Originally Posted by vm7118

So, my dad purchased a 1998 3.4l V6 4runner SR5, 5 speed manual tranny, back in January. I'm not new to toyotas, used to drive a 2005 scion tc, but I am new to 4runners. The tc had to go (was leased), and he set me up with the 4runner to replace it, and I gotta say that I'm extremely happy. I love this thing, so much more than I ever did the scion. The tc was cute I guess, but this is my baby.

Anyway, it was purchased in Jan '07 with 112k miles on it. I changed the oil myself, and then drove it until now, and it currently is sitting at about 121k. I know I should have taken it to get looked at, but I have been low on cash. Also, it was bought from a dealership (Honda) so although you are never guaranteed anything with a used car, I crossed my fingers hoping there was no immediate work required, because I simply didn't have the time or the money.

But now I do, and I plan on taking it to my toyota dealership next week (they are very good to me). What should I get checked out? What, if any, are the common problems with 3rd gen 4runners hitting 120k miles?

And after this service trip, how should I keep it maintained? Anything specific I should worry about in the future? What kind of oil (dino vs. synthetic, what brand oil/filters do people like around here)?

The car was in great condition. Tires all match and have good tread remaining (less than half worn, so they were replaced relatively recently), clutch is smooth and catches nicely, no visible rust, paint is good and looks original, clean carfax, so I'm assuming the previous owners (there have been 2) kept at least decent care of it, but I want to pamper it. Let me know what I should do as a proud new owner of what is basically my dream car. I want this thing to last me forever.

Thanks!!

EDIT: Forgot to mention a couple things. I am a 20 yr old college student, and yes, I paid for the car. Dad bought it from Honda dealership in PA for 7800, I got it from him at 7k. Didn't want to come across as a brat

And an issue... sometimes when I go over a minor bump, there seems to be a clunking near the driver side front tire, maybe suspension related? It doesn't seem to happen at higher speeds, although that could be because I'm not usually driving very fast when I hit a bump. I just seem to hear it more at lower speeds, even if the bump isn't anything major at all (could be as slight as a concrete road joint). It also seems to be more noticable when I have the clutch depressed. There's a slight chance I'm making that up, but I don't think so. Can't hear it from the passenger side, although it's not loud enough to resonate throughout the car so maybe it's just too quiet. Any idea what it might be, or what I should ask the dealership to look at? Thanks again. And sorry about such a huge post.