refined and sedan like. Too bad the spares are really expensive and my Montero is from the east coast so it is all rust and very little body left.

Hope the T4R lasts me a decade :zoom:

 

[sandhuatt4r]

for small runs and working on stuff i would suggest maybe a Taco
2wd can be had for cheap, regular cab even cheaper, get the bed lined or just abuse it, perfect little home depot/dump truck

The wife said no pickup trucks She wants to be able to drive it and if need be, occasionally, be able to fit a car seat for our son. I tried hard to convince her (walked her through a lot) that a crew can Taco would be nice. But even Taco's aren't cheap here in the SF Bay area. Rarely anyone sells a Toyota 4Runner/Taco/LC/Rav4 until they have put 150k+ miles on them.

Show me another SUV that is reliable and cheap to maintain that can be had for this cheap?

Wait ... aren't you guys happy to have another T4R-er :hello:

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Bought the 2001 4Runner 2WD SR5 with 83k miles on it. Paid 7700. To be honest, my 99 Montero is much more refined and sedan like. Too bad the spares are really expensive and my Montero is from the east coast so it is all rust and very little body left.

Hope the T4R lasts me a decade :zoom:

pics?

 

[sandhuatt4r]

pics?

Did not get to drive it home since I could not pay cash today with banks being closed. So left a $1k cheque. Will drive up tomorrow with the cash and get it.

 

[blizz86]

Did not get to drive it home since I could not pay cash today with banks being closed. So left a $1k cheque. Will drive up tomorrow with the cash and get it.

yea i never understood why anyone would dissuade a possible owner from getting one. i guess to enlighten them towards more economical options.. but if hes taking the time to get on here, register, and post he/she must have put some thought into it. i think its a decent price for a low mileage car, just once you get it don't think about the price too much. looking forward to pics!

 

[stevec5000]

I am looking to buy a used 4Runner - 2WD preferable since it is mostly going to be short in-city runs. Wondering what maintenance costs are like on these trucks? I have Mitsubishi Montero Limited and it eats dollars like they were growing on trees every time it goes in the shop for repairs. Do not want a repeat of that.

Since most used 4Runners (1998-2002) come on the market after 100K+ miles, what parts/components should the seller have replaced already? Timing belt, water pump, brakes - I would assume? For example, what maintenance should already have been done on a 2000 4Runner with say 140k miles on it?

What trouble spots should I ask about?

Thanks!

The 2004 2WD model I just got has 132K miles, new tires, new brakes, new battery and I think the windshield has also been replaced so it looks pretty much like new. I think the only maintenance costs will be what you would expect to pay for any other vehicle, just oil, plugs, filters, etc.

 

[sandhuatt4r]

pics?

Sorry for the delay. Here are the pics. Nothing special - it is a plain white boring stock 4Runner

And some broken interior parts.

There is some pet odor in the car so taking it to get detailed and ozone cleaned on Monday. Day after, it gets an oil change and whatever else the mechanic recommends.

 

[Cali4Runnea]

Congrats on the "new" rig! That is really low miles for the year, good find! I'm sure you'll be keeping it for a long, long time. And if you spend enough time on here, you won't have enough money to buy anything else, lol, the mod options are addicting...

And welcome from another NorCaler, just up the freeway from ya!

 

[sandhuatt4r]

Congrats on the "new" rig! That is really low miles for the year, good find!

Thanks It pays to watch CL with patience

I'm sure you'll be keeping it for a long, long time. And if you spend enough time on here, you won't have enough money to buy anything else, lol, the mod options are addicting...

Yes, that is the plan. I want a reliable truck that I can keep forever About mods, used to be a modder but with a 6 month old and a new mortgage, I think I will be forced into stock lifestyle. :whipping2

And welcome from another NorCaler, just up the freeway from ya!

Thanks again. :driving: