99 4runner with 140k?

cnskate

Adventurer
Would a 99 4runner Limited 3.4 auto with a 140k miles be worth making into an expo rig? I'm smitten by any vehicle that comes with a factory diff locker. I think this one might have the 4.30 gearing too?
 

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
Also depends on the price. From what I've seen Limited's are pretty expensive in the used market, even with that kind of mileage on them.

Having said that, my 99 SR5 has nearly 130k and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it to Alaska.
 

toy_tek

Adventurer
Like Martin said, depends on price. And as long as routine maintenance was kept up, that vehicle should give you a good 100k more with no major issues.

Common 3rd Gen things to look for over 100k:
rear axle seals (leak)
steering rack bushings (worn)
brake rotors (warped)

Also make sure the timing belt has been changed.

My 97 has 180k
 

cnskate

Adventurer
Thanks for the info. So 240k without major mishaps is not unheard of on these vehicles?
They're asking 9k, but I might be able to get it a little cheaper. At what mileage is the timing belt supposed to be changed?
 

toy_tek

Adventurer
I think the recommended change is 90k. I did mine around 120 and it still looked decent. At 140k it should be done or negotiate price accordingly.
 

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
Thanks for the info. So 240k without major mishaps is not unheard of on these vehicles?
They're asking 9k, but I might be able to get it a little cheaper. At what mileage is the timing belt supposed to be changed?

Timing belt is supposed to be 90k. I did mine at 118k and it was fine. Look on the timing belt cover, if it's been changed there will be a sticker on it that shows the mileage when it was changed and the date.

Many shops will quote you a lowball price of ~$250 - 300 to do a T-belt but trust me, that's just the beginning. By the time they get in there and replace the water pump, any broken or worn pulleys and other assorted seals and things, you'll be looking at $800 easy. OTOH, once you're done with that you should be good for another 100k or so.

IMO $9k is too high for that kind of mileage, but it depends on whether you really want the limited features. IMO the best things about the limited are: (1) multi-mode 4wd, (2) automatic climate control and (3) rear locker (usually.) I'm not a fan of sunroofs (too many horror stories about leaks) and the leather/wood stuff is not a big attraction for me. Also, regarding the rear locker, remember that if you buy a 4runner with an open rear diff, you can add a rear locker for not too much $$.

Now, if your main attraction to the Limited model is the multi-mode 4wd (it would be with me) then you can go for a 2001 - 2002 SR5. They all had the multi-mode, but the downside is you can't get the rear locker. You can typically find an 01-02 SR5 for less than the $9k they're asking and with lower miles, too.

Then drop at most $1k to add the rear locker (ARB or similar) and you have the functional equivalent of a Limited but without the high price. Just a thought...
 
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CYi5

Explorer
I paid $9,100 for my 125k '99 limited in SoCal last August. That said, I didn't blink an eye at the mileage when purchasing and now have 160k. I had to fix a few leaks myself, but nothing out of my league.
 

BIGdaddy

Expedition Leader
thanks for this question. We're also looking for a 4runner of this vintage, and are finding similar mileage and pricing.

Have to say I'm leery of something with over 100k, but then again, I bought my current jeep cherokee 15,000 miles ago with 165,000 on it, and it's been 100% reliable with very few repairs.

Things like radiators, hoses, O2/TPS sensors, etc are normal to me and make up the bulk of what I've had to do. A lot of it looked like original 17 year old jeep stuff, too. Not a bad service life...:)

Good to hear that a 4runner would likely return the same if not better results from what you all are saying.
 

CA-RJ

Expo Approved™
If it's been well maintained and the price is fair, you should jump on it. I bought mine with 136k miles in 2007 for $9200. It was already lifted with new 33's, front bumper and roof rack though.

You have to expect as it gets older, that things will fail or wear out. Since buying my 4Runner (has 200k on it now), I've replaced the front sway bar end links, front sway bar bushings, tie rod ends, front brake pads and rotors, timing belt (with water pump, idler bearings and drive belts), rear 3rd member (ring gear let go in a spectacular fashion and got a used 3rd to bolt in), oxygen sensor, clutch and I have lower ball joints ready to be installed.

I feel that we have totally gotten our money's worth out of it and have never been worried to drive it anywhere.
 

5Runner

Adventurer
FYI: I have a 2000 sport with locker already built as an off-road expo rig that will be for sale very soon. 139k and I am only selling cause I have three kids and have out grown it. Just bought a land cruiser. I will post an add with details soon. Rig is in Colorado.
 

bigwapitijohnny

Adventurer
Great rig...

Our '98 4runner has been in our family for over 13 years...It's got about 158K miles on it so far. The things that have needed to be repaired are the things that have worn out...Seals, brakes resurfacing, AC pump, etc...This truck does not owe me anything...:smiley_drive:

IMG_2853.jpg


I say ~ Go for it! :victory:

Regards,

BWJ
 

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