Worth it...or no?

[jstim]

So I was browsing the old CL...looking at 3rd gens. Want some other opinions on if any of these are worth it. Thinking of picking up a 2nd 3rd gen.:ranger:

2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5, Auto 4X4, 96K, One family car

1999 Toyota 4Runner "Highlander" Edition

1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited - Leather - Loaded - NICE!!

 

[NateMob]

I would pick up the 2002 with the lowest miles personally, the fact that he is the only one that mentions all service records including the crucial timing belt sways it above the others even though its not as "nice" looking currently. A set of tires and a little lift and it'll look awesome. The other two have at least or close to twice as many miles

 

[jstim]

Thats what I was thinking. I am picking up what you are putting down. Heres my question though, and heres where I think the opinions will help. He says it spent 3 years in MA. I have lived in NY, but never in MA. I have heard that the winters there are pretty rough on the trucks. Wonder how 3 years there would affect it.

 

[sterbenlicht]

Black '99 sport for me. No doubt about it.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

That's a great deal in the 02. You better snatch it up quickly, as long as it's not rusted too badly.

 

[7echo]

I am liking the '02 as well. Records and low miles are a win. I looked for a few months and finally got an '09 Limited 4WD, elocker with 100,000 miles in great shape. Paid $8500 out the door from a dealer. It does have most of the known issues-clock is dead, front brake rotors warped, leaking rear axle seals, and vibration from front wheels at highway speed. So check it over good but that is the one I would go for.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Black sport for me as well. The only thing it is lacking is a R150. The seller must have absolutely hated moving from Colorado to end up in Florence, SC.

 

[GVL]

I'm definitely digin' the Sport, but the 02 with under 100K and one owner is just too temping; you could have a rock solid rig for the next 150K mi. if you do the basic maintenance mods.

This assumes rust is not an issue of course.

 

[Andywear]

wish I could of bought my'99 LTD for that cheap

 

[Limbwalker]

Agreed... Highlander is cool, but thats a really good deal on the 02

 

[Thorgan112]

buy mine, same as that 02 except it is lifted with a 3.5" toytec suspension lift, 1" body lift, has new UCA's, sliders, savage skid plates (full body), and 35" tires with 17"x9" five star wheels! $11,000k.

 

[Jon T4R]

02 looks like a fair price.
I looked for a while before i bought my 2000 SR5 w/148,xxxmi for close to $7k almost 2 yrs ago. the low mileage and one-owner are big pluses for u. as far as the winter issue, last winter was not too bad in the northeast so prbly not too much salt. so maybe more like 2 yrs of "winters" on it if u want to rationalize - and thats not too bad. give it a good cleaning - and even paint the underside like i did w/ rust inhibitor. not sure if it helps but proly doesnt hurt good luck.

 

[skcolb]

I agree with the others that the 2002 looks like a pretty good deal. Also I'm partial to that color.

 

[scrap metal]

Buy the low mileage 2002 and with the money you save on maintenance (compared to higher mileage 99 sport).... buy some flares and a hood scoop.

 

[poleclimber63]

Agree with the conclusion on the 02. Rust check is a must. That would be my deciding factor... rust. Good luck!

 

[3RDGENGuy]

Highlander the hood scoop!