3rd gen 4runner good condition (under 150000km) with fair price? or a new gens

Hello guys! i’ve just been having a hard time deciding wether to buy a 3rd gen or finance a 5th gen (Used). I want a daily and also for camping so I’m looking at 4x4’s. With intlation and interest rates being so high I kinda feel like the 5th gen is not worth financing. There’s a JDM dealership that’s got ‘98 Hilux surfs (3rd Gen) with V6 engine that has 121,000kms on it and it’s in great condition no rust since it’s gonna get imported from japan and it’s $16,000. They also offer financing but I can also cash it. Financing may be a better choice and invest the $16,000 somewhere else. But I just want to hear what you guys would do if you were in my position.

 

Why does the top of the firewall look blue? Is that the lighting playing tricks on me?

It will probably be a fine vehicle, Japanese imports are usually a good piece of mind since they don't get driven as much. To find a US vehicle with that low miles you'd have to pay more. The JDM ones also get more goodies like better climate controls, different 4wd systems, damping shocks, better spoilers, and rear mounted spares. Unfortunately this one doesn't have the diesel, which is the most appealing part imo.

Just be prepared, the JDM has a lot of other changes too(some annoying). Everything will be in Kilometers (the speedometer wont have miles at all, only kilometers), the turn signal is on the right side of the wheel, there isn't a typical VIN number (Japan uses something else), and the headlights should be replaced if they haven't (ask them because the side markers don't look JDM). There are also countless mechanical changes and different parts.

No comment on the price. I don't pay attention the JDM prices, so I can't tell you if that's good or not.

 

Yea about the 3.0 L turbo diesel. There was one the other day, I contacted them and they said it’s already been picked up. Which is sad because it was already at my location. And now I have to order one to get it imported. Are the diesels more reliable? and thanks for the reply btw. very much appreciated

 

No they aren't. It can go either way depending on how you view it. The 1KZ is more complicated since it uses DbW (only late 5vz were DbW), has a turbo, and has a more expensive and complex fuel injection. But it also doesn't have spark plugs and diesels are typically more robust blocks. Few people say it has cracked head issues, but from what I've read from overseas it seems well respected and that issue is avoidable with proper care.

The 5VZ (the one your looking at) is also extremely well liked, few head gasket issues (almost always because of poor care). Both engines use timing belts, I know for a fact the 5vz is non-interference. The 3RZ, 5VZ, and 1KZ diesel are all good engines. Each of those engines have an issue or two, but they show up in extreme cases of neglect. Also diesels cost more to maintain in the US, just fewer people with experience working on them.

The reason people like the diesels is they get better range off a tank of fuel, and that's a big deal since many people build these to be driven off into the wilderness. More range means you have to carry less fuel, which means more space for other stuff and weight savings. Diesels lose less range when weighed down too. There is also an exclusivity factor since the diesels weren't sold here and everyone lusts after what they cant have. Also don't have to worry about the feds raising the ethanol content of your fuel.