First off, been a while since I posted. I so want to say thanks to all who helped with my 22r engine problems last year with advice. All is well with that. Now, more advice, I am looking to buy a '98 4Runner Limited with 126,000 miles. Excellent condition. Has not had timing chain. What should I look for with this many miles. Not familiar with the 6cyl. Asking price $9000. Good ... bad price .. comments ? Thanks.


ES

 

Thats a great price. I just bought my '98 limited for $11,000.

Take it to a mechanic and see what they say.

 

Prices vary depending on where you live.

I bought my 97 Limited with 168k for $6600. In VERY good condition. Well maintained, had timing belt changed at 70k.

 

I bought my once pristine 97 with 95k miles on it for 7,000.

 

I bought mine a few months ago 97 w 196k, brand new BFG 265s a/ts,near perfect condition w leather sunroof all power. T belt changed got it for 5000

 

That seems a little steep for a 98. Just depends on location.
They appear to go for a lot more in the NW than here in the SE.

 

2 years ago I bought my 98 SR5 fully loaded with 95K for $8300 from a Nissan dealer. Check out www.kbb.com & see what the prices are in your area for that model.

Timing belt on the 98s are due every 60k. With 126K miles, you may consider replacing the waterpump, hoses, & accessory belts while you're in there.

As a side note, I replaced the fuel filter on my 98 & it ran noticeably better.
I love my 98, good luck & show us pictures of whatever you get!

 

One of the common faults(other than the starter contacts!) is the rear axle seals-inner and outer. Look and smell for gear oil on the the back of the hubs.

 

My 98 was a bit spendy, bought a year ago, SR5 122,000 $10,700. Had the t-belt done and radiator replaced, all other maintenance had been done. Interior was perfect, no leaks, rattles or noises. I have done some upgrades to it since I bought it and still more to go. Good luck, and you'll be back here to find out the things you are going to want to do to it, one of the first will be to do the cup holder mod! I did a write up on it as well as a few other little add ons!

Some things I would look for, check the drive line boots for damage, dents to the under carriage, skid plates. Seals as mentioned, 4x4 shifts as intended. Take it on a dirt road and engage the 4wd and do lock to lock turns to listen for clunks, pings shaking etc. DO NOT try this on pavement. This drive system uses a switch to determine 4wd status and you want to be sure the switch picks up and 4wd engages properly. Check tires for uneven wear on the fronts, either inside or outside wear. Pretty much everything else is common sense and if you can get your mechanic to check it out, well worth the $40 bucks or so to have it gone over first. also another thing to do if you can get them is pull the VIN and run it through the local Toyota dealer to see if it has all the recalls done, any significant maintenance performed etc.

 

Utah has some of the highest prices for SUV's. I bought a 98 Limited 2 years ago for $10k. That was with 100k miles, great condition and with a supercharger.

I think you can do better than $9k for that. 4Runner prices have been dropping lately due to the gas prices (SUV's in general). Use that to negotiate.

But if you really want it, then price becomes a bit less relevant.

 

Bought my 02 4x4 SR5 runner about a week ago. 140,000 miles, but well maintained. loaded except for leather. Power sunroof included. t-belt changed. $8800

 

i got my 98 SR5 V6 manual 4wd with just over 100k on the clock for 7 thousand.... in great shape. I's say that price seems a tad high

 

In January I got my 97 SR5 V6 4wd auto with 165k miles for $3700. I put in 1k so far for timing belt, water pump, drive belts, and all the other routine maintenance items. See if you can negotiate the price, and use the cost of the timing belt as leverage. Good Luck!!!!