Hello all yota fans:
Posted a message a year ago or so asking if I should buy a colleagues 98 Runner. In the end guy decided not to sell. Called me today to see if I was still interested. 1998 4Runner has 100K miles, clean, MANUAL TRANS!! No aftermarket equiptment. Asking @ $8K but may negotiate.

My '95 Runner has 190K miles and runs GREAAAAT!! However, body starting to show age. My '95 gets decent MPG (18+) for a 2nd gen. Have some aftermarket upgardes including Downeys and Bils. Have considered, in a few months, to take my wifes Honda Pilot and buy a minivan for her and kid(s?). Not sure if I want to grow up yet. Will miss the 4Runner community.

Any advice on 3rd gens compared to 2nds in regards to performance, MPG, reliability. Like my current ride but could be an opportunity to upgradre if price is right. Thanks for any input.

 

Well, you'll be able to sell your 4Runner for pretty darn close to the price of that '98 (within a couple thou anyway), so it all depends on how much you like the newer one I guess. Odds are you will be able to find a 3rd gen when you want one though, so I wouldn't worry about trying to "pounce on the opportunity" because you're afraid you won't be able to find a good deal again.

Does it have a rear locker? Is it an SR5? What kind of options? It seems pretty cheap so if its in good condition does that mean it pretty much a base model with no options? 4WD?

It sounds like you're pretty happy with your '95 right now, maybe you should just hang on to it

 

well...if you dont end up going for your coworker's 4runner im interested!

think it over and decide exactly what your needs are and what you are going to be doing with the vehicle..pick something youll enjoy!

 

If he's done the maintainance and changed the timing belt, water pump and drive belts and its a 4wd and a sr5 or limited then I would say yes.

 

its a manual. around here in cali those seem hard to find. i searched auto trader and most are from 1000miles to 2000+miles away from me!

 

I really liked my 2nd gen 3.0 5-speed, but like my 3rd gen 3.4 5-speed even more. More power, better mileage, nicer ride, factory rear e-locker and I really like the look of the 3rd gens. The only downside is it's missing the voltmeter and oil pressure gauges that my 2nd gen had and the seats lose the adjustable side bolsters that I always liked. One other item worth mentioning is the 3.4's engine bay is much less cramped than the 3.0s', making it easier to service.

 

^ pretty much what i would of said ^

 

For the most part the 3rd gens are all around better than the 2nd gens. Better more reliable engines, more interior room, and better MPG. But I don't think I would bother upgrading from an 11 year old truck to a 8 year old truck.

 

[QUOTE=89macrunner]well...if you dont end up going for your coworker's 4runner im interested!

Decided against buying the '98. No locker, smoke odor. Will stick w/ my '95 for now. 10K away from the big 200K mile(stone).

Seller is in Carroll County, MD if anyone interested.

 

Damn that's a deal. Buy it!