please help..need advise!

Hello everyone,

New to the forum and I need some help. I am looking to purchase 96 4Runner 4x4 Limited with 142,000 miles and it looks like I am able to get it for a reasonable price. The timing belt, water pump, fluids and filter were all changed and transmission seems to run smoothly with no taps or fluid leak. Overall this vehicle is in excellent condition and everything works electronically
So here are my questions:
1. How many more miles should I expect to get?
2. Are there any issues this year and model have that I should look at?
3. Is this engine underpowered (3.4) for towing?
4. What is a reasonable price for this vehicle?

Thanks for any insight and hopefully I will soon be a proud new owner of a 4Runner and an active member of this site.
Aaron

You can get alot of miles if you take care of it, around 210,000 is what my old toyota lasted around. To me, the 3.4 is kind of weak, even when I'm not towing anything, so I don't think its that good. A good price, depends on how the condition is. I wouldn't spend more than $7,500 for it

right, well you can maintain a toyota and run over 200k miles.
THe 3.4 is rated around 180 hp, and around 185 lb.ft torque.
The 3.4 isnt supposed to be a racer's engine, so it may seem a bit slow especialy considering the weight of the truck. Towing capacity ( from a class III receiver) will be 5000lb. So it will tow just about anything you have. ( 5000 lb is a whole lot of boat, and would represent alot of trailer!)
SO, if ya like it, buy it. I sell Toyotas and see them come in well over 200,000 miles EVERY DAY!

The mileage you get off that truck will totally depend on how well you maintain the truck and how well it was maintained before you bought it by the previous owner.

Be sure and bring the truck to a competent mechanic you trust and have him look it over carefully. Drive it and make sure it is smooth and fairly powerful - no smoke at any time from the exhaust. Transmission should shift smoothly and its fluid should be red and engine oil should be clear and smell very little. Shift into all the 4WD modes and make sure there is no problem with these (keep it in a straight line to prevent binding). Brakes should give you straight stops and the tires should be evenly worn. This is not an exhaustive list

For further help in used cars, see:
http://www.edmunds.com/used/index.html?tid=edmunds.t.townhall.globalheader..2. *

Don't buy it if there is any evidence that it has been used off-road unless the price is really right. There are alot of cream-puff 3rd generation 4Runners available. Don't settle for one with hard miles.

Hey guys need some extra help. :biggrin:

I found another Runner Limited but it is a 97 and has 117k. But sounds like it has been used for some heavy towing. I like the low miles but they may be some hard miles on this truck and it does not seem as clean or as well taken care of. The transmission is smooth with no engine taps.
So question is: what is better a 96 Runner Limited with 142k all highway miles or 97 Runner Limited with 117k with heavy towing miles.

Unfortunately I am limited to only phone calls about these vehicles.
Thanks
Aaron

I would pick the '96 if that's the only two choices.

I tow a 21' ski boat around all summer - almost daily. And I live in Utah - mountains and hills. My Tacoma tows awesome. The boat is 3850 lbs w/trailer - dry. Fully loaded I am probably closing in on the 5000 lb mark. Don't hestitate to tow responsibly with your Toyota.

Hey guys just wanted to say thanks for the insight and I did end up purchasing the 96 Runner Limited with the 142k. Got it for a little over 6 thousand...so not a bad deal. I pick it up on Saturday. Hopefully you won't hear too much from me :biggrin: but I will be checking in from time to time.
Time to sell the rodeo.

Go Sox