Hey guys on new to the site. I'm thinking about purchasing a 97 or 98 4runner with the 3.4l engine. It has semi high miles on it. Like 180000 and on wondering if it would be a waste of money and if I would be dumping a bunch of money into it. Also if there's things I would need to be looking for when I check it out. I currently have a 00 Nissan xterra with low miles and its in good running condition. From what I've read and heard about the xterra is they are great motors and have very little issues so I don't wanna screw myself but I've been dying to get another 4runner for a long time now. I previously had a 93 runner with a 22re and never should have parted with it. But you live you learn right. So now that you know my situation any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

I love Nissan, I had an 06 Frontier. They produce some killer engines that double up with reliability alongside toyota. I can only speak for the VQ40, but that thing was well into 100k on its way to 200k without anything other than normal maintenance required. I have heard good and bad about the older turbo'd blocks but if I were you, I would keep the Nissan.

...they are just not as COOL as a toy

 

180k is a fair amount of miles. You have to wonder then, will the water pump last? Timing belts? Valves? Electrical issues? What you save in initial cost you pay in repairs.

Low mileage is always better than high mileage. I would just be patient and see what turns up.