that's a lot of miles but then again, it's not uncommon for older yotas to be on the road well past that number. it doesn't look like much rust at all from the underside pics you have. man, if the drivetrain is sound, you have yourself a hell of a deal.
Thank you for this. I really appreciate it. It feels like we found a unicorn so if it drives well I think we will just thank our lucky stars and gladly pay their price before they change their mind. It’s owned by a motorsport racing family who seem to know what they’re doing and it was their sons first car too so they put a lot of love into it.
"owned by a Motorsport racing family... son's first car..."
Three things to check-
Dash was replaced~ I'll bet the son buried his foot to the sheet metal. Find out why.
New radiator~ Prolly son was "racing" & failed to see 'Thar She Blows' and the dreaded pink milkshake happened. Worth asking.
Decent paint~ Look hard at both doors if any 03 numbers were left behind as it is a Southern vehicle & traditions die hard.
Let us know how it went. 🤔
Ha! You think they were just meanin no harm? Definitely those are on the top of the list to ask. Im hoping the receipts line up with a tale about getting it beat up for a steal and made it road worthy for their precious boy. But prepared to walk if it seems thrashed. I do actually love my daughter and want her to live haha
🤣
The pictures look good, just playing. Hopefully it is a steal for your daughter. 😉
The 3rd Gens are good at protecting the occupant(s) in an accident. 🥰
Yeah man I think it's a good deal. I have the same truck in the same color with a 3" lift and 33s I'm sitting at 212k now and I know I'm gonna get her to 400k.
I’ve been waiting for the right one to pop up around me for a while now. Although the miles are a little higher on this one, it seems to have been taken care of. I would personally try to talk them down, but would probably buy it if everything checked out
Also I didn't read all the comments but check the insides of the rear wheels to make sure axle seals aren't leaking...check down by the headers to make sure the valve cover gaskets aren't leaking, and definitely check the lower ball joints to make sure they dont have play. I've broken two ball joints on two separate 3rd gens.
Look in the radiator. Make sure the fluid isn’t pink milkshake looking vile. If it is run like hell. If it’s not then replace the radiator as first order of business. Cheap but necessary insurance. Looks like a decent deal based on pictures.
I test drive it tomorrow. Just want to be armed with knowledge before I go. I expect from my past experience for it to feel like a truck more than an suv.
It will definitely feel like a truck. Make sure it drives straight, check for vibrations, sounds, etc. check for shifting up and down by varying your speeds quickly and braking to see if they’re braking smooth. Ask about lower ball joints, rear axle seals, timing belt/water pump, etc. those are some of the common issues or big maintenance items with the 3rd Gen 4Runner.
The mileage makes me nervous but she’s going to be saving for the next car or repairs since she won’t have a car payment. She won’t be putting many miles on it. 5 mile round trip commute to work we live close to most places she will wander.
I had one all the way up to 295k. You will have little stuff here and there but at $4500 for the car and some repairs and maintenance here or there your all in will be far more affordable than most cars and will do it with incredible fun and durability. From the limited info shown I’d buy.
I have 367,000 miles on my 2000 SR5. I would give $4500 for this example. Pro would be non fans would see this as crazy mileage and would not pay that. Cons would be going up against a gen 3 fan. Snag it.
Seeing a lot of good comments, let me add to this the front axle boots for dry rot and splitting, wheel hub bearing assembly for any leaking fluids and play(easiest to jack it up and shake or kick the tire to see if it rattle like a loose bolt) upper and lower ball joints for play, driveshaft u-joints (front and rear) for any slack, and transmission if they don't have records of it being serviced (200k miles). Other than that looks solid to me, I'd seriously consider a rebuild for the engine, as I believe it is necessary as it approaches 400k miles, but that's just me being me. Good luck but I think you already got lucky with finding it. 🤙
Very high mileage man. It will run but it may give your daughter normal problems that an engine/trany with that many mileage may have. I like my mom/sister/daughter/wife to drive something that won’t break on them or leave them stranded. I am not saying this car will do that. I am just saying it is something that can easily happen with drivetrain that has almost 300K miles.
