1st 4RUNNER (3rd Gen) and I STOLE IT!

Hi Folks,

(New here and located in Nebraska)
I just picked up this 98' for $3300. I have always loved the 3rd gen and finally found one at the price point and condition I was looking for. Why so cheap you ask...Check engine, ABS and spedo not working. The solution to that problem 7 dollars and couple fuses. No check engine lights and runs like a champ now. Obviously there are a couple other things that need work but those were the main reasons why the price was so ridiculous. I will be doing a ton of mods and preservation techniques as these are harder and harder to come by in good condition. One note check out how clean the engine bay is. The carfax had 68 records and 3 owners. I'm in Nebraska but the Runner spent most of its life up to 2013 in AZ. The timing belt was done in 2009 and the front diff has been replaced twice since it was originally bought. As far as I can tell the suspension is stock and original. Maybe someone can verify based on the rear springs. The frame is in ok condition rust wise but I plan on doing a rust removal and anti rust coating. The rocker panels are the only thing that really need any body work as far as I can tell. Let me know what you guys think. Godd Deal? Bad Deal? All Comments Welcome...

 

The rust looks about right for Nebrahoma, not AZ.

For a second there I thought you were gonna say you got a “steal” for “only $20,000” like some people around here are paying.

 

Welcome from Arizona!
Looks like you did well. Check that rust carefully and don't let it get any worse.

 

Yup, yup thanks! and it will be handled this coming month.

 

Congratulations from Virginia I have secretly always liked the 3rd gens.

 

Hello! Thank you, thank you!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Nice find, some 'scale' on the underside, but frame appears to be solid?

 

I think you can safely declare that a steal even though you did not give the miles. I would indeed go after that rocker panel rust. The surface rust on the frame is nothing. I went with a professional New Hampshire Oil undercoating and am very happy with it.

 

Thank you. All scale as far as I can tell. I will be doing a documented descale and antirust treatment. Yes it took me over a year to find "the one'.

 

201k miles. Considering the ODO was not working with and ABS Light, and Check engine light which was fixed with a fuse based on the CARFAX records I can assume the max "actual" mileage could be 240Kish which is probably a gross overestimate. I might look into New Hampshire Oil Undercoating as I am unaware of that treatment. Did you do a descale first? I will document my rocker panel process.

 

The shop I went to had 2 levels of descaling: one for nasty rust that takes all day and another for “not so bad” rust that takes about an hour. I qualified for the not so bad as would you.