Buying a 4Runner for my girlfiend. What do you guys think?

I'm going to look at this 4runner on Monday for my girlfriend. Its a 1997 SR5 2wd 3.4L 219k miles for $3800. Its a one owner and clean title. Is this a good deal? fair deal? please tell me what you think. I recently bought my 2002 Tacoma and love it. How different are the 4runners compared to Tacoma's? As reliable? Anything out of the ordinary I should look for on the 4runners?

 

1st Gen Tacomas and 3rd Gen T4Rs are virtually identical mechanically. They have the same engine and tranny; Yes, they are just as reliable!

This particular one is in phenomenal condition for the age and mileage! I see that you live in California and you say this one is 2WD; As long as you are absolutely sure you won’t be need a 4x4 I say go for it! No 4WD means better gas mileage and less to go wrong!

 

And yes, 4Runners are just as reliable as Tacomas; The biggest difference is that Tacoma have a bed and T4Rs have a usable backseat!

 

seems to good to be true. amazing deal. AS LONG AS YOU ARE CERTAIN YOU WILL NEVER NEED 4WD! otherwise, total steal.

 

Does she want it? I've learned with loved ones to never get involved in car deals

 

What's the frame look like?

 

just make sure you get down under and inspect the underbody. leaks, rust, etc.

 

Make sure the A/C is blowing cold before you make a deal though; I’ve had my truck since new and the most expensive part I’ve ever had to replace is the A/C evaporator (almost $1,600).

 

Yes, since I got my Tacoma all she's been talking about is a 4runner. Her car keeps having issues so I've been driving her old car 2005 Volvo xc70. I want my truck back!

 

And yes, above all check the frame!

 

What’s her car that’s having issues, just out of curiosity?

 

thank you for the heads up! will definitely check that.

 

2005 Volvo XC70

 

And I’ve owned my truck since new! Always make sure you’re not buying someone else’s headache when buying used. One way to tell if the compressor is going bad is to use the oil dipstick as a stethoscope of sorts.

 

Oh, I misread that...



The Volvo is the one having issues; Those XC70s are generally good cars, but when something breaks it ain’t cheap!

 

you will never go wrong buying a Toyota. besides regular maintenance, which is up to you. Toyotas never break and are the meaning of Longevity!

 

Except for their frames, unfortunately...

 

@Taco critter

Your wife has a ‘97 T4R; Care to weigh in here?

 

I would drive a rusty frame before anything American made! sad as that is, im not kidding!

 

Almost 109K miles on my Taco and she still runs just as silky smooth as the day I brought her home more than ten years ago!