Been looking around for one. Came across this. Does anyone have opinion on if it is a good deal?

'99 4Runner - 109K. Auto, SR5. Looked at it last night. In pretty good condition. Not sure if the link below will work, but here it is...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ice=&cardist=4

Thanks for any input.

 

I think it's too much since SUV prices have come down and the 4th gens have been around awhile. If you can get them down to $10k, that would be fine.

 

Why does AutoFader say $11995 and the stickers on the window say $10995? Just curious.

Does it come with maintenance records? If not, assume that nothing has been done. Which means you are going to get stuck with doing everything...timing belt, drive belts, water pump, coolant flush, plugs, air filter, fuel filter, front diff, rear diff, transfer case, transmission fluid, possibly brakes, and more.

Without records I would pay possibly $9K for that one, depending on what they were going for in my area.

 

i agree with ebelen. nice clean car but with the increase in gas SUV prices are dropping and you need to keep that in mind. just off up $10K firm and be ok to walk away. another one will come along

 

Thanks for the input. I've been searching around on this website, and am hesitant to ask the "what to watch out for" question, because most responses are - Not much, it's a Toyota".

Anyway, is mileage a concern for a 4Runner - in the range of 110 - 150k? I see alot of people on this board with extreme mileage, so I'm pretty sure the answer is "no".

In looking around for an SUV, I've looked at Grand Cherokees, Xterras, and 4Runners. For looks, reliability, etc., I've been leaning toward Toyota. Pricewise, Grand Cherokees are good, and can find them with low mileage, but the dependability and looks don't do it too much for me. Xterras?, I'm indifferent to them.

 

See my post above. Maintenance is key, as with most things. That's why I always push for people to get the maintenance records. Jeeps break down, so forget that. Xterras are really slow - way too slow in my opinion. And yes, I have owned one.

If the 4Runner has been maintained properly, you can get 300K+ miles from it. I sold one a while back with 197K miles on it - 100K of which were supercharged without the proper fuel and timing mods. The 5VZFE engine is very durable!

Watch for leaky rear axle seals. Be sure to have it inspected by a 3rd party. It's worth it. Now get that price down!

Oh, and if you plan on going off-roading in it, get one with the rear locking differential. There will be a button to the left of the steering column reading "RR DIFF LOCK." Make sure it has that or you will be kicking yourself later. I made the mistake of buying one without and ended up swapping in front and rear axles/diffs!

 

steer clear of the grand cherokees. i had one as my first vehicle, just 4 years ago, and it ran great one day and the next i was looking at a new transmission, then shortly after the ECU went out. once one thing goes wrong it snowballs

 

All advice will be used! FOR SURE.

I was at the lot last night after they were closed, so I don't know much about the inside, maint. records, etc. Yea, the window sticker says $10.9, but ad says $11.9. If I get more interested, I would start negotiating with the $10.9 price for sure.

I have a '94 full size Bronco right now, so not much different use-wise - Off roading will be minor and limited, but will happen. Moreso for getting to hunting spots, fishing spots, etc. Nothing serious, but it will happen. With what I have been reading, and what 96 Runner says, I would definately like to find one with the rear locker.

Towing? I have a ~2500 lbs bass boat that I tow about 200 miles from time to time. My Bronc does OK, but def. not a good towing vehicle. I understand 4Runners to be rated at 5000 lbs. Seems plenty capable, but in real world, how do they do?

Good to know the info on the Jeeps and Nissans! Kind of makes my search a little less confusing now...

 

Provided the vehicle is in excellent condition, 2500lbs shouldn't be a problem. It won't be a speed-demon by any means, but it will get you where you want to go. Make sure it doesn't have warped front rotors (a common issue) and, as I mentioned earlier, leaky rear axle seals. Put both of those together and you have a recipe for a Greek Tragedy while towing and trying to stop.

You should consider a trans cooler for the AT, and possibly a flush with full synthetic fluid; cheap insurance for trouble-free towing.

 

hmmm... for reference, i paid 13500 or so before taxes and crap a year ago on a '99 SR5 4WD with 68k. looks roughly the same cept i dont have wood trim dash (don't like the look anyway). Based on my price, which was good considering there were only 6 4runners for sale in a 300mile radius of me on autotrader at the time, it looks good... but factoring in gas prices and such, you may be able to find one that someone wants to get rid of more

 

So it seems the 4Runners don't come with upgraded towing package? - such as the towing package my Bronco has - tranny & oil cooler/quad front shocks?
Yeah, I'm all too familiar with warping rotors - it eats 'em up like candy.

I hope to get over tonite to take a better look at it/and ask some questions. Thanks

 

No, but most go w/ a Hayden tranny cooler, which will run you about $60. As far as shocks, nope as well.

New rotors would be great as the OEM ones tend to warp.

 

maybe i missed it but you never said if you planned on wheelin it or not? if so, get one with a factory locker, only limiteds came with them (i believe)

 

sorry man, but not true, my 99 (highland) has the locker, its not a Limited, Im not real sure on the other models, but just look for the
RR DIFF LOCK and your good.
I hope that did sound mean there Fireteacher

 

I wonder where this "only Limiteds had e-lockers" urban legend started? I have heard it from a number of people. I don't fault them, I just think bad information was passed from one person to another.

Anyway, my donor rig was an e-locked 96 SR5.

 

mine also had the "wood trim" when we bought it, that was the second thing to go, lol (first was the running boards)