What to look for when buying a high mileage 3rd gen 4Runner | Buying and Owning
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ต.ค. 2018
- This video we discuss what to look out for in a high mileage 4Runner. Craigslist is full of 4runners with more than 200k miles but here’s a guide on what to look out for from my 10 month ownership.
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i bought a 1998 toyota 4runner with 226.000 miles on it it was a one owner car had the oil changed at the dealership every 3000 miles on record never had an accident paint is flawless interior perfect the transfer case was rebuilt at 190.800 new timing belt water pump i payed $5.600 dollars for it since i've had it i have rebuilt the suspension all the brakes new calipers new rotor and drums new radiator new tires i am putting a new fuel pump new alternator new starter all preventive maintenance i have cancer and ant going to be around that long my wife is keeping it for herself thats why im doing all that work don't want her to have any problems with it ever than when she is gone it goes to our son who is really looking forwards to that day.
You’re a good man
We hope for a speedy recovery for you.
I was also a Trucker 31 yrs. We both have same first name.
I also was diagnosed with Carcinoid Cancer. !
I also own a 1994
4Runner. !
We have a few things in common sir.
Don't Give Up.
They say they can't find my Cancer !
Also understand they have a New Treatment That is having Very High Success. !
God Bless You & Your Family Sir.
I know to well the FEELINGS...
Happy Trails Driver
God bless you
Are u alive bro? Go on a raw fruit diet and look up Dr Robert Morse
Bless you. I ended up w a Highlander. Satisfied
SR5 4runner 2001, with almost 500.000 kms and still perfect!
420,000 and counting (98 4Runner Limited)
Wow, is that all on the original motor?
@@umyeahokthen I'm sure..mine is over 300k and original motor
Ayden Green I’m thinking about getting one with 260k?
@@EEvil94 check the timing belt and see if it needs to be changed before purchasing
Nice!
96 Limited 216,000 running strong
Biggest tip for replacing axle seals:
If you have a leak, check the breather on top of the axle! It can get clogged and cause pressure and leaks in your axle housing. If you replace your seals: still check the breather because it will leak again if you do not.
I bought a 97 Toyota 4Runner he had a hundred thousand that was eight years ago still going strong uses my daily driver had to do a few upgrades. Thank you for this video
THOMAS G how many miles does it have now? And did you have to get a lot done on it?
I bought my 97 4Runner Limited with 173,000 miles on it in July of 2018. It's in excellent shape. Great mechanically. Great paint. It now has 225,000 miles on it and still going strong. I paid $4,300 for it.
I seen one with 2000 257k miles, no rust under the frame. California Owned. No limited or sr5 just the regular one. But when you floor it you have to put your foot down heavy. Girl wants 3,900 for it’ tried to lower it down to 3,200-3,300 but she wants 3,600 only issue is the tags are not paid & have to do a smog check.
These sell for 10k+ now
Nice and well built cars. I have a 2008 3dr Prado (called "Meru" in Venezuela), 2.7L 4cyl engine and MT, 10 years - 187.000Km and no problems at all. I want a diff lock
That was very informative thank you so much.
Bought a 96 4runner SR5 2wd model with 287,000 for $500. Only issue was the fuel pump was bad and it sat for about 6 months. I took care of that and I flushed all the fluids and it's been running like a champ.
Neil Manning you got lucky mate. Most 4runners in this gen still go for 6k
@@akawiangel I've noticed that after I bought it. Lucky indeed. I can definitely sell it to get a decent amount of money for it but I think I'm going to hang on to it for a little while.
Neil Manning sell it to me for 2k lmao
I own a 01 4runner SR5 auto with 200k on it runs great and I just recently bought a 1998 with a 5 speed manual trans and man does it pull hard with 188k miles I LOVE 4RUNNERS!
Very Good Job Sir! Thanks for Sharing!!
I bought a 2000 4Runner with 180k miles and found rusted out brake lines, a transmission that jolted me out of my seat, and a roof leak. Luckily I was able to return it. I kept seeing people with 400k on theirs so I had confidence in it, but was extremely let down.