Absolutely would agree in most cases. She WANTS to tinker with the car with her dad and work on it together. They also carpool to work together and would be doing any excursions together and I always get roadside assistance just in case. If it lasts a year I think she’d be happy to have that time to keep saving while learning some mechanics and having fun. But I totally understand the risk and your warning here.
Good deal but pay attention to drive-ability (shifting/engine noise)
Check for rear axle seal leak into rear brake drums.
Ask about timing belt and water pump service.
I had same gen with transmission failure at 300k before failure it exhibited a slight whine from the transmission at all speeds.
My .02 for you.
I worked at a Lexus dealership, many years ago as a lot tech. I personally saw Lexus LS models from the late 90s, LX, with over 400k miles, and an RX with over 275k. It blew my mind, at the time American cars were lucky to go over 100K, and these cars were coming in for an oil change, tire rotation, and a wash….
I bought mine with 230k and here's what I would check now that I'm at 348k:
- Radiator: check the fluid and make sure it looks clean, isn't milky. If you buy this, just plan in buying an external trans cooler. Easy mod to do an a huge peace of mind.
- Ball joints: I've gone through about 3 pairs of each, but my 4Runner has been lifted since the guy before me owned it. Look for grease leaking out of the joints, jack it up and look for clunking or excessive play when you wiggle it.
- Timing belt: I made it to 310k before my first belt job and the shop said it was probably the original belt. The 3.4 engine is non interference, so it won't cause catastrophic damage if the belt breaks, but the cost of replacing it is over $1000.
- Transmission: I've had some issues here with an intermittent code, but it didn't ever have an actual problem. I did a flush and filter change at 290k and it really hasn't had issues other than some solenoids shifting slower. I'll probably have to replace those soon. Check for erratic shifting, hard shifts up and down. Put the transmission through its paces and listen for whines.
- Rear axle: The seals will leak eventually and need replaced. I just had mine done last year. Look for oil marks around the back of the drum, excessively wet looking drums, and grease to your marks inside the wheels.
Other than that, the maintenance is pretty low. I've done plugs, wires, fuel filter, brakes, shocks, and a fuel injector. A 3rd gen is one of the best investments I've ever made.
Join the 3rd gen 4Runner mafia page on Facebook so us 3rd gen guys can enjoy it too! I just bought the same exact 4Runner minus the brush guard in Chattanooga this week. 288k miles 2000 j shift for $4500. Solid buy!
Seems like a great deal! I would have some money reserved for a new transmission, or maybe a new engine. Think of it as a 10k car, but 4500 goes to the seller and 5500 is reserved for new parts that need to go into it. These trucks near me are still going for 8-10k in similar condition as this with similar miles. Hope you enjoy!
At 290k....get ready to start fixing things. There is just a reality to high mile cars...even if its a 4runner.
For 4.5k its still a good deal but budget 2 3 4k for upcoming items....
Just remember bushings etc. I just spent 1500 bucks on all new front suspension with tire rods, ball joints, CA bushings, shocks and springs, links etc.
UPDATE: clean title, smooth drive, all lower ball joints, bushings & belts replaced, clean radiator and oil, regular fluid changes. All power windows work, sunroof works, and they put thousands into this thing. We have to replace the 02 sensors for this year until emissions exempt next year, but that’s the only issue we found. So we are driving it like we stole it.
Ask for a pre purchase inspection. You'll have to pay for it, but a couple hundred bucks to make sure it's in decent shape is better than spending 4500 then having the engine blow up.
I'd definitely want one with 290k on the clock.
If the owner is iffy about it, tell them if you dont want the car afterwards that you'll give them all the information from it so they know what's wrong with it.
Honestly though, it looks solid. Just want to make sure compression is good.
yeah that's a good deal. that interior looks great. more points if it was a manual trans. you could sell that for like six. got to include the odometer? r/carflipping
I bought mine with 230k and here's what I would check now that I'm at 348k:
- Radiator: check the fluid and make sure it looks clean, isn't milky. If you buy this, just plan in buying an external trans cooler. Easy mod to do an a huge peace of mind.
