Help considering buying a 1996 4Runner

co4rnr · 12-01-2007, 02:12 PM

I am looking at a 96 4runner with 200,000 miles. I can get a great deal on it. The interior is in good shape and it has been maintained every 3,000 miles. It was a company vehicle and used mostly on the highway. My main concern is how much longer can the automatic transmision go?

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co4rnr · 12-01-2007, 03:04 PM

Any ideas?

co4rnr · 12-01-2007, 06:24 PM

Is 200,000 to much?

CTRJ · 12-01-2007, 10:00 PM

200k is a lot of miles to buy into a vehicle. It's one thing if you've put the bulk of those miles on it but another thing to buy it that way. I wouldn't buy it unless you're really getting a steal.

Spence1016 · 12-01-2007, 10:10 PM

the thing that would hold me back is the fact that it was a company vehicle so the people driving it probably wouldn't give a crap about it and be aggressive when they drove it

One_96TR4 · 12-01-2007, 11:21 PM

I'd say it really depends on how good a deal you can get on it. What you looking at price wise, Have you managed to get the seller down to a final price and what is it. I think this would help to know. The tranny if taken care of should not be a problem. I would take it for a spin and see how it shifts. Are the shifts smooth and not abrubt or rough. Also pull the tranny dipstick and look at the fluid. Does it look clean and not burn or really dark. Smell it and see if it smells burnt. Probably be a good idea to have it checked out by a mechanic. 200K is a lot of miles but I'd say if it was a good enough deal I'd probably buy it. Also see if they have any service records and if the timing belt has been done regularly. Should have been done atleast twice by now.

penangtoy · 12-02-2007, 12:45 AM

price?

KZN185W · 12-02-2007, 12:48 AM

if the price is right and the body and interior are still good, get it and have the engine and tranny replaced with one having around 100k-125k miles... recently, there was a rolled 4Runner post in here so might be able to get it

co4rnr · 12-02-2007, 05:14 AM

I know the lady who drove it for the bulk of its life. I know she did not drive it hard. The company required that every 3,000 miles oil was changed. Also it was reguarly taken to the Toyota dealer where it was bought new 10 years ago to have it inspected. I might be able to get it for around $2,000. Why would I want to replace the engine and trany right away? If it has been well maintained, does anyone have any idea how much longer it could go? Thanks for all the other posts.

Oh, and it looks like all the tires are new and I crawled under it and it looks drip free for the most part. It did look like the transfercase looked a darker color but I could not tell if that was just rode crap or a leak. But like I said the last time it was taken to Toyota it did not come back with any major ill reports.

Victor · 12-02-2007, 06:33 AM

But it. That is a great price. Is it 4wd? If it is check to see if it shifts into 4wd easily or if there is something wrong there. 3rd gens are typical reliable Toyotas. I think the common problems with the 3rd gens are leaking rear axle seals.

22R-to-5VZFE · 12-02-2007, 10:08 AM

Check out the power steerring rack for play and leaks, ball joints, and oil leaks around the tensioners and idler pullies. Those are what my 96 sr5 had wrong when I bought it with 210,000 miles on it just 3 months ago.

CTRJ · 12-02-2007, 10:14 AM

When was the timing belt last replaced? $2k is a really good price, but it you have to go and start replacing things (due to age and mileage) over the next year, it might start to nickle and dime you. If you buy a $2k vehicle and then put another $2k in it, does it make it worth it?

Nuthuts96 · 12-02-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTRJ

If you buy a $2k vehicle and then put another $2k in it, does it make it worth it?

I'd say, even if the TOTAL costs of getting it up and running were $4000, everything replaced and ready to go for another 100k? or more... that'd be a steal! At $2000, you're robbing a poor old lady. You could part the truck out for twice that I'm sure... and $4000, not bad at all!

crolison · 12-02-2007, 11:18 AM

Take it to a local mechanic you trust and get him to check it out. If it was almost all good i would take it.

co4rnr · 12-02-2007, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuthuts96

I'd say, even if the TOTAL costs of getting it up and running were $4000, everything replaced and ready to go for another 100k? or more... that'd be a steal! At $2000, you're robbing a poor old lady. You could part the truck out for twice that I'm sure... and $4000, not bad at all!

Hey easy there. It was a company vehicel for a top executive of a large company. Not some poor old lady.LOL. I would be buying the vehicle from the company, not the lady. I happen to know the executive so I was just wondering with the kind of regular maintenance that it has had in its entire life if it would run another 50-100 thousand miles.

So I should check the folowing:

if the timing belt has been replaced,

Leaks around front pulleys,

front steering rack,

and a leaking rear end?

Thanks for all the help.