Just picked up an 01 sr5 270000 miles for $1000. Well mantained no rust from Oregon. It had seen one New England winter,just had it oil under coated.
One detail when you first buy a second hand 4 runner. Check all the chassis rails underneath. If their in good condition or some surface rust. Get yourself 3 gallons of old motor oil and a painting brush. Dip the brush into the old oil. And start painting the chassis all over and around the rails. If it's possible. Get a good powerful spray bottle. To spray thru the holes in the rails old oil with pressure inside the rails. The old oil will keep the rails solid. Not letting the salt the water and the sediments to be displaced. Another detail. The rear differential has to be changed right away. Refill with quality Mobil synthetic 70W-90 Along with a differential additive that OReillys sells it.
It goes for about $19.00 a bottle. This differential additive is a great product to keep your drivetrain running stronger, smother at the rear wheels.
I have three 3rd gens and they all have valve cover leaks. It's a feature Toyota added to help protect against rust.. ;) If you live in the rust belt, check the frame near the muffler for rot. Either replace the radiator ($100) or install an external transmission cooler. Replace the lower balljoints (with OEM). Do these things along with basic maintenance and it'll last forever.
Installing a cooler is it more problematic or a new radiator every so often?
I would replace a radiator sounds simple and common
thx for this...i looked at a manual a few weeks back, had tons of issues, leaking steering rack, leaking axle seal, bad seats, etc, etc-$8500 CDN. I walked, but somebody bought it the next day! Enjoy.
Awesome video thank you !
NICE job Gabe, I' m # 600 thumbs up!! Lookin for something like 2012 4runner..in AZ, no rust thank goodness.
My 99 4runner SR5 has 238K and the engine and transmission still run smooth in 2023
I haven’t driven this 97 4Runner yet has a v6 240k frame looks decent obviously has a few dents and scratches but the paint looks pretty shiny interior looks good except the driver seat which is kinda torn up but I’m sure I can get a seat cover or just go find one in a junk yard. All this for $3500 to me it seems like a great price since I’ve seen other 4Runners more beat up 4 cylinder 2wd 4Runners selling for way more than this. Obviously I’m skeptical on this 4Runner since I can’t see the engine bay and I haven’t test driven it yet but today I am meeting him.
Great video! We need more like this. Wish I would have seen this when I got mine!
My axle seal on my 96' blew at 330,000 miles. I replaced the rear brakes, bearings and seals. A lot went into it. I love my 4Runner. I don't have any leaks yet. I have been pretty keen about replacing gaskets and keeping the oil changed.
One key to keep these engines happy is to make sure you get valve adjustments.
Do you recommend taking it to the dealer for valve adjustments or any shop can do this?
@@juanito3821 It really is hard to say. I did mine myself, but a lot of times the dealers aren't used to working on our older rigs and will botch the jobs. I'd say call the shop or dealer first and ask. The valves are adjusted using a kit with different shims for the valve seats and it requires a little bit of expertise.
2002 4runner with 263k miles. Still running strong
This is my next car.... im a mechanic. Level 2 FCA tech, but im starting at mercedes next week
I have the 2000 limited with 212,000 and the baby is like new money. Most reliable vehicle I ever own.
Rear locker isn’t locked until it stops blinking. Took me a minute to figure that out on mine. You should also hear a bit of a clunk when it kicks in.
Just bought my first 4runner, have wanted one 4ever. 2000 2WD 3.4L 238k miles for $2200.
250,000 awe thats cute I have over 404000 on my 3rd gen 4runner and still runs like a champ. I love 4runners
What is your advice to get to 400k miles?
@@Tankerpaul223 keep good oil in it and keep up with the oil changes. As well as before running it let it run for about a minute before you drive, so never run it cold unless you absolutely have to keep up with basic preventative maintenance. I don't get me wrong there are things that have been worn out and died in it like my starter my alternator that's all things that will happen to any car with high mileage the engine is still strong and compared to many other vehicles that's nothing. and one more thing make sure you keep up with the different seals on your rig as well cuz those will dry out and become hard and not keep oil and other fluids were they need to they're going to need to constantly be topping off and be burning through oil if you don't keep up with those things
Ahh I've only got 371,000 on my 97'. Now I feel young..
