Hello all,
This is my first posting so bare with me. I'm looking to buy this 1997 4runner, and I love everything about it but it has around 215K miles on it. The owner assures me that it still has another 100K on it but I'm worried that the suspension or the transmission is going to kick it a few thousands miles after I buy it. What do you guys think? Also the asking price is $4700
Thanks!

 

First of all for the price I hope it's 4 wheel drive and in good condition. If the truck has been taken care of and he can show you proof that it has it may not be a bad deal. Also is it an SR-5 or a limited? At this point the timing belt should have been done twice along with the water pump. If it drives well and shifts well it may be OK. Let us know how you make out, Pete

 

I have 267xxx miles on my '89 4runner and it runs great. The previous/original owner took extremely good care of it though. I had to replace the clutch a few months ago and I am going to replace the shocks soon. Other than that no problems. It's hard to know on the one you're looking at though. Depends on how well it was taken care of throughout it's life. If you spend even a short time on yotatech you'll see many people with lots of miles on their trucks with few problems.

I'm not sure what to tell you about the price without knowing all the specs on it. I usually look on craigslist, ebaymotors, or autotrader to see what other similar models are selling for. I'd be more concerned about the sagging rear end than anything else.

 

Thanks guys sorry for not putting the details. Here are the notes I took while looking:
Good
-tinted windows
-installed fog lights
-4x4
-replaced timing belts, water pump and clutch (at 195k)
-abs brakes
-Limited gold edition (minus leather seats)
-same owner since 90K miles
Bad
-Front window will need to be replaced
-Don't think the suspension have even been worked on, seemed a bit shaky
-Same transmission, not sure how much longer it will last
-215K miles

Also do you know how much replacing shocks goes for?
Thanks for the help

 

where are you located? out here in montana, they go for a bit more than say, somewhere in the south. if you're in midwest/northeast, how's the rust? 4700 seems a bit high. i just picked up my 99 with 173,000 for $5000 a couple weeks ago.
as for suspension, do a search as there's a ton of threads discussing springs/shocks/struts.

 

If the springs & shocks have not been done, replacements will run $600 & up (plus labor) depending on weather you want to keep it stock or go with a lift.

http://www.sonoransteel.com/
http://www.toyteclifts.com/index.php

No real way to evaluate the transmisssion without opening it up. How does it shift? If the fluids have been changed & it hasn't really towed anything or been abused, it could last awhile.

 

No limited came with cloth I thought.

 

I have a 96 with 200k on it, and I love it. scored mine for $3500 but it has rust on the frame. Transmission shifts pretty good, a little slow sometimes, but still very solid. It is by far my favorite vehicle out of the 16 that I have owned. I would go for it in my opinion. Maybe try to get him down on the price a little more.

Welcome to YotaTech!

 

Sounds like a fun endeavour, go for it!

 

my 98 is grtting ready to roll over 236,000 miles all original. its a toyota dont worry about it. tranny is still good. springs are a little weak though. i say buy it

 

My '97 had 212,000 when I sold it for $3300. Nothing wrong with it. It did need the timing belt and water pump replaced however. I thought that was a good deal for someone at the time.

 

I would keep looking. You should be able to find one with less mileage for under $5k.

 

Around here, it would go for $3k tops.

 

wow! 3K did prices fall off that crazy in SLC? i just did a quick autotrader look in denver and still wanting top dollar. paid 6,500 for that kinda mileage last nov-(gas prices still up)

 

The one owner since 90 sounds nice...try doing a CARFAX check just to get a little more background on the vehicle.

Make sure you take it to a reputable mechanic for a thorough check for anything that's needed. But remember since IT IS a 97' it wont be perfect but with the proper care it it can be close!

Good luck

 

Yeah, I see ones with over 200k, work needing to be done, in fair condition--not selling at $4k. I saw one when the price was dropped to $2500, it finally sold.

 

That is correct. Im not sure what Limited gold edition is since it is not a limited if it lacks the leather. I am assuming it is just an SR5 with the gold badges. There is nothing unique or necessarily "good" about this "edition".

 

I have a '99 Limited 4x4 with 230,000 and it runs awesome. Springs aren't weak at all, transmission's fine...4x4 works flawlessly and it's great shape....Where are you located Jack?

 

I sold my 97 Limited with 216,000 miles on it about six months ago for $4800. With that said the maintenance records were all there, timing belt done at 172,000, new shocks all around, and the interior/exterior of the truck were in excellent condition. Plus it had the e-locker. It was actually in better shape than our 2000 limited we just bought with 117,000 miles on it.