Georgia4Runner

Hey guys,
Today I'm going to look at a 1998 4Runner SR5. This one is an automatic and has no rear locker, unfortunately. I can live without it. But it does have lots of options including leather, moonroof, 16 inch wheels. Another good part is that it is my favorite color, Anthracite over Tan leather. This one is an Atlanta truck, so no rust. 82,000 miles for an asking price of $11,200. The KBB Private Party value in Good condition is $10,845. I need a truck by the end of monday, and this one seems like the best candidate in my area that will go 200+ miles with little trouble. Is this a decent deal, and what should I offer the guy? Thanks for the input!

4Runner on Autotrader

Paul H.

I would offer $10,500 and make sure you do a carfax on it before you buy it. Looks like a good deal if its been taken care of.

rimpainter.com

Proof of proper maintenance speaks a thousand words.

Keep in mind it will be coming up on a 90K service, which, depending on the previous owner, might entail a timing belt and water pump ($500+).

Carfax, maintenance records, used car inspection. All good ideas.

socal98runner

Yep, when I got my 98 it was also just shy of the 90k service. Timing belt, lube job and water pump (plus more, but I forgot what) was $700 OTD.

Sounds like you got yourself a deal there

Georgia4Runner

Thanks for the replies guys, I bought it! $10,800 non-taxable.

The 4Runner is an unbelievably clean Southern no-rust with one non-smoking owner. The guy even gave me the original window sticker, withit totaling at over $35k!
It was in two very minor fender benders, one fixed a bit better than the other. There has never been any frame or structure damage, just the metal skin and rear bumper. I pick up the runner on Monday and I will take pics.
The tailgate was replaced, not repaired, and was repainted. The problem is that the new paint is the right hue, but is a little rougher and less reflective than the original paint and rest of the vehicle. I was thinking about taking a clay bar to it, seeing if the paint would smooth out a bit. The other crunch was on the right front fender, but it was replaced and he pointed it out to me, otherwise I would not have been able to tell of any previous damage.

The other problems are the leather steering wheel and leather seats. The driver seat and steering wheel are a little chewed up from the sun and a lack of protective conditioner. I was thinking of mink oil to restore the leather, any other ideas?

I don't have money for new tires, but they are crappy all-season 265/70/16 Firestone Wilderness LE about with 60% tread left. The label in the driver's door shows the 15inch wheel and tire package, but there was a package "AW" that includeda 4.100 Rear Diff and 13" front disc brakes. I know that there were different brakes for the different wheels but I dont know which ones this truck has.

There is a plood dash veneer installed when the truck was new, is is a cherry color veneer that has lost its luster. I wonder if the black plastic pieces will be affected if I take off the veneer?

The power antenna does not do up all the way when the radio is turned on. The motor is audibly working, but the antenna gets stuck. The same thing happens on the down stroke. What is the fix?

Thanks so much for the help! I will search for all of my questions but just wanted to get it out there. Happy New Years!

rimpainter.com

Griot's Garage sells some really good leather cleaning and conditioning supplies. Check them out. Google it.

The power antenna is crap. I would never buy another one from the dealer in place of the one that broke. Do the Taco Whip Antenna mod. You can find Bob's write-up in the tech section. I did the mod, and I love it. I went with the black antenna. Total cost is around $30 if you do it yourself.

Congrats, and get ready to start modding!