@AllThingsMedia_TV for me usually I don't start driving my rig until a minute after I let it run then I start driving. Usually when I start driving the gauge for heat is still pretty cool but a minutes of run time usually more than enough time to let the oil from the bottom of the engine get to the top and that's kind of more important to park then the temperature of the engine unless if you live someplace really really cold like Minnesota or Canada I haven't experienced it personally since I'm in Oregon but in really cold environments the oil can freeze so you'll need an actual oil heater I'm not sure how they work but my truck doesn't usually heat up until after a minute or two of driving. But if after driving for a minute or two it's but he cage is still not going up you might have a issue with the thermometer for your engine or sensor that you may have to get checked out but like I said for me my truck doesn't start heating up until a minute or two after driving by let it run for about a minute before I drive to get the oil from the bottom of the engine to the top
@AllThingsMedia_TV so I guess long version short and no it doesn't have to be hot as long as you let it run for a minute or two before you drive you just have to give the oil a chance to get to the top of the engine
236,000 when bought in july 2018 for $2000 2 owner all service records, damage to back passenger door, so far the best suv ever.
How is it now? I'm looking at something around the same mileage
@@tehgusbus2716 I have one now with 400k miles had 350k when I bought it, great suv no problems as long as you take care of it it'll take care of you
Good video, thanks! I have a 2000 limited w/locker and 220K miles. I recently had the check engine light, code was same, shift solenoid. I had my transmission fluid flushed/replaced about a year ago and no check engine since, fingers-crossed!
Aqua Lung yea I replaced the shift solenoids on this too, no check engine light since
Just got a stick shift 1996 3.4 with 230k miles for 9000 in near immaculate condition and it has been absolutely perfect. Luckily it was a California car so no rust at all and the guy had owned it for 10 years and replace all sorts of stuff and preformed religious preventive maintenance. These truck will last forever as long as you take car of them
Just snagged a 98 sr5 5 speed with 250k miles out of Washington state, immaculate underneath, for $8k.
02 4x2 302,000 miles, original trans and engine!
Just FYI if your Diff Lock light is flashing it is not engaged. you have to have your transfer case in neutral and then you have to shift the case into low 4WD. The light will become solid if you do this and you should only use this if you are stuck or have a rear tire that's off the ground while you are wheeling. Nice pavement pounder though.
I just picked up a 96 4runner limited 4x4 a few months ago after my taco was totaled in a wreck. Im pushing 240k miles on the clock. Ive run this thing for 12 straight hours from calirfornia into oregon, taking dirt roads and trails as i find them. I daily drive it about 100 miles a day. The only things ive changed on it is the rear shocks and springs, and new spark plugs. The previous owner had it sitting for a while, so ive changed the oil a few times in short intervals to help get some of the gunk out of the motor. I have some leakage from the transfercase, but aside from that, the fluids are clean and seem to have held level. 4wd works great. I cleaned the throttle body and IAC, she purs. I used to drive a 2000 4cyl prerunner on 31s, my 4runner feels so much faster.
345k on my 96- love it!
Mine has 340k and all original parts, great car
I believe it keep truckin
Rear diff lock is not actually locked until the diff lock light stops flashing.
I have a 2000 surf with the 1kzte turbo diesel... people don't seem to know about them and i did a permanent fix for the transmission mixing with the coolant by separating them and installed and independent trans cooler
I’m looking to buy one, can you tell me more about your surf?
@@beastbee0118 love it! Strong and reliable! Gone 300k so far, in some forums people have gone 600k
rear locker was not standard with limited trim even in 4wd modes. and the push button 4wd i believe only was available certain years. not on all limited models.
Rear diff locker was available up to 2000. The center diff lock option was available between 2001-2002 on the limited models. Push button 4wd started in the year 2000 I believe, in order to allow for a non diff locking 4wd option (essentially AWD).