Nuthuts96 · 12-02-2007, 07:06 PM

i couldn't help myself. i bet it's going to check out pretty good. i looked at my runner's history report and found out it was a dealer vehicle for a long time. that definitely made me feel better as it HAD to have been taken care of...right? that's what i like to think! i just did all the fluids- they were BLACK. definitely not done in the last 8k- probably a lot longer than that. i didn't check the factory 3 disc changer before i bought it

but an aftermarket alternative is nice, because you can get a pocket under the head unit which fits the wallet perfect!

CJM · 12-02-2007, 07:15 PM

Unless its a steal for 3500 or less i wouldnt touch it.

mabrodis · 12-03-2007, 09:41 AM

Assuming it's a 4x4...and it's not trashed (rolled, burned, etc)...then I can't see how $2000 could ever be a bad deal. If you don't end up buying it, then PM me...seriously, I would love to pickup another '96...the wife needs one...mine is at 206K miles and runs/drives beautifully...the mileage wouldn't concern me one bit...

So actually, I guess that is a *horrible* deal and you better pass on it...and PM me their name/number so I can tell them off...

(serious about the if-you-don't-want-it part)

co4rnr · 12-03-2007, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mabrodis

Assuming it's a 4x4...and it's not trashed (rolled, burned, etc)...then I can't see how $2000 could ever be a bad deal. If you don't end up buying it, then PM me...seriously, I would love to pickup another '96...the wife needs one...mine is at 206K miles and runs/drives beautifully...the mileage wouldn't concern me one bit...

So actually, I guess that is a *horrible* deal and you better pass on it...and PM me their name/number so I can tell them off...

(serious about the if-you-don't-want-it part)

Alright, I see that it would be very foolish to spend $2,000 dollars on a vehicle with over 200,000 miles. I will pass up this deal and look elswhere.

J/K

Thanks for all the insight!

FullXTR · 12-03-2007, 01:27 PM

I say go for it, the price is right.

hanksyota · 12-03-2007, 02:02 PM

ok, so take it to Bill's Care Car east of 6 hwy on Sheridan. Yes i know, its like mexico over there. but call them up, ask for bernie. they are tied in with like a shell rapid lube, but he has a 96 4runner, and has been my mechanic for a while now (3 years). when he looked at my taco (prepurchase) he said he'd buy it if i didnt. he knows what he is talking about and very reasonably priced. here is his number even: Bernie: 303-935-1148

mabrodis · 12-05-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by co4rnr

Alright, I see that it would be very foolish to spend $2,000 dollars on a vehicle with over 200,000 miles.

Yes, extremely foolish...hand over the number for the seller, so I can properly dispose of said vehicle...

You bought this yet? Sounds like to me it's time to buy it or pass on the info...

12-01-2007, 03:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
co4rnr Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 173	Any ideas? __________________ 2006 Specialized Rockhopper bike.

12-01-2007, 06:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
co4rnr Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 173	Is 200,000 to much? __________________ 2006 Specialized Rockhopper bike.

12-01-2007, 10:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
CTRJ Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Upland, CA Posts: 244	200k is a lot of miles to buy into a vehicle. It's one thing if you've put the bulk of those miles on it but another thing to buy it that way. I wouldn't buy it unless you're really getting a steal. __________________ RJ 1997 Toyota 4 Runner SR5 V6 5 speed \| Old Man Emu 881 coils with Old Man Emu N91S shocks \| Old Man Emu 891 coils with Old Man Emu N86 shocks \| 285/75/16 BFG MT KM2's on Land Cruiser alloy wheels \| Surco roof rack \| TJM-17 front bumper \| Bud Built Skids \| (2) Hella 500's \| Silvania Silver Star headlamps \| Cobra 75WXST \| Sirius Radio \| Alpine CDA-9883 \| Scan Gauge 2

12-02-2007, 12:48 AM	#8 (permalink)
KZN185W Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 693	if the price is right and the body and interior are still good, get it and have the engine and tranny replaced with one having around 100k-125k miles... recently, there was a rolled 4Runner post in here so might be able to get it __________________ 1996 Pearl White Hilux Surf KZN185W SSR-G l 3.0L TDI l Dual Battery l LT285/75R16 l Recaro Seats Drive Your Dreams

12-02-2007, 05:14 AM	#9 (permalink)
co4rnr Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 173	I know the lady who drove it for the bulk of its life. I know she did not drive it hard. The company required that every 3,000 miles oil was changed. Also it was reguarly taken to the Toyota dealer where it was bought new 10 years ago to have it inspected. I might be able to get it for around $2,000. Why would I want to replace the engine and trany right away? If it has been well maintained, does anyone have any idea how much longer it could go? Thanks for all the other posts. Oh, and it looks like all the tires are new and I crawled under it and it looks drip free for the most part. It did look like the transfercase looked a darker color but I could not tell if that was just rode crap or a leak. But like I said the last time it was taken to Toyota it did not come back with any major ill reports. __________________ 2006 Specialized Rockhopper bike. Last edited by co4rnr; 12-02-2007 at 05:16 AM.

