Hello again: Thanks to all who sent feedback on the Downey coils and Bils shocks. Had them installed on the 95 runner about a month ago. Love the ride and improved stance.

Now, here is my new dilemma: I may have an opportunity to pick up a 98 Runner for $10K. Truck has 85k miles and appears to be in excellent condition. My 95 has 150K miles and runs great. However would like to have the increased HP and safety features (ABS / Airbags) on the 98. I figure I can get about $6K for the 95. I have been looking at the new trucks lateley, especially the 2Cab Tundra, knowing that I will need something in about 2 years if I stay w/ the 95. Anyone have any feedback on 98 Runners? Any reliabilty concerns. Again the 95 runs great. I don't want to get into a new vehickle w/ issues when mine aint broke. However the 98 could give me more time to wait for the 285 HP engines I hear will be out soon.

 

if the 98 is in good condition, thats a great price. just make sure its in as good condition as you think!

there aren't really any major issues with regard to reliability concerns, they pretty much took care of the 96/early 97 issues by the time the 98's rolled out.

i'd say go for it if youre in love

 

I love my '98 and the only way someone will take it away from me is from my cold, dead hands...

In all seriousness, I've never had any major issues with my '98. I can't remember if the 98's had that rear sag problem, so you may want to check to see if that's been done.

In general, I think 4Runner owners care more about their vehicle condition as evidenced by this awesome forum.

You can't go wrong either way because inevitably you'd probably upgrade that 98 as well.

Good luck!

 

Go for it.
For $4k you get better looks, more power, better gas mileage, and a dependable engine that does not suffer from chronic head gasket failures.
How can you go wrong?

 

Yeah, but like someone mentioned be very cautious. That is a really good price (assuming it is 4WD, etc). To put it into perspective, I am selling a 96 with 89K miles perfectly maintained by the dealer for $10,500. So the 98 is a good deal, assuming someone took care of it.

Carfax it for sure.

 

i like my used 98 better than my new 99 that i bought years ago. though the 99 was a 2wd, something about not having the little quirks that the 98 doesnt have makes me like it even more

the only thing is the rear supsension tsb...forget waht it was. otherwise, its been a great used vehicle.

definitely check it out w/ an expereinced mechanic. at that mileage, you'll have to get the timing belt, waterpump, and possibly the thermostat changed out. thats about $500-600, depending where you go. that should include allthe drive belts too.

check in the maintenance section for the maintenance engine. that will give you a list of things you need to do at that mileage interval.

carfax too, yes.

bob

 

Or just buy my 96.

 

Sounds like a good deal as long as it is in good running condition.
If so, then I recommend you jump on it! 3rd gens rule!

 

The spring recall was only necessary on the 2wd models, they just did it on all of them to avoid confusion. Something about loss of control when towing.

I love my 98 BTW

 

I don't know about that part... it saddens me, but in my opinion Toyota's are getting uglier. 3rd gen is as new as I'd go, but I think the 1st and 2nd gens looked the best.

 

Agreed, with a couple of small exceptions....The 2nd and 3rd gen are the prettiest. 1st gens with solid axles are probably the gutsiest but not very pretty.

Go for it...your 95 is getting up there in miles and sooner or later the 3.0 will die with either a thrown rod or a leaky headgasket. It'll cost you at least $2k to get it rebuilt.

 

Just curious where you heard this? The 2WD recall is only one part replacement while on the 4WD they replace 2 seperate parts (bump stops and springs).

I apologize if I am misinterpreting your post.

 

Get the 98, you won't regret it. More power, supercharger option, roomier, safer, and (in my opinion)better looking. Can't beat that for $4K more (assuming the car checks out ok). Unless it was abused, in an accident, or not maintained, it's a Toyota, you shouldn't have any reliability issues.

 

Thanks to all for the great input on the 98 Runner. I definitley want to upgrade. However will miss the 95. Its been a great truck and still runs strong, but making the switch will have many advantages. The 98 is also a manual tranny, just like my 95. It seems the 3rd gens have more mod options as well.

 

Heck yeah! Do it!

 

Our 99 has been the most fun I have had on 4 wheels so far. Do it!

 

wait, are you selling the rig in your avatar??

 

You talking to me? If yes, no. It's another one I bought for axle swap purposes.

 

other then the safety features and bigger engine... what other things does the 98 have over the 95?
if the 95 is fully loaded and the 98 is a base edition... I would keep the 95. BUT if the 98 has the same if not more I would deff. get the 98.