Okay, hello there. Noob user, first time post. I have wanted a 3rd gen 4Runner ever since I could drive, but have never had one. Fast forward to today, I've sold our second car and I'm green lighted to find my "Project 4Runner" ... on a slim-ish budget.

I've done more homework and research than I care to admit related to options and known issues. Today I came across a guy selling a 98 limited with 430,000+ miles on it. With an eLocker. For $3000 which is a good price point for me.

Is this just an automatic red flag if I want to put another 100k on it (at least)? Or is it feasible that the truck could still be in good shape and worth the investment with that much mileage?

This truck recently had: replaced fuel injectors, VCG, spark plugs, Idle air control, mass air flow. Also thoroughly cleaned the throttle body. Before this it got about 10 mpg and now it idles smooth and supposedly gets 17/18 mpg.

At any rate—anybody out there with a 4runner over 400k? I would really appreciate some guidance here. Besides the mileage I'm liking what I'm seeing so far.

 

Would depend on how well it is taken care of. I have a 2001 and only get about 17-19 miles per gallon and that is about right for that one in my opinion as far as gas mileage .

I would want to run a compression check and when was the timing belt last changed. Mine has 270k miles and is running strong.

 

Thanks for responding. Timing belt on this one was recently changed, it has about 2000 miles on it.

 

I look at it this way: what else can you get for $3k? At least the history of the 4runner as a general whole is strong. Parts can be found. They've been around long enough and are still on the road enough that you've got better than average chances of finding someone locally who can competently work on it (if you're into that). How's the rust factor?

 

Totally. My plan is to do all the work I can by myself. Apparently there is only surface rust, which if it checks out, I would look to sand/grind and then do a full seal/coat underneath. Because Brace Yourselves. Winter Is Coming.

 

Any reported "oh yeah, this doohicky only works when the engine is revved to 6300 and the left turn signal is on" type crap going on with it?

 

I was just looking at ads and 4Runners with 170k-220k are plentiful around here for $4900-$5900. When I looked during the winter there were none. Honestly I'd hold out for one with lower mileage. Make sure the frame is not rusty.


Here's one. I haven't looked at the Carfax or anything
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...ting=138279810

 

See if you can offer him a little less than his asking price and go for it in my opinion. You can get a low mileage engine for $1000-$1500 if you needed to in the future and then keep on trucking

 

I like this idea. All the more reason to make sure the frame is sound, amiright?

 

Yes sir. If you have a good frame, body and running gear then you can always put a new heart back in her when she gets tired

 

Myself my first offer would be $1500.00

Know going in this more then likely is going to be expensive!!!

If you have a budget of $10,000.00 for the overall project when your done you should have a decent 4 runner .

It runs decent now !!

What about all the other areas suspension, steering , brakes 400,000 miles things do wear out people have areas they tend to neglect .

if your doing all the labor yourself even the parts will add up.

Buying any vehicle you never know what surprises you will find

400,000 miles why sell now unless the boss has put Her foot down on the nickle and dime costs of several hundred a month

 

A 98 4runner, regardless of mileage will need some type of work done to it. Depending on the overall condition, I would pay no more than a max of $2000.00.

 

Unless you are a pretty good mechanic......steer clear of any 450,000 vehicle.
Any runner getting 10mpg has a major problem unless it has 36's on it and every perf mod known to man.
Steer clear........

 

the E-locker is worth a chunk of change, but if this has an automatic don't pay full asking price. you may as well brace yourself for a new engine and tranny soon. maybe it has been well cared for and driven with care, but then again... maybe they towed a 30 foot trailer everywhere they went.