Reptile Christ

Hello Yotatech members!

My name is Dan and as of several hours ago, I am the proud owner of a 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5.

My 1995 Acura Integra would crank but wouldn't fire (something did not sound "right" when trying to start it) Upon further testing and inspecting, I come to find that there is no compression on two of the 4 cylinders. That being said, I'm going to sell it for what I can and move on!

I've loved Toyotas for a few years now, but this is the first one I've owned. I live in MN and, several years ago, was trying to find a solid 3rd gen Tacoma. The issues I ran into were: A) living in MN, almost all Tacomas have pretty bad frame rust which means I'd have to travel out of state to buy one, and B) They hold their value so well and were often out of my price range. (side-note, I am aware that Toyota "covers" the frame rust issue so it mainly came down to price range)


I found this 1997 4Runner just browsing through some of the local car dealerships... in fact, I drove right past it the first time through. It has 107k miles on it, is a one-owner vehicle, and is in beautiful shape! I was able to add the VIN to "My Vehicles" on Toyota.com and obtain service records since it was serviced at a Toyota shop. The previous owner took EXCELLENT care of this thing so I feel very lucky to have found it.

I would just like to introduce myself and say hi.

I will get some pics uploaded soon

98SR54RUNNER

iTrader: (1)

Welcome to YotaTech!

That sounds pretty awesome, now I'm itching to see some pictures. A 1997 with 107K original miles?! That's a damn good find. Obviously we're a little biased around here, but you're going to love the 4Runner!

If you don't mind sharing, how much did it set you back? Don't feel like you have to share, just curious at how much a 4Runner with that low of mileage went for, seeing as how they do hold their value pretty well.

Do some looking around here at the modifications people have done and maybe you'll get inspired. This is a good place to start if you're curious:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/a...s-most-113806/

Anyway, welcome and congrats!

Skidmarcx

Grats on your purchase!

snowshredder555

Welcome to YotaTech and congratulations! Now post some pics. Being a 3rd gen owner myself and having previously owned a 2nd gen, I will say I like the 3rd gen better. Maybe I'm biased because it the famous 3.slow...gotta love the 3.4L.

Reptile Christ

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! I will get pics up tonight IF I'm home from work early enough and it's still light out (crossing my fingers, expect pics tomorrow morning if not tonight).

@ 98SR54RUNNER -- I couldn't believe the low original miles! Finding the immaculate service history was just icing on the cake... It set me back $6700 which is basically bluebook value. After comparing to others in the area, it was a fair price, and the only one with under 150k miles.

@snowshredder555 -- I will get some pics ASAP! Also, I looked through your '97 Build thread. You do some great work and it's certainly inspirational. I will definitely look through it again for ideas/advice.

Reptile Christ

+


Edit: MSPaint skills currently NOT for hire.

98SR54RUNNER

iTrader: (1)

Wow. Yeah, that's a fair price for that indeed. Especially with that service history. You can plan on getting another 100K easily, for that price, that's cheap mileage. Congrats! Excited to see the pics. Get some of the interior if you can, I bet it's clean!

HighLux

Nice runner. Good miles on a 97. Consider looking into the timing belt. Probably time.

Reptile Christ

Thx for the tip. According to the service records, the t-belt, amongst other maintenance items, was done at 65k miles. So I'll probably drive it for a bit before I address that.

HighLux

Wow at 65k. You must of got one of those retired engineer's toyotas I speak of from time to time. Those anal retentive list making by the book dream owners.

Excellent.

98SR54RUNNER

iTrader: (1)

I did mine at 60k, then again at 120k, and almost did it again at 182k before I just did the swap and got a 90k mile motor. I thought everybody did the timing belt/water pump every 60k?

snowshredder555

No problem and thanks for the kind words as well. I'm sub'd so looking forward to see which direction you go.

y2kltdsport

iTrader: (1)

welcome aboard, nice find, I'm also from MN, and found a similar deal on my 2000 ltd, found it down in Lacrosse, 1 owner all service records by the "book" it was incredible , every oil change ,fluid change etc. mine had
110K on it, pd. 13000 truck was mint, I currently have 320,000 trouble free miles, hope you have the same good fortune

Renaud33

I believe the book recommends it at 75K or 80K. I have 160K on mine and the timing chain/water pump have been done once. It is way over due.

Reptile Christ

Thanks a lot man, is your rig the one in your avatar? Looks like you've put some blood, sweat, and tears into her! Looks really nice.

If you've got any recommendations for places to go wheeling in MN, please let me know. It's something I'll start researching soon but I'm hoping to become somewhat of a weekend-warrior with my new Runner.

y2kltdsport

iTrader: (1)

no not my rig, thought it looked tough


My rig

5runner

congrats!!! well working on, driving, and playing with your 4runner is kinda like drugs....you can not stop!