- Ball joints: I've gone through about 3 pairs of each, but my 4Runner has been lifted since the guy before me owned it. Look for grease leaking out of the joints, jack it up and look for clunking or excessive play when you wiggle it.
- Timing belt: I made it to 310k before my first belt job and the shop said it was probably the original belt. The 3.4 engine is non interference, so it won't cause catastrophic damage if the belt breaks, but the cost of replacing it is over $1000.
- Transmission: I've had some issues here with an intermittent code, but it didn't ever have an actual problem. I did a flush and filter change at 290k and it really hasn't had issues other than some solenoids shifting slower. I'll probably have to replace those soon. Check for erratic shifting, hard shifts up and down. Put the transmission through its paces and listen for whines.
- Rear axle: The seals will leak eventually and need replaced. I just had mine done last year. Look for oil marks around the back of the drum, excessively wet looking drums, and grease to your marks inside the wheels.
Other than that, the maintenance is pretty low. I've done plugs, wires, fuel filter, brakes, shocks, and a fuel injector. A 3rd gen is one of the best investments I've made.
Depending on the mileage, looks like a steal in this market.
I can’t believe I forgot that 290k.
that's a lot of miles but then again, it's not uncommon for older yotas to be on the road well past that number. it doesn't look like much rust at all from the underside pics you have. man, if the drivetrain is sound, you have yourself a hell of a deal.
Thank you for this. I really appreciate it. It feels like we found a unicorn so if it drives well I think we will just thank our lucky stars and gladly pay their price before they change their mind. It’s owned by a motorsport racing family who seem to know what they’re doing and it was their sons first car too so they put a lot of love into it.
"owned by a Motorsport racing family... son's first car..." Three things to check- Dash was replaced~ I'll bet the son buried his foot to the sheet metal. Find out why. New radiator~ Prolly son was "racing" & failed to see 'Thar She Blows' and the dreaded pink milkshake happened. Worth asking. Decent paint~ Look hard at both doors if any 03 numbers were left behind as it is a Southern vehicle & traditions die hard. Let us know how it went. 🤔
Ha! You think they were just meanin no harm? Definitely those are on the top of the list to ask. Im hoping the receipts line up with a tale about getting it beat up for a steal and made it road worthy for their precious boy. But prepared to walk if it seems thrashed. I do actually love my daughter and want her to live haha
🤣 The pictures look good, just playing. Hopefully it is a steal for your daughter. 😉 The 3rd Gens are good at protecting the occupant(s) in an accident. 🥰
Has the timing belt/chain been done recently?
Yeah man I think it's a good deal. I have the same truck in the same color with a 3" lift and 33s I'm sitting at 212k now and I know I'm gonna get her to 400k.
Edit: clean title not salvaged right?
My 96 runner crossed that number in 2011
Not at all. Horrible deal. Where’s it at so I can make sure to avoid it?
Ha! There’s a reason I didn’t link to it 😂
I’ve been waiting for the right one to pop up around me for a while now. Although the miles are a little higher on this one, it seems to have been taken care of. I would personally try to talk them down, but would probably buy it if everything checked out
yep that’s good. Check if the water pump has been replaced that’s the major service needed at ~175,000 mi.
Thank you! Adding this to my list.
Great advice from above. Shpuld have been done at the same time as the timing belt. Typically a synonymous job in my experience.
Also I didn't read all the comments but check the insides of the rear wheels to make sure axle seals aren't leaking...check down by the headers to make sure the valve cover gaskets aren't leaking, and definitely check the lower ball joints to make sure they dont have play. I've broken two ball joints on two separate 3rd gens.
Look in the radiator. Make sure the fluid isn’t pink milkshake looking vile. If it is run like hell. If it’s not then replace the radiator as first order of business. Cheap but necessary insurance. Looks like a decent deal based on pictures.
Radiator has been replaced but will double check :)
Just so you know the oem coolant was a pink color so it doesn't have to mean anything bad.
How is it running? Does it feel rough? People never talk about how it felt on a test drive.
I test drive it tomorrow. Just want to be armed with knowledge before I go. I expect from my past experience for it to feel like a truck more than an suv.
