Did a search and nothing came up, figured we could use a kind of database thread with everyones comments on what they paid for their runner, and what condition, mileage, options etc it came with. All the 4runners in my area are ridiculously priced over blue book private values (well above the "excellent" condition values) and usually in the retail value range or higher. Its disconscerting, and im interested to see what you guys consider a "good deal"!

Thanks!

Alex

 

I bought a 97 4Runner SR5 in Portland with 90,000 miles on it for $11,700 on Dec. 31, 2003. I had the same experience as you--very high prices, expecially in the Seattle area (Portland seemed a little more reasonable, but barely). My 4Runner came from a wholesaler, was a one owner (female) rig, super clean Carfax, no trailer hitch (i.e., no trailer pulling), no accidents, etc. It is in great shape and looks like it was babied. It's a 4X4, V6, 3.4, automatic with air, cloth, etc. It's Desert Dune and looks like it was garaged its whole life. The original sticker price was $33,600, so just over eleven grand seemed like a good deal ...

Good luck shopping,

--Guinness

 

Never bought a 3rd gen but for the prices I have seen used 3rd Gens listed at I would really consider a different car or a new 4Runner, just to give you an idea here in Jersey their are about 5, 2000 loaded SR5's with 60k on them with a sticker price of 20-22k the Limiteds they have with 40k on them are priced at 24-26k, the dealer has V8 2004 SR5 for 32k

Also if you live in a nice area you may wanna look in the autotrader and see if anyone is trying to sell their trucks privately or take a take a venture into an area where everyone does not drive brand new cars and you will find older models, the richer areas you don't find cars older then 3-5 years max just how it is but have a tech look over the car, my friend just bought a 02 max and found out it had no airbags

 

I bought my '97 Limited in August of 2002 for about $36,000cdn. It came with every option you can think of including the rear locker. It had 80,000km on the odometer. I think I paid a good price for the 3rd gen.

 

I bought my 98 Limited 2 1/2 years ago with 28k miles. It was in perfect condition. I paid $21k.

 

Just picked me up a '99 LTD in excellent shape w/ 109k & E-locker for $13,500, my bank booked it at $18,900. I was in the same boat as you, finding a good price in WA is difficult, you'll have to be willing to travel. I spent a godd 40 - 60 hour on ebay, autotrader, cars.com, etc trying to find a deal.

What's really funny is that I got it at Lexus of Portland (found it listed on autotrader), the basic impression I got from them is that it wasn't good enough for their lot , so they were just shipping it off to auction. They immediately offered whole sale price if I was willing to make the 800 mile round trip to check it out.

The miles are a bit high, but ˟˟˟˟˟ its a Toyota , even if it needs a new motor in 3 - 8 years, still a hell of a deal IMHO.

 

I paid $22K for my 2000 SR5 in December 2001. I'm happy with what I paid.

G

 

I paid mine 96 sr5 4wd with 86k in August 2003 for $8700 in excellent condition. It only comes with a manik brushguard and running board. I replaced all 4 tires when I got it. I guess it is still a pretty good deal!!

 

That is the kind of deal I am looking for on my next one!!!

I got my 96 back in 1998 for $23,500....my bank had it down for $28,500....what a steal!
Got it from a guy that was selling it cause he was given a company car.
Next one will be a high mileage one....it's a Toyota for Pete sakes....they are just warming it up for ya!

 

i bought my 96 limited a year ago at an acura dealership for 18k... it had 78k miles and was in perfect condition, as it wasnt used ever ecxept for highway travel... some really rich people owned it before me, because the old insurance paper was in the car and they had jag, mercedes, hummer H1, and a beemer.... i guess it was thier ˟˟˟˟ car hahah... but it came with the elocker.....

 

I bought my 2000 for $21k in Sept. 2002 (SR5 5Spd 32k mi.). Sold it a couple months ago for $19k and bought my 2004 Limited Tacoma D-cab for $23.9k.

 

1999 SR5 4x4 with 32,000 and excellent condition. Bought it in Nov of 2002. $19,500.

 

I bought my 2001 SR5 4runner 4x4 with 61K..this rig was SUPER nice looked brand new and the engine looked like it was just off the show room. It was certified used. I spent $19,400 in Nov. 2003

 

I got mine in August 2002. Paid 16.5, 63k miles, new tires, gangstered rims. good deal I think.

 

I got my 1997 SR5 4x4 in September 03. 153k miles. Spotless! Sticker price was $12999, paid $9600. This goes to show that you should never let the sticker price scare you off! I think I got a decent deal, it had new tires and such. I prolly could have gone a little bit lower. I bet the trade in was $5k.

 

I bought my '98, with 63K miles, about 2 months ago and paid 15K out the door. If I hadn't done it through a dealer it would have been about 13300.

options: auto, 3.4, 4x4, sunroof, alarm/keyless, larger tire package, tow hitch/package, rear cargo carpet mat...

Pretty nice for the price. Other 4runners around here were closer to 18/19K with similar miles. Also a lot of them had lots of miles, no 4x4, and were lowered, or otherwise ruined. I hate FL!

 

I bought my 97 with 48,000 miles for $19K in December 2001.

 

Bought mine in April 2002 for about $15,500 (traded a '00 Xterra 2wd V6, which they gave me $14,500 for on paper, plus $1000 cash-the Xterra had major problems). The 4Runner I got is a '99 SR5 V6 4x4 5spd and had 55k miles with a sunroof and leather. It also had a complete service history at the dealer right down to the tire rotation.

 

Bought my 96' SR5 2 years ago 112k. Came with Diff Locker new- tires, windshield, and timing belt. Wrote a check for $10,200 to cover everything.

 

Got my 98 limited 4x4 fully loaded including locker with about 55k for about $17500 about a year ago. Took me months fo find the right one with everything I wanted on it. Wasnt going to settle for just anything and drove all over the place checking out runners but it pays to be patient. Almost settled for something that I was kinda happy with but that fell through (luckily) and a few weeks later I ended up with my runner.