Hi all,

Been a while since I've been on here, moved and haven't had time to work on my vehicles much.

I'm currently giving away my 91 Pickup and purchasing a 3rd gen 4Runner. One of them showed up in the Bay Area that caught my eye (no stealing please!):

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/4680889549.html

Short description: it's a 98 with 116k miles for $7250. Looks like it's in really good shape. Not a 5-speed .

This is located in the SF Bay Area, so prices tend to run a bit high, but not as high as the Sacramento/Sierras since they are in high demand out here. The average price for a 4Runner around here is 5k-6k with about 200k miles.

Based on your experiences, is this a good deal? I'm looking for a vehicle that will last me a long time that is in good shape, so this fits the bill. Question is do you think it's worth it?

 

Nice. Got E-locker??

 

No e-locker. I'm not a heavy off-roader, but I do hit snow at times w/ chain control and enjoy taking it off-road on camping trips.

 

Seems kinda high to me, but I'm across the US. I'd at least wait for one with a e-locker, though that can always be added

 

Looks like a nice clean, low mileage truck.
The ones I see around here in AZ are usually $4-5.5 grand with 200,000+ miles.
Living where the sun is like a death-ray, I am partial to white cars and trucks.
I'd like it better with a 5-speed and E-locker, but its' not a perfect world.
If you wave greenbacks at him, maybe he'll come down a bit.

 

If you're not in hurry I'd hold out for what you want. It took me about a year to find my 96 4runner 5 speed. Had one of the local shops (bay area) add an e-locker and now it is pretty much good to go.
If you can't wait make sure the timing belt and water pump have been done. And if you want to have Toyota only shop take a look at it for you send me a PM and I'll hook you up.

 

That's a very good deal.

Very clean.

Low miles for that model year.

If its not rusty its worth every dollar.

 

Offer them $6500 and don't look back once you have a trusted mechanic go over it!

 

Thanks for the input guys. Unfortunately it sold already (didn't even last a day!). I'll guess I'll hold out for a manual then haha.

 

Anything nice will go fast.

Anything cheap will go fast.

Anything cheap and nice is already gone before you call.

He who hesitates will buy no Toyota.

 

I looked for 7-8 months to find my 97(119K miles, very clean, zero rust, light color, no sunroof) here in the L.A. area, although I looked as far as Oregon and Phoenix throughout that time.

 

When something like what you want comes up you most often need to make a quick decision .

It is not fun when a 12 hour work day is normal.

Just remember the whole timing belt issue some people push it off till 120,000 miles plus something to always think about when looking at prices.

Best of luck.

 

Yeah, I wasn't quick enough.

On the bright side, another SC'd 98 showed up that I'm REALLY interested in, no sense in asking if it's a good deal though since it's exactly what I'm looking for. Hoping it works out, then I'll be joining you all on this side of the fence (I normally live in the 89-95 Yotas sections).