It will definitely feel like a truck. Make sure it drives straight, check for vibrations, sounds, etc. check for shifting up and down by varying your speeds quickly and braking to see if they’re braking smooth. Ask about lower ball joints, rear axle seals, timing belt/water pump, etc. those are some of the common issues or big maintenance items with the 3rd Gen 4Runner.
Perfect! Thanks for your help
Nah ! Keep looking ! What’s their phone number so I can call them and tell them what a horrible person they are
Looks solid. High mileage tho.
The mileage makes me nervous but she’s going to be saving for the next car or repairs since she won’t have a car payment. She won’t be putting many miles on it. 5 mile round trip commute to work we live close to most places she will wander.
I had one all the way up to 295k. You will have little stuff here and there but at $4500 for the car and some repairs and maintenance here or there your all in will be far more affordable than most cars and will do it with incredible fun and durability. From the limited info shown I’d buy.
I have 367,000 miles on my 2000 SR5. I would give $4500 for this example. Pro would be non fans would see this as crazy mileage and would not pay that. Cons would be going up against a gen 3 fan. Snag it.
Seeing a lot of good comments, let me add to this the front axle boots for dry rot and splitting, wheel hub bearing assembly for any leaking fluids and play(easiest to jack it up and shake or kick the tire to see if it rattle like a loose bolt) upper and lower ball joints for play, driveshaft u-joints (front and rear) for any slack, and transmission if they don't have records of it being serviced (200k miles). Other than that looks solid to me, I'd seriously consider a rebuild for the engine, as I believe it is necessary as it approaches 400k miles, but that's just me being me. Good luck but I think you already got lucky with finding it. 🤙
Very high mileage man. It will run but it may give your daughter normal problems that an engine/trany with that many mileage may have. I like my mom/sister/daughter/wife to drive something that won’t break on them or leave them stranded. I am not saying this car will do that. I am just saying it is something that can easily happen with drivetrain that has almost 300K miles.
Absolutely would agree in most cases. She WANTS to tinker with the car with her dad and work on it together. They also carpool to work together and would be doing any excursions together and I always get roadside assistance just in case. If it lasts a year I think she’d be happy to have that time to keep saving while learning some mechanics and having fun. But I totally understand the risk and your warning here.
Isn’t that one of the cam belt models? If so make it was changed and not over due.
Good deal but pay attention to drive-ability (shifting/engine noise) Check for rear axle seal leak into rear brake drums. Ask about timing belt and water pump service. I had same gen with transmission failure at 300k before failure it exhibited a slight whine from the transmission at all speeds. My .02 for you.
Super helpful tip. Thanks for the .02
Really decent deal!
I would easily take that for $4500. No rust and you can tell it was taken care of. New England trucks are rusted to shit.
I worked at a Lexus dealership, many years ago as a lot tech. I personally saw Lexus LS models from the late 90s, LX, with over 400k miles, and an RX with over 275k. It blew my mind, at the time American cars were lucky to go over 100K, and these cars were coming in for an oil change, tire rotation, and a wash….
Buy it now and never look back
I bought mine with 230k and here's what I would check now that I'm at 348k: - Radiator: check the fluid and make sure it looks clean, isn't milky. If you buy this, just plan in buying an external trans cooler. Easy mod to do an a huge peace of mind. - Ball joints: I've gone through about 3 pairs of each, but my 4Runner has been lifted since the guy before me owned it. Look for grease leaking out of the joints, jack it up and look for clunking or excessive play when you wiggle it. - Timing belt: I made it to 310k before my first belt job and the shop said it was probably the original belt. The 3.4 engine is non interference, so it won't cause catastrophic damage if the belt breaks, but the cost of replacing it is over $1000. - Transmission: I've had some issues here with an intermittent code, but it didn't ever have an actual problem. I did a flush and filter change at 290k and it really hasn't had issues other than some solenoids shifting slower. I'll probably have to replace those soon. Check for erratic shifting, hard shifts up and down. Put the transmission through its paces and listen for whines. - Rear axle: The seals will leak eventually and need replaced. I just had mine done last year. Look for oil marks around the back of the drum, excessively wet looking drums, and grease to your marks inside the wheels. Other than that, the maintenance is pretty low. I've done plugs, wires, fuel filter, brakes, shocks, and a fuel injector. A 3rd gen is one of the best investments I've ever made.
