3rd Gen Value?

Hey everyone! As the 3rd gen starts to age enough to become considered for classic insurance coverage I'm considering restoring a 97. I'm curious as to what value I can expect after said and done. I've seen 100k original mile examples listed in the 12k ballpark on ebay and craigslist. Say I were to use quality aftermarket parts for the suspension and externals on the motor will that dramatically hurt value when done?

Goal would be to throw in new/reman motor and tranny and completely redo suspension and any aging interior parts..... This is more a project for myself but I'm trying to figure what the value will be when said and done so any input would be greatly appreciated!

Also I'm not 100% set yet on the 97 so if anyone can suggest a different model or year I'm open to listening. Looking for a beach truck/boat hauler that will hold the value I put into it.

 

This is a really loaded question that is going to get many, many different answers. As far as the years that I personally would recommend is 1996-2002 with the 3.4. I would stick with OEM parts if your budget allows, especially for tie rods, ball joints, plugs/wires, all sensors. Ect. Good luck and we want pics!

 

True "Restoration", strictly speaking, does not include any aftermarket parts.

Regardless, historically, cars that are closer to stock retain their value better. People want a "blank canvas" and there are no 2 people that would "build" a car the same way and value those modifications the same amount.

Cars are an awful investment. Get it because you really really want it and mod it because it's exactly what you want done to enjoy it.

Bottom line, YOU WILL NOT GET YOUR MONEY BACK. Not even close.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. As I'm sure you can see I'm not all that savy when it comes to this stuff. I'm more interested in the project for saving on the insurance and to pull a small boat during the fishing season. So let me ask this....

When I see these 100k examples being listed in the 10k-15k price range am I wrong in thinking a new motor and tranny, most likely remans, new suspension and all externals in a excellent condition body and interior will be worth a similar price?

Sorry if this is a noob question I just don't know where to look for this info.

 

Is it worth it? Hell yes!! Only things that have needed attending since 1996:
-New trans, previous owner
-New top end, something went wrong at the dealer doing a timing belt replacement.
-New rear springs, recall
-New timing belts, every 90k
-New radiator, 300k or 23 years
-Valve Cover Gaskets
-wore the key out in 23 years too

 

I would prob part with it for 10k.......

 

Yup I'm liking what I hear! Thanks for the feedback. Def a loaded question I asked and I suppose I understand a little more now that there are 2 different types of buyers, the original mile guy and the I just want a nice long lasting gen3 guy.... Thanks again guys! When I find the right truck I will start a new resto thread with plenty of pics!

 

And I replaced the water pump, starter, plugs-wires-coils=OEM...

 

Are OEM parts hard to come by or do the dealerships have them stocked?

 

I had the dealer do the water pump timing belts starter and VC gaskets. But ebay has the OEM parts cheaper.

 

No. If you take a 300k mile rig and drop a remanufactured engine and transmission into it, you won't get the price of a 100k mile car. That high mileage weighs down that value. If you did go through it from stem to stern, you would have at least $10k into the car and you will have to work really REALLY hard to convince anyone it's worth buying for $10k.

 

lol, to differ- in the last 2 years, my projects, for fun, have actually given me profit.

stay away from ebay for parts, they are mostly fake. Just shop online from Camelback/McGeorge or price the parts and have your local Toyota dealer price match.

Look, these 4RUNNERs are desirable, if rust free and lower mileage, people, me included, will pay a bit more for them. Especially if its original, not all decked out. Will you make a bundle? Probably not, but they do hold their value, if maintenance and care has been done. Keep records and anything you do, do it right so you can explain to a future buyer knowledgeably. I look for 2000-2004, just preference on that.

 

Right now I drive a 04 Honda Pilot w/ 255k... I like it, keeps me from speeding lol but def not worth dumping a buncha money into. Being the 97 is coming into the classic insurance age soon I thought it would be a better idea to restore one of those. My budget is 12-15k and no way I'm finding a completely new anything for that. Compared to the Honda the 4runner seems like a better investment, no way in hell this Honda will be worth more than a couple grand even if I put 15k into it. So this is where my questions come from, just trying to figure out if I can retain value in a 4runner investment. Not trying to make a flip just retain value in the investment, or at least most of it.

 

Well, I bought mine for $8,500 in 00. So I feel it has paid for itself over the last 20 years. And I feel it’s worth way more than $8,500 to me now..

 

The market is strong for clean 4wd 4runners. I paid $6000 for mine all original in January. I have a put several grand into it now, and wouldn’t sell it for any less than $10k.... not that I think I added any value with the mods but that’s what it’s worth to me. I love it.

 

Thank you for the pic and response! I'm currently searching, any certain color sought after more than others? Red maybe? I like the silver myself.

 

I like silver as well, same color as my Tacoma. The Highlander edition is rare, the green is my second favorite.

 

I hear the Anthracite Metallic is getting top dollar. It kind of changes in light/shade.

 

I think maintenance is the biggest concern. I just paid fifty bucks for six quarts of Mobile 1 and a factory Toyota filter. I did have a “Toyota Tick” which is a common issue where a lifter makes noise or something anyway it went away....I purchased mine with high miles, 170k

 

$50 ain't too bad. Doing a oil change on the Pilot tomorrow. Walmart, oil $30 + $6 for frame filter..... Maybe a valve adjustment is in your future? Seems like an easy enough job to do at home.

 

And, I put a new rear bumper on. So I cleaned up and coated the frame. I think everyone will run into a rear bumper issue after 25 years.

 

May have cleaned up the “tick” by installing new OEM plugs,wires, and coils...

 

That's a good question...... How does everyone feel about a coated underbody? Would you steer away or look at it as a bonus?

 

Probably depends on what part of the country you're in. I don't think it's a big deal either way.

I'm in NC now...so it would be a red flag for me here...but if the frame is solid and no significant rust, I wouldn't hold it against the car....but it would require me to really take a look.

When I was up north, if I saw a car was coated...it would tell me at least the person was trying to keep the rust out. Regardless, again, I would need to really check out the frame and everything underneath.

In either case, on a 20 year old car, it's probably not going to cause any real value swing.

 

Well explained... Thank you!

 

Older>less electronics, emissions equip, 25 years to antique tags (get mine this Jan). But the rust issue is a real factor...

 

Yes it is!!! I'm gonna have to look outta state for mine as I'm in NY and sheesh, you already know...

 

Yeah...I wouldn't buy any 4Runner north of Virginia.

 

And two deer ran into me.. a couple close calls. Major accidents certainly have a roll in value.

 

And I backed it into my boat trailer in a hurry left a good dent in the rear hatch. Dents give it character!!!