The rear axle seal is a weak spot on the '98 model and can be easily fixed. There are plenty of youtube videos on how to fix that problem. The rear axle locker is engaged when the light become solid and stop blinking. The best way to prevent the pink milkshake is to install an external transmission cooler and bypass the radiator all together.
Todd Hoffmaster fixed it. Took about an hour
@@qam645 Brother what do you think of 4-Runner (turbo diesel ones 3.0) I'm from Eastern Europe and there are alot of 4-Runner 99's ones wich (UN organization left behind)
Do you think it will spend alot on fuel since i guess reliability is top notch since some electricity companies and garbage ones ABUSE THEM and barely brake.. Right now i own a VW Jetta (1991 Turbo diesel intercooler 1.6) wich spends little on fuel and has been very very reliability for 7 years of owning little of maintance.. for a 30yr old car.
My '02 limited just hit 280k miles last week
I found a 2002 4runner 207k miles for 1800$ I'm getting a mechanic to check it out!
Howd that go?
Jacob J I went to check it out and it had alot of problems,I'm going to go see a Toyota Highlander,because all Toyota 4runners around me are expensive,I hope this Highlander is worth it
@@eljuancho2 Update, it's annoying and sucks when they car has more damages than the worth :(
Learn to fix your own car, will save you 60%-90% on most repairs. Basic tools to start can be bought for less than $100, and you can get/rent the oddball things as you need them. Also, it is confidence inspiring to know you can keep your own vehicle on the road.
97 4runner ..ooo yea! Oh by the way 360k not 1 leak. And power all day!!!
360K , dam congrats . Mine 250K still runnung like a champ.
Yes sir.. Take care of her she will take you everywhere.
@@kevin.rivera1486 hey I’m looking at buying a 97 4Runner any points you can give me for they can lower the price . It has 296,000 miles and they want 2k
@@abeflores9428 I would jump on it at 2k. I mean use common sense of course. Does it run/sound good. Does it look beat up. Take it to mechanic and have it checked. I paid 2k for mine and I feel I stole it! I love my runner. No ?. The best vehicle I've ever owned
Awesome video , I'm looking into getting a 99 base 4runner 260k miles for 3k. It looks great and well taken care of( so I'm told). The only thing is I haven't seen It in person since it's a 3 hour drive from where I live. Any other tips to look for when I see it in person?
Senketsu87 def check the frame throughly
Going to see a 1998 Toyota 4Runner with 240xxx miles. Wish me luck. It’s going to be my Off-roading baby. Better than buying a side by side. Wish me luck!
J. Ignacio Vasquez do it! Looks at the frame and check the trans fluid for any water in there. It would be milky pink instead of red trans fluid
@@qam645 thanks for the tip will so. I’ll update you on what happens! 🙏🏻
and one more thing DO NOT USE FRAM OIL FILTERS they are complete garbage they will fuck up your engine.
Fram brand filters are the same as a few others made by the same company, just sold under different company brands. One of their manufacturing plants isn't far from me (10 miles).
@@danielfair4675 Fram are literally just cardboard they do nothing
Just bought a 98' 4Runner SR5 with 269k on it, runs like a dream and got it for a grand
Josh Judge nice how’s the body
@@qam645 couple links here and there
just went over 100,000 on my 94 4runner
i will tell you how to stop it from leaking get a long flexible extension tighten down all the bolts to the head cover i got to most of them with that extension go out and buy mobile 1 synthetic high mileage motor oil it condition the gaskets makes them more spongy that will fix the problem but once u start using that oil you can't go back to regular oil it will spray oil everywhere also start running berrymans b12 gas additive it will keep you egr valves pistons fuel lines spark plug everything clean i started using it 2 years ago when i started my rpm were really low like 700 now it idles at 1000 engine is more responsive better gas mileage if you take my advice you won't be sorry dude i promise. ps spread the word to other people
700 is normal idling, 1000 is too high.
First time use b60 and after that use b12
700 is normal in gear with the brake on yes mine is right on
im buying one 2002 but it has warning lighta on dash but it runs fine has 240,500 miles not sure but
Where did u buy ur solenoids from?