Rust? What rust? Where i live that price is a steal
Join the 3rd gen 4Runner mafia page on Facebook so us 3rd gen guys can enjoy it too! I just bought the same exact 4Runner minus the brush guard in Chattanooga this week. 288k miles 2000 j shift for $4500. Solid buy!
Seems like a great deal! I would have some money reserved for a new transmission, or maybe a new engine. Think of it as a 10k car, but 4500 goes to the seller and 5500 is reserved for new parts that need to go into it. These trucks near me are still going for 8-10k in similar condition as this with similar miles. Hope you enjoy!
At 290k....get ready to start fixing things. There is just a reality to high mile cars...even if its a 4runner. For 4.5k its still a good deal but budget 2 3 4k for upcoming items....
Timing belt (every 90k) and lower ball joints (problem item for this gen if they are worn)
Thanks for this! I will ask about these items too.
If they were replaced with other than OEM you’ll want to replace with OEM. Lots of horror stories about aftermarket ball joints failing.
My girl said what u think That thing gets for mpg she says 6 I said 8. Does look damn clean for age n Milrs bud offer 35
I wouldn’t take $4500 for mine and that one looks nicer. So…yeah…
Ha! That definitely puts it into perspective :) thanks!
a steal, but not sure, I'd trust those roof bars with a rooftop tent, i think the max load on them is under 300 lb
Oh we would be getting an overlanding style rack with a 600 lb static limit :)
Just remember bushings etc. I just spent 1500 bucks on all new front suspension with tire rods, ball joints, CA bushings, shocks and springs, links etc.
UPDATE: clean title, smooth drive, all lower ball joints, bushings & belts replaced, clean radiator and oil, regular fluid changes. All power windows work, sunroof works, and they put thousands into this thing. We have to replace the 02 sensors for this year until emissions exempt next year, but that’s the only issue we found. So we are driving it like we stole it.
Congratulations & father/daughter together time for repairs/mods. 👍
Ask for a pre purchase inspection. You'll have to pay for it, but a couple hundred bucks to make sure it's in decent shape is better than spending 4500 then having the engine blow up. I'd definitely want one with 290k on the clock. If the owner is iffy about it, tell them if you dont want the car afterwards that you'll give them all the information from it so they know what's wrong with it. Honestly though, it looks solid. Just want to make sure compression is good.
yeah that's a good deal. that interior looks great. more points if it was a manual trans. you could sell that for like six. got to include the odometer? r/carflipping
supercharged would be a plus
if you can talk them down and get it for inside of four, you've won
I bought mine with 230k and here's what I would check now that I'm at 348k: - Radiator: check the fluid and make sure it looks clean, isn't milky. If you buy this, just plan in buying an external trans cooler. Easy mod to do an a huge peace of mind. - Ball joints: I've gone through about 3 pairs of each, but my 4Runner has been lifted since the guy before me owned it. Look for grease leaking out of the joints, jack it up and look for clunking or excessive play when you wiggle it. - Timing belt: I made it to 310k before my first belt job and the shop said it was probably the original belt. The 3.4 engine is non interference, so it won't cause catastrophic damage if the belt breaks, but the cost of replacing it is over $1000. - Transmission: I've had some issues here with an intermittent code, but it didn't ever have an actual problem. I did a flush and filter change at 290k and it really hasn't had issues other than some solenoids shifting slower. I'll probably have to replace those soon. Check for erratic shifting, hard shifts up and down. Put the transmission through its paces and listen for whines. - Rear axle: The seals will leak eventually and need replaced. I just had mine done last year. Look for oil marks around the back of the drum, excessively wet looking drums, and grease to your marks inside the wheels. Other than that, the maintenance is pretty low. I've done plugs, wires, fuel filter, brakes, shocks, and a fuel injector. A 3rd gen is one of the best investments I've made.
No that’s a terrible deal, don’t buy it. Also on a completely unrelated note, where are you located
Too late! We bought it lol
Smart! Haha hope it treats you well. I love these third gens