I'm looking at a 97 4runner limited with 122000. What should I know about factory recalls if any, and any other advice about buying this suv? Trying to be 1st time owner.

 

Read this:

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/u...ex.cfm/id/2243

and more to find out here for recalls on any vehicle:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...callsearch.cfm

So endeth the lesson...

 

what is the history on the vehicle? are you buying it from the original owner? 2nd owner? dealership?

what is the physical and mechanical appearance like? have it looked at by a mechanic.

 

I will hyjack since there was never a response I'm looking at 96-99 4runners since I'm graduating and my 87 is on its way out. If I were buying another 1st gen I'd know every spot to look at, but where are the secrets hidden on a 3rd Gen?

How do you take it to a mechanic it's not close to your usual place, or if you don't have one?

Thanks Guys,

Erich

 

This will be next door to useless since I can't remember the details off the top of my head.

Some of the 96's had a couple mechanical issues (recalls?) that needed taking care of. Look those up.

The 96-98 had inferior headlamps to the 99+, and inferior center console/cupholder design, but those are pretty minor (and replaceable!)

The ground clearance eroded slightly (I think) around 98 or so (?).

Aside from the issues with the 96, the 3rd gens are fundamentally bomb-proof, barring the vehicle coming from the rust belt or something like that.

I don't believe there were any chronic problems with 3rd gen 4runners, if that helps.

blah. blah, blah, my opinon only, blah, blah, blah.

 

Naww, it's down the street Thanks for the tips I realize that a newer vehicle is not going to show many signs of wear unless it was trashed . It takes a while for not changing the oil or running it into the ground to show.

Still, anything mechanical I should eye ball, shake, smell?

Erich

 

I have a '97 4Runner, and I have not had one single problem with it since I bought it (knock on wood).

I remember getting a recall notice for headgaskets, but it turned out that my truck was new enough that it didn't fall into the category of 'Runners with the problem. It was supposedly only '96's and early '97's.

I also received a notice to have the rear coil springs replaced, which I had done.
After the coil spring swap, I wished I hadn't had the swap performed. The axle articulation was impaired with the new coil springs, compared to what it was previously.

I have been very pleased with the truck overall. I thought about getting a new 'Runner, but I just haven't been able to justify getting a new one when my old 'Runner still works great.

 

Well, my problems to date have been:
replaced the starter (shortly after buying it at 80,000 miles)
replaced the antenna mast twice

If you're looking at one that is already mod'ed, if lifted, check out the CV area for leaks and such. others will chime in with their experiences, I'm sure.

 

I just bought a '97 Limited myself, and altho I haven't had a chance to really test it out, so far it KICKS ASS! I test drove '00 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ford Explorers, and I currently drive a 1st gen 2 door Ford Explorer. I must say, I wasn't entirely impressed with those cars, but I liked mine (even with it's quirks, lumbering ride and bad handling). After test driving a 4runner in my price range, even tho it's a few years older, it rides and handles beautifully. WAY better than any Grand Cherokee or Explorer, with great resale and reliability to boot! My wife HATED driving my Explorer, but she LOVES driving my 4Runner! Waitaminit... is that a good thing?!?!?

 

Whats the acceptable milage on a 97? 80,000? 90,000? >100,000?

Erich

 

not sure how to answer that... median mileage for a 9 yr old vehicle is probably around 135,000. Mine has 105K. Obviously the lower you can go, the better. Probably ought to look for 100 and low change, then you'll get a long life out of it!

 

You should figure that a person typically puts on 15k per year.
....I'll let you do the math on that.

 

Got it, thanks

Erich

 

SR4U,
How much are you looking to spend?
Would an '01 be totally out of your price range?

 

$13,000 is my max budget right now. I've been pricing, and an 01' is too rich for my blood right now.

Erich

 

So I'm still on the hunt for a 97-99 4runner. I just looked at a friend’s sister’s 97 limited, and it’s sweet! That’s just an update I guess

My question is where does the Kelly Blue Book's quote (person to person) fall in the real world? Is it average? If I got one for Blue Book would it be a miracle of haggling?

Here's an example. This 99 limited is at some used car place. They want $18,170.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=en&cardist=17

From the info they list, Kelly Blue Book puts it at $14,345. How close do you think I could get to this?

Thanks for your insight.

Erich

 

If you want to compare changes year to year then go here for the best info:

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist3.html

 

Yeah, I've read that when was still deciding between 2nd or 3rd gen.

What I'm wondering now is how likley is it to get a rig near Kelly Blue Books listing price. (see above post for example vehicle)

Thanks,

Erich

 

I would look at Edmunds.com, look at the TMV (true market value) for private party and aim for that price. Prices can be negotiated down.

 

[QUOTE=02SE]
I also received a notice to have the rear coil springs replaced, which I had done.
After the coil spring swap, I wished I hadn't had the swap performed. The axle articulation was impaired with the new coil springs, compared to what it was previously.

QUOTE]

I had this done as well, right before I lifted it. If you find one that hasn't had this particular recall attended to, I would not worry about it. Kind of waste of time in my opinion. My antennae is stuck in the up position and my starter just went bad, but that is all that has gone wrong. It's got 90k on it. Compare the prices of several in your area. It's only worth what someone will pay, regardless of how much hes asking for it. 18 seems a bit much I think, unless it has a locker and 10k miles on it.