99 Limited 4Runner 318k

Hello y’all. I am looking for a 99-00 3rd gen 4Runner. I found one very close to my location. They are asking 3800 for it. I am tempted. It looks very clean. I am a little worried about the high miles?

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome to the forum! What’s high miles in your opinion?

 

Welcome

 

I reckon over 300k is considered higher miles for a 3rd gen- $3800 for a 99 4Runner limited seems on the low side. I need to find out if it has issues..

 

300K 25 year old you going to get "it depends". Is it a private sale? If yes, give it a look. If not, and that is a "no credit no problem" lot special, don't even bother looking at it.

At that mileage, how clean the car is what makes the difference. If PO took meticulous care of it and has records to back it up, it has no structural rust, and it is not too fugly from wear and tear, and it wasn't in a wreck then it may be a deal. Keep in mind, at 300K you are up to mechanical limit on a lot of suspension components, so you should budget for something failing in the first 6 months of your ownership. Also, don't forget to budget for tires, as nobody sells a working old car with a fresh set of tires.

Basically, don't buy it unless you are mechanically inclined and can tell the condition when inspecting it (or have someone else in your life that can do it).

 

welcome

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

Welcome!

 

Hello Sin,
Thanks for the reply. The vehicle is on jimmyjims car lot. The photos of the black, w silver looks very clean. Vin says no accidents? But I am suspect of mechanical failures after that many miles. I have just had a lot of good fortune just come upon me as I’ve been in a five-year slump. However, I’m going to retire in about a year or two, and unless this vehicle has maintenance records, it may not be prudent to pull the trigger I know what I want, I want a third generation 99 or 2004 runner and the good ones are very pricey .
I’m driving in 2000 Avalon right now it’s not what I want but it’s paid for I know we’re fixing to have a harsh winter here in Seattle so I’m ready for some four-wheel-drive action. Thank you for your thoughts I will take them into account.

 

Couple things to consider.

-For pavement driving I recommend you to find Limited for all-time 4WD, regular 4WD is mainly for off-roading.
-When buying classic, or near classic vehicle, it always pays to find cleanest example. Long-term, you will end up ahead by getting cleanest example you can find/afford.
-Rust kills 4Runners and essentially unfix-able. Find clean southern example AND oil spray (e.g. Krown) every fall.
-If you plan to retire and looking for a long-term vehicle for occasional driving, sedan is probably the way to go. Look into another Avalon or Camry. Old Buicks are also reliable. Avoid turbo, avoid hybrid and avoid CVT as they all problematic for long-term ownership. For winter city driving winter tires make more difference and FWD in my opinion is good enough.
-Consider/prepare for bad health eventuality. If you get bad back, knees, hips, etc. can you still climb into 4Runner?

 

Brother, I am in good shape so to speak. I will be driving dirt roads in the south. I have a love affair with 4Runners- I can’t get them out of my system

 

The same dealer has the exact 99 4Runner with 280 k - very clean , asking around 5 k - One owner? Sounds very enticing-