Which 4runner to buy? Decisions, Decisions...
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Which 4runner to buy? Decisions, Decisions...
I just sold my 94 Trooper (78k miles 3.5" lift on 33" baja claws) to try & get back in a Yota that is more street friendly.
I've been fortunate enough to come across 2 clean high mileage SR5 3.4 4x4's with manual trans, 1 owner vehicles, in the span of a week, which is kind rare anywhere let alone Metro Detroit.
They're both great buys but I'm having a hard time choosing which one to buy. So I thought I'd see what you guys think.
#1: is a '97 with 155k miles, has tan int., has not had timing belt or water pump service, has new 265 bfg long trail ta's.
#2: is a '00 with 180k miles, timing belt & water pump done at 123k, also has a sunroof & limited fender flairs, with grey int. & maintenance history available.
I'm leaning towards newer with more miles, especially if the guy is going to let it go for $800 less than the 97 (not just because of the cute girl in the pic)
For the price I really can't go wrong as long as either one doesn't blow up, but I will have to do the t-belt service soon on the 97. The more I think about it, for the price I'm considering buying them both
I've been fortunate enough to come across 2 clean high mileage SR5 3.4 4x4's with manual trans, 1 owner vehicles, in the span of a week, which is kind rare anywhere let alone Metro Detroit.
They're both great buys but I'm having a hard time choosing which one to buy. So I thought I'd see what you guys think.
#1: is a '97 with 155k miles, has tan int., has not had timing belt or water pump service, has new 265 bfg long trail ta's.
#2: is a '00 with 180k miles, timing belt & water pump done at 123k, also has a sunroof & limited fender flairs, with grey int. & maintenance history available.
I'm leaning towards newer with more miles, especially if the guy is going to let it go for $800 less than the 97 (not just because of the cute girl in the pic)
For the price I really can't go wrong as long as either one doesn't blow up, but I will have to do the t-belt service soon on the 97. The more I think about it, for the price I'm considering buying them both
Last edited by 4what; 08-16-2007 at 10:06 AM.
#4
Contributing Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LOL, I was thinking the same thing. I would go with two, timing belt/water pump is not a cheap job. The 25k mile difference isn't that huge, or big enough to offset the costs of getting #1 serviced properly. Also, I like the interior/exterior of 99+ more, but that's just my preference; some people are opposite of me.
#5
LOL, I was thinking the same thing. I would go with two, timing belt/water pump is not a cheap job. The 25k mile difference isn't that huge, or big enough to offset the costs of getting #1 serviced properly. Also, I like the interior/exterior of 99+ more, but that's just my preference; some people are opposite of me.
#6
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good call guys. I'm feel in the same. I'm going to do a compression test on it when I look at it at lunch today to make sure all is good & within spec. If all is good hopefully it'll be mine by Friday.
I'll try & get a pic of my wife next to it for comparison if I buy it
I'll try & get a pic of my wife next to it for comparison if I buy it
Last edited by 4what; 08-15-2007 at 06:54 AM.
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Minneapolis MN
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
rust?
I would look at the rust situation, the frame quality could help you sway your desicion. I would think the 00' has the better frame... less exposure. Also you might want to consider the suspension of each the 00' will sit lower than the 97'.
Personally if they are both manual i'd go with the 00' and side with the wife on this one. You know what they say a happy wife makes a happy life.
Personally if they are both manual i'd go with the 00' and side with the wife on this one. You know what they say a happy wife makes a happy life.
Trending Topics
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I just looked at the '00 & it seems to be well maintained, he has records for the timing belt & waterpump @ 125k & the clutch was supposedly replaced as well. No major leaks, saw a small drop of fluid around the transfercase but not much. Drove & shifted very smooth. It has a few cosmetic flaws, like a part of the fender flair on the pass. side on the bumper is missing. But over all pretty nice.
I attempted to do the compression test but it was going to be too much to do on the lunch break. Where do you disconnect the power going to the coil pack?
I attempted to do the compression test but it was going to be too much to do on the lunch break. Where do you disconnect the power going to the coil pack?
#10
Registered User
Pull the IGN fuse? (dunno if that takes the starter out tho)
Wow - around $5k for a compelte vehicle?
I was thinkin a 3.4L swap would cost alot but $5k for a running truck...
Last edited by ewong; 08-15-2007 at 10:35 AM.
#11
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, I guess I cant worry about it too much at the price I'm getting it for eh. It didn't smoke & seemed to run smooth as butter. They guy commuted almost 100 miles round trip to work every day, so those hwy miles should have just broke it in
It'll need brakes & tires soon, but thats no big deal for me to do.
It'll need brakes & tires soon, but thats no big deal for me to do.
#13
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The '00 runner is mine! Picked it up yesterday. (its not a limited & it was more than $4200)
I can't believe how smooth it runs & drives for havin 180k on it. I just stopped by my local yota dealer (where I was pleasantly surprised to find an old friend working at the parts counter) & picked up plugs, wires & air filter to tune it up & the section of the right front fender flare that attaches to the bumper that was missing, so I'm gonna get that on & painted along with the other flares that have a few scrapes on them & it should be lookin good.
I'm thinking of getting some 17" FJ wheels & 265/70/17 nitto terra grappler's for it, is anyone running the 6 spoke FJ wheels & if so what size tires are you running?
Pics to come soon as I begin the upgrades
I can't believe how smooth it runs & drives for havin 180k on it. I just stopped by my local yota dealer (where I was pleasantly surprised to find an old friend working at the parts counter) & picked up plugs, wires & air filter to tune it up & the section of the right front fender flare that attaches to the bumper that was missing, so I'm gonna get that on & painted along with the other flares that have a few scrapes on them & it should be lookin good.
I'm thinking of getting some 17" FJ wheels & 265/70/17 nitto terra grappler's for it, is anyone running the 6 spoke FJ wheels & if so what size tires are you running?
Pics to come soon as I begin the upgrades
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MMA_Alex
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners (Build-Up Section)
25
04-18-2017 05:07 AM
crashburnoveride
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
1
07-10-2015 06:39 AM