I seen one today a 2000 with 257k miles, no rust under the frame. California Owned. No limited or sr5 just the regular one. But when you floor it you have to put your foot down heavy. Girl wants 3,900 for it’ tried to lower it down to 3,200-3,300 but she wants 3,600 only issue is the tags are not paid & have to do a smog check.
I think ur in the right offering 3200. I say try to get it for that amount
Some of these common problems can be really expensive unless you are decent mechanic. ie, wheel bearings, timing belt and water pump, rad, rusted fuel tanks, and major brake lines.
Nonetheless I am die hard lover, i had a 96 for years and years. Just beware of these issues. Particularly the fuel tank. They are hard to find and really expensive from the dealer
None of that is expensive
@@calebmelton5989 it is if you can't do it yourself.
Stay Blessed. Atleast you have a car. I don't.
97 limited here.... 317k going strong, bought it at 315k for cheap, had been serviced it’s whole life at the dealer. Ice cold a/c, everything but the clock on the dash works. Only bad part is the frame is starting to rust :(
Very common issue :/
Just install an aftermarket trans cooler ,whole lot cheaper than replacing the radiator.
So you'd be modifying the cooling system of the vehicle, making it so the transmission fluid doesn't get cooled by the radiator. That's not an ideal solution. And even if you do that your radiator can still rust and leak which means you'd have to replace it anyway.
@@c.b.3234 I put one in, pretty straightforward. You can monitor trans temp on the 99+ models with a scangauge. It will also monitor coolant temp on all years.
Mine has 380 thousand still strong
That would be a broken radiator. The coolant and trany fluid (eww) are seperated inside.
325,000 miles sr5 and is a overland rig.
96 sr5 pretty clean with 300k and a head gasket change for 2k should I buy it?
Patrick in my opinion no lol. U can get one driving for 2k
It’s runs and drives, it had a new gasket put in at 260 and new struts, brakes, and rotors.
Boggers under the seat
Rusty spark plugs
Short throw dip stick
Bald tires in the rear
leaking valve covers, bent antenna etc...
The achilles heel on these and Tacomas is the cylinder heads! 20 year old heads or 180k miles and obove it will be just a matter of time before issues pop up even if meticulously maintained and no overheating occurred! Everything else is just cake to repair or maintain with basic tools. A set of rebuilt cylinder heads will run you between $700-800 plus gaskets, bolts and timing belt kit/water pump since you are already there! $1400 if you do the work.....trust me I had to do this twice to fix the machine shop screw up!!
on a 4cylinder or 6? only have heard heads were an issue on the 4 cyl
@@qam645 6 cylinders also! My was a 3.4 V6
just bought a 240k miles 96 4runner hoping it lasts for many more years
OverEazy it will! As long as the frame is good she’ll go 100k more!!!
Oh course with replacing parts haha
How much did you pay
@@ea2225 6k but i live in california where prices are stupid
Limited dose not mean it’s 4wd or it has a locking rear diff.
not necessarily i have a 1998 toyota 4runner limited it did not have locking rear diff it does now. lol
7:28
96-99 is 4 model yrs
Motor went out @ 280,000. 😭😪😭
361,000 2.7 Liter 4cyl auto 1997 Daily driver average 1000 miles per month. Base model with leather. No leaks & doesn't burn any oil.
You forgot to mention the V6 TIMING BELT❗
Mine has 350k runs like new
I'd take high mileage that over low mileage anything American
Unless you buy one in the southwest or south God help you. Dumping my 2001 before next e check in Ohio as the cats and exhaust will be $1600 aftermarket...double that for OEM. Already put $1800 In for gas tank front brakes and trans cooler to avoid pink milkshake.
20000 miles in 10 months?? Damn bro
That's average driving.. I put 45k to my Honda Civic in 12 month
Mine almost has 400 thousand miles lol
It's not a gangster car tho.
When I'm driving it, it is.
This is low mile.
First
wooooow, you disrespected a god.
Lol, for a 4runner that's not high mileage.
It actually has 330,000 lol
These rust buckets are seemed to be loved by stupid people for some odd reason
trans strawberry milkshake anyone? .