worth buying 97 manual with 200k on it?

[golfing4lf]

I'm new here. I had an FJ cruiser and sold it and miss the toyota. I've been looking at a few different 4runners in the area, from 96-99 mostly and came across this and want the opinion of y'all.

97 5spd with 200k on it. Owner just did a head job due to blown head gasket, machined the heads, new gaskets, replaced bad valves and resurfaced others. has new timing belt, water pump, clutch, new front brakes. also has e-locker.

he's asking 3500 for the truck, interior is dirty, not a concern to me as i will most likely bedline the floor.

Is there anything I should look out for? Anything that jumps out to you all? I'm going to look at the truck for the first time tomorrow. I know most of what to look for as far as rust underneath, etc. Just not so sure about buying something that has had all this work done, but then again, the truck should be ready to go for a long while now.

Any specific questions I should ask him about the recent work? Check engine light is on - code is for IAC valve, he stated cold idle is around 1500, the drops to 1000. Should this be a major concern.

Any help is appreciated. Looking forward to this new adventure. oh, and this will be a daily driver.

 

[tjaguilar]

honestly i think you can find something better worth your money with less problems

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I think there are better deals out there.

 

[8sm]

5sp w/ locker would be nice find. I would consider it only if I trusted who did the repairs. If not, I'd keep looking. Careful not to run into a convincing owner/salesman LOL

Good luck.....Regards 8sm

 

[Elton H]

ya ive thought about selling mine but the amount of work to get it drivable again i could ask 4k for 2yr's and no one would buy it

 

[BrianSD_42]

to be honest having a vehicle with 200k as a daily driver is not a good idea if it can be avoided. as a trail rig yes but as a DD I would expect you will run into issues within the first 2 years.

 

[golfing4lf]

Thanks for the replies everyone. It's all to easy to get caught up in the excitement of a rare find. I was already nervous about the mileage and work, you guys just confirmed it.

:thanks:

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I don't think it's too bad of a deal, if

It's clean. (no rust, body is straight, seats are good, etc)
He has maintenance records for it that show it's been well taken care of.

High miles mean nothing really if it's been well maintained and low miles don't really mean anything if it hasn't been.

I bought my 1st 4Runner with 190K on it for $5000. It was clean as hell, well maintained, looked, ran and drove great. I sold it for $7700 BTW.

I just bought my 97' Limited with 187K on it. I bought it cheap but it needs a little work. (See my budget build thread)

To top it off, there aren't a lot of 5 Speed, E Locker rigs out there. I'm headed to NC next month for a wedding, if you don't buy it would you mind passing the info on to me? I may buy it.

 

[bluecollarjock]

I just got a 98 5 speed with rear locker, 150k miles, all service documents, for $6500. also has a nice roof rack, 17" tundra rims and BFG ATs, racerunner coil overs up front for 2" lift, OME coils in back to match lift, and Bilsteins. Plus some fancy ass booming stereo system that is too loud for my precious old ears hah...

Only thing Ive done is a complete detail, oil change, and tranny fluid change. he put new brakes on it, and in past few years clutch, timing belt, water pump, etc etc etc all records and done at Toyota dealership.

CV boots are busted but someone on here pointed me to CVJ I think it is in Colorado, you can get beefed up Toyota axles with special boots to better deal with lift angles, for $120 each. When I have time from grad school Ill probably do that.

But yea, keep looking...I was looking forever and frustrated...found this the day it was posted and jumped on it

 

[maxspeed96ct]

Its a toss up, cause ya he spent alot of money to rebuild it. But If it ran good it makes you wonder why hes selling . But thats just my opinion



I like doing all my own mechanical work cause I know its done right, and after purchased and selling a few car in my liftime. I realized other owners dont care about theit maintance or craftsmanship as much as I do.
Long story short I got ripped on one of my recent vehicle purchases just cause the guy was a good sales man and bull****er..

G/luck with your 4runner search :welcome:

 

[drinknmolson]

its your call based on the work done, I bought my 97 w/200k no locker for 4k a couple yrs ago. it was proven to be hwy miles from previous owners work through documented work travel mileage records. I haven't had to do a thing to it other than new brakes since. I did modify it as it was bone stock when i bought it, the thing that i recommend looking at is CV's, tie rod ends, upper & lower bj's, and rust with that high miles. it does concern me that he had to do all that top end work though, who is going to warranty it if you ahve an issue? take it to your mechanic and go from there.