12-01-2007, 10:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
Spence1016 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ft.Lauderdale, FL Posts: 351	the thing that would hold me back is the fact that it was a company vehicle so the people driving it probably wouldn't give a crap about it and be aggressive when they drove it

12-02-2007, 12:45 AM	#7 (permalink)
penangtoy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 59	price?

12-02-2007, 06:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
Victor Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 1,711	But it. That is a great price. Is it 4wd? If it is check to see if it shifts into 4wd easily or if there is something wrong there. 3rd gens are typical reliable Toyotas. I think the common problems with the 3rd gens are leaking rear axle seals. __________________ "Turtle" - Green 94 4Runner Looks like one and about as fast JDM altimeter/clinometer, 2002 Sport wheels, 265/75r16 MT/R, , OME stabilizer, BJ Spacers, Cruiser Coils, removed sway bars, rattle can paint for all that peeling clearcoat! Lockright front and rear.

12-02-2007, 10:08 AM	#11 (permalink)
22R-to-5VZFE Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fort Collins, Co Posts: 97	Check out the power steerring rack for play and leaks, ball joints, and oil leaks around the tensioners and idler pullies. Those are what my 96 sr5 had wrong when I bought it with 210,000 miles on it just 3 months ago.

12-02-2007, 10:14 AM	#12 (permalink)
CTRJ Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Upland, CA Posts: 244	When was the timing belt last replaced? $2k is a really good price, but it you have to go and start replacing things (due to age and mileage) over the next year, it might start to nickle and dime you. If you buy a $2k vehicle and then put another $2k in it, does it make it worth it? __________________ RJ 1997 Toyota 4 Runner SR5 V6 5 speed \| Old Man Emu 881 coils with Old Man Emu N91S shocks \| Old Man Emu 891 coils with Old Man Emu N86 shocks \| 285/75/16 BFG MT KM2's on Land Cruiser alloy wheels \| Surco roof rack \| TJM-17 front bumper \| Bud Built Skids \| (2) Hella 500's \| Silvania Silver Star headlamps \| Cobra 75WXST \| Sirius Radio \| Alpine CDA-9883 \| Scan Gauge 2

12-02-2007, 11:18 AM	#14 (permalink)
crolison Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: knoxville, tn Posts: 2,282	Take it to a local mechanic you trust and get him to check it out. If it was almost all good i would take it. __________________ 97 4runner, 2.7 5speed 4wd, 5.29, 33 horns armor locked lifted heavy SOB broken front and rear swaybars My Profile..

12-02-2007, 07:06 PM	#16 (permalink)
Nuthuts96 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Burlington, VT previous: Everett, WA; Bellingham, WA Posts: 290	i couldn't help myself. i bet it's going to check out pretty good. i looked at my runner's history report and found out it was a dealer vehicle for a long time. that definitely made me feel better as it HAD to have been taken care of...right? that's what i like to think! i just did all the fluids- they were BLACK. definitely not done in the last 8k- probably a lot longer than that. i didn't check the factory 3 disc changer before i bought it but an aftermarket alternative is nice, because you can get a pocket under the head unit which fits the wallet perfect! __________________ Scott 1996 White 4Runner-4x4-SR5-5 speed-gold trim 140k-265/75/16 Yokohama Geolander AT/S Cupholder Mod- Overhead Console Mod

12-02-2007, 07:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,561	Unless its a steal for 3500 or less i wouldnt touch it. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

12-03-2007, 09:41 AM	#18 (permalink)
mabrodis Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Castle Rock, CO Posts: 13	Assuming it's a 4x4...and it's not trashed (rolled, burned, etc)...then I can't see how $2000 could ever be a bad deal. If you don't end up buying it, then PM me...seriously, I would love to pickup another '96...the wife needs one...mine is at 206K miles and runs/drives beautifully...the mileage wouldn't concern me one bit... So actually, I guess that is a horrible deal and you better pass on it...and PM me their name/number so I can tell them off... (serious about the if-you-don't-want-it part) __________________ '96 4runner, 5sp, locker, 195K miles... '85 Toy Truck, 2nd owner...

12-03-2007, 01:27 PM	#20 (permalink)
FullXTR Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 42	I say go for it, the price is right.

12-03-2007, 02:02 PM	#21 (permalink)
hanksyota Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: denver, co Posts: 421	ok, so take it to Bill's Care Car east of 6 hwy on Sheridan. Yes i know, its like mexico over there. but call them up, ask for bernie. they are tied in with like a shell rapid lube, but he has a 96 4runner, and has been my mechanic for a while now (3 years). when he looked at my taco (prepurchase) he said he'd buy it if i didnt. he knows what he is talking about and very reasonably priced. here is his number even: Bernie: 303-935-1148

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