Value of 3rd gen

Hello, I see many 3rd gen 4Runners with 250-300k miles for sale advertised as well maintained in great condition for around 5-6k$. Does this seem about right? I have not been shopping for a new used vehicle in a while so maybe I’m
out of the loop. I know these trucks hold their value. Just thought they would be in the 3-4K range.

 

Out here in Central Oregon, most are advertised for $6500-15,000. We have looked at a number of them, several had salvage titles. One for $7500, described as good condition, needed enough I wouldn't have taken it as a gift. We finally found a 97, super well maintained by a pro helicopter mechanic who took maintenance seriously. Other than the driver's seat (not bad), there is virtually no visible wear anywhere, and were very happy to get it for $7000.

 

A lot depends on where you're looking. Here in Ohio, the road-salt winters are rough on the frames due to rust. I had a 2001 that was in great condition mechanically, but rust literally broke it. The 3.4 engine is almost legendary for its reliability and durability, as is the transmission, and mine was that good. So in the midwest, the frame is the determining factor. If it's solid and has very little rust, you're halfway there - maybe that one wasn't driven in salt or was treated with a preventative regularly. If there's a lot of rust, move on. Many folks on here who are determined to get a good one are willing to travel hundreds of miles to get one that hasn't seen salt. IMO, that's worth the trip. But usually, those people know what they have, and you'll pay decent money for a good one.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I’m looking at this , clean, well maintained, 2nd owner, mostly highway miles, BFG tires, V6, 2WD, tow package, 314,000 miles. in California, $5,500 OBO. The pictures look good. If this truck is just what the advertisement says, im getting the feeling from your feedback that the price is right?

 

If it passes inspection and smogs and has no structural rust. Minimum seems to be $5k for a 3rd gen.

 

Around Klamath Falls and central Oregon, 2wd rigs are way cheaper than 4wd, we do get real winters here (most years). Of those I saw while we were searching, most were about $2000 less than the same condition 4wd. We searched until we found one under 220,000 miles, hoping to find under 200,000, but saw very few, and they were overpriced, mostly $15K+.

 

between 5-10k...of course, as noted in previous posts, R-U-S-T..especially underneath. ..and how well taken care of, the 3rd gen that would be for sale.

 

Thanks for all the input. Definitely helps. I’m sure I will have more questions when I see some of these up close and personal.

 

Hello, looking at this 2000 sr5 4 runner. 2wd, Looks to be in great condition. Current owner bought it with 40000 miles, now has 315000. Supposedly excellent maintenance and records. Asking price is reasonable. Owner said that at around 70mph, the rear end starts making a “humming noise”. Said he researched it and found that it is a common occurrence with these 4 runners. But it is a non issue. Anybody have any thoughts?

 

It's not common at all. That's BS. Seller probably knows it's the rear diff and that's why he hasn't fixed it. You could check the u joints and maybe one is going bad but they usually don't whine. Might be bad wheel bearings. You could check that.

Best thing to do is to take it in to a mechanic for a full inspection.

 

BFG tires asd no value; that's the equivalent of saying "it comes with tires"

For 2WD, that's a steep price still.

 

Mine is insured full coverage $15k.

 

I believe the price in the south is higher because the dry weather and more flat terrain, better highways. They can be jewels