ekseattle

Hi all
Previous truck is due to have engine replaced or its time to get a new (used) vehicle. Have always liked the looks of 4Runners and found this while searching around...
Couple questions if you don't mind...

1)if this looks like a decent deal, I am going to take it to a mechanic and have them give it a quick once over...is there anything in paticular I should have them check out/look for?

2)is 173k miles to many miles to think about jumping in at?

3)any concerns with the '98?

Thanks for any help you can provide!!

Lifted 98 4 Runner! 173k miles, Automatic. 3.4L V6- Runs good! 4x4 & Rear diff lock, SR5.
*Garage built steel rear bumper, with built in receiver for towing.. 33" MT's & 4" Old Man Emu Lift.
*Nice JVC deck & 2 12's...
*Tan cloth interior, sunroof, power everything. Rear window rolls down..
*I have carfax & title- both clean.
*Fuel mileage is between 16&20 mpg.
$6200 obo.


Ed

700xxchris

other than the dern crappy gas gauge problems with the 3rd gen

James Woods

iTrader: (1)

Ive never had an issue with my fuel gauge. OP, the 3.4 IMO is the best motor that Toyota has built. The rear locker is what I am guessing is the stock electric locker which is kinda rare for 4runners. 173k is not at all too much, ask for records and make sure the timing belt has been done, only issues I have had with mine so far is starter contacts, a small exhaust leak from a blown gasket, the diodes went out on my alternator and the power antenna mast is bad, currently with 173ish on the clock. I think that is a fair deal if all checks out good on it.

700xxchris

iv also having problems with my 4wd but i don't recon it a common thing just one of those things that happens mine has 377612 miles on it had 200000 on it when bought i bought it mine still going strong and has no ticks,knocks,smoking other than having to put a quart of oil in it every 4 months bc im to lazy to fix the oil pan gasket and i agree with James woods the 3.4 is the best of the best just check it out good if it checks out buy it and get ready to fall in love.

ekseattle

Thanks for the replies. Going to go check it out this afternoon! Will respond back and let ya all know how it turns out. Hopefully with a picture of my new ride

drpdmazda

check when the timing belt was replaced. should be done ever 90k if im not mistaken. If not that can be a negotiating point. around my area, timing belt, all belts, water pump t-stat etc is around $1000. all those parts are the most common to do at the same time as they are in the same area, and some have to be taken off to get to the timing belt. there should be a white sticker with date and mileage of last timing belt service, typically right in front on the timing belt cover, or on the air intake box on the left side of the engine bay.

ekseattle

So I walked away...but told them I might call them later.
The timing belt has a label on it...but the writing was so worn I have no clue if it was replaced right at 90k or at 135k..
There was also an issue with the back window which just started shorting out.
I offered 5k but they wanted to go to no lower than 5.5k.
Beyond those issues and a small amount of body damage... the car seemed clean, started well and drove straight. A small squeak, perhaps from bearing.. a rattle from the exhaust...interior was pretty good for a 14 year old vehicle

I think the main walking point was the window electrical that just started shorting out and of course not knowing when the belt was replaced..

Nuthuts96

iTrader: (1)

Don't let the unknown timing belt change put a kabash on the deal. Knowing when it was last done won't hurt the vehicle. It just needs to be done when you buy it- Hence the negotiating down point made above.

If he doesn't know when the belt was done, I wouldn't trust him to know when other 'routine maintenance' was done, like regular oil changes, spark plugs, drive belts, etc...

Shame $500 is all that stands between what sounds like a sweet deal...

drpdmazda

yes dont let my post about the belt scare you away, i menat use it as a negotiating tool. as stated, it sucks they walked a deal over $500. Give it a few days and touch base with them again.

Chimpy

Don't let the timing belt scare you. I bought my 2001 SR5 last May with 165,000 on her with no signs of a previous timing belt change. I drove her for about 1 month and then had a mechanic buddy of mine change the belt. He only charged me $650 for everything and he said everything else looked good. He changed the belt, water pump, thermostat ,idler and tensioner pulleys. I have since changed the spark plugs/wires and am in the process of changing all the fluids. I am lucky that I am the 2nd owner and the PO did have some maintenance records. Good luck