Hi all,
I need some help in deciding the following.

I'm thinking about purchasing a 1998 Limited 4WD 4Runner with all the options I've always wanted. It is in excellent condition, has 61K miles on it, and the dealer is asking $17,900. I'll be trading my 2001 SR5 2WD 4Runner with 37K miles on it. The dealer is giving me $16,500 for my trade (on which I owe $14,900), so I pretty much financially break even on the deal (approx. same monthly payments).

My concerns/questions are as follows.

Should I give up my newer lower mileage 4Runner for an older higher mileage 4Runner with the options/upgrades that I've always wanted? (Keep in mind I'm on a budget and this will be my last vehicle purchase for possibly 5 years.)

How long do 4Runners last before you have to start investing in costly repairs? Is 61K miles considered high mileage for a 1998?

Thanks in advance,
Michael.

 

personally i say 150k to 200k is high..but if you take care of it..it should last to more than that!!

 

OMG, you put on 37K miles on it in 1 year?! Assuming both 4runners will have the same problems at the same mileage, then your 2wd will last less than 1 year longer than the other one. Do you really need the 4wd? Do you really need all the other stuff you want? Are you happy with the one you own?

If you're going to off road it or use it in the snow, then I'd say go for it. If not, then there's not much need.

Just some questions you should ask yourself.

 

I'd say 200k is starting to get high as well. Toyota quality though...with routine maintenance it will run almost as well at 200k as it did when it was new.

Same as Robinhood150. If you really want/need the Ltd. features & 4WD then go for it. 61k miles is nothin & the '98 is an excellent purchase in my opinion.

Al

 

keep your 2001 do you really want those 98 cup holders

 

I say go for the trade. You want to do it and the opportunity is presenting itself. Get what you want and don't look back. I sold my last truck which was only 6mos new and traded it for my new Runner. I lost about 3.5k in the deal but I wanted the Runner and I did it. I knew that I was going to hang onto the Runner for at least 5-10 years. The only thing is that when I did it 2 years ago the economy was much better. I don't think I could wing it now. So again, if you can afford it go for it! Get what you want and don't settle for anything less.

 

Has all of the recommended maintenance
been done up through 48-60 months?

 

The price for the 98 is kind of high. You should be able to talk them down another 1 or 2 grand. Also try to get more money for yours if you do it. They will turn around and try to sell it for at least $24,000. I recently saw a 2001, 2wd advertized at $25,000. Good luck.

 

I like it! (the present one)
MAW'S wife.

 

Please disregard the previous post. My wife was playing around and I did not think she was going to submit the post. I hope she did not ruin my credibility on this board.

The only maintenance that I have done are regular oil changes and wheel rotations. Also, the high mileage is from three road trips to Yellowstone National Park and Washington state from Austin, Texas, this year. It also has a pitted windshield and frontend (very minor damage) because I did not know that you should not pass a snowplow on the right side.:pat:

 

I vote you let your wife keep the present one, and get yourself the one you want.

Then your wife can join the board too

 

The fact you are considering to get a rig 3yrs older then your current one proves that the quality of toyota is outstanding. I say go for it.