Hello. I am new here and trying to get some information. My mom is wanting a late model 4-Runner, but I am not too familiar with these SUVs. The one we are really interested in - is a light gold 1998 4- Runner SR5. It has all power options, moonroof, alloy wheels, etc. I think it is 106K, but not 100% sure. It also has a towing hitch, so hopefully it has not been overworked. What trouble areas should we check out on this car- if any? Are they fairly reliable? Also- what is a fair price? KBB shows about $10000 private party and $13000 retail. It is on a Toyota dealers lot, so I am guessing they are asking retail. Any information appreciated. Tony

You know the thing about Toyotas is that dealers will try to sell them for the same price whether they got 70k or 110k. I personally would look for one with around 72k or so. Yeah the engines go to 200k plus, but why push it. Its your choice though. Thats just my opinion. Anyways about the 4runners. Their great trucks. I got a 96' with the 3.4. Its got about 82k on it and its running great, no oil usuage at all. I bought mine a year and a half ago with 64k on it. Paid 14,900 plus taxes, tags, etc. Don't worry about it having a towing hitch unless theres the hitch receiver and ball with the truck. Most of them came with hitches. Mine had just the hitch and I doubt it was ever used. Besides the engine in the 4runner along with the transmission is crap when trying to pull. I've pulled a 10ft enclosed trailer that was empty and the acceleration is sooo slow. Only thing the hitch comes in handy for is vehicle recovery. I swear the truck frame would rip apart before the hitch broke. I haven't had any major problems with mine yet. Just done the regular maintence and replaced the timing belt at around 68k. Ryan

Mine's a '99 with 110k, runs great except the rear left brake drags sometimes (replaced the seal but it still does it - doesn't appear to be brake fluid... ???), the cruise control's a little punchy and sometimes when I start off in the morning the fuel gauge reads high, which is not a problem unless I wasn't the last one driving it so I didn't know, it's almost out of gas and I'm heading out of town where there isn't a gas station in time for it to recover, which is about a half hour. That hasn't happened to me yet though. I think the 2wd has a recall on the towing setup. I bought mine used as a Certified Used Vehicle - I lost a water seal gasket at 90k - actually it wasn't leaking enough to drip yet, the dealer's mechanic just noticed it was starting to go, and I lost a u-joint at 95k - they replaced the driveshaft. Not the u-joint, the driveshaft. Neither of those cost me a penny, including renting the loaner. I've heard different things about that timing belt replacement. One dealer tried to get me to change it at 60k, then when I took it in for the 90k chkup they told me it was okay. I heard from another dealer the average life is like 150k to 200k, and it's a non interfering engine (as timing belt vs. chain engines usually are) so when it goes you just have to tow it home or to the dealer, there's no chance ot damage. Anybody know anybody whose timing belt actually has broken? How about recalls? Anybody know about them? Steve H

Thanks for the replies. We may try to find one with less miles. Around here- they are around $11K-14K - for a 97-99 with 70-100K. She at least wants a 1996 model, for the slight restyle and airbags. About how much $$$ for the major maintainence I saw mentioned? Is this for the timing belt? It is a non-interference engine? Thanks again for the replies.

Yeah it is a non-interference engine, but I couldn't really find information on how long they lasted and figured I'd rather just spend the money now then be stuck on the side of the road. Thinking about it I probably should've waited to around 100k and done the timing belt and water pump together. Since to replace the water pump the timing belt has to be taken off. I've never had a Toyota before, but on all my American cars the timing belts don't last longer then they say in the book and the water pumps don't normally last over 100k. If I remember correctly I paid around 350 or so for the timing belt replacement. Ryan

The truth about Toyota is very sad to me. I have currently 4 Toyotas. I am very American but have to admit that there is nothing out there better than toyota. Toyota is the Best manufacturer period. They are so far ahead of everyone that they are the standard! They are so confident that they even give free tours to helps other manufacturers. This includes all the stuff from Germany as well. They are better than Mercedes BMW Land Rover you name it they are far better. The part that sucks is that why can't US auto makers do that instead!!!! I can send references to support and show other manufacturers comparing themselves to Toyota. I have a 2003 Jeep but already have issues. Now the bad part about Toyotas. THEY WILL LAST FOREVER!!!! I MEAN FOREVER. I got a Toyota truck and and have only replaced tires battery, Clutch once, wipers, and replace stereo with aftermarket. over 150000 miles and other maintenance was cahgne the oil when I felt like it. Sometimes as long as 15K or more. I have never had tune up. Oh but yes I have replace plugs. The worst part of Toyota by far is the price for parts! You will pay so much more for parts it is upsetting. But hey you will never ever have a car that is WORTHLESS!!! You can sell a Toyota even not running. I just wish that toyota was owned by usa. Funny thing about that they manufacture there trucks here but Ford and GM and Dodge do it in Canada and Mexico. Same goes for the parts thing as well both use non-usa parts makers. Oh well. If you fix the timing belt too early it won't hurt, on the other side if you don't it can leave you stranded or worse. By the way if you don't like your Toyota sell it me. Jon

So - a little survey. Has anyone's timing belt broken on them?

Mine went to 130000 and was changed on my old supra. Sean Rauch 85 Supra - Sold 86 4Runner K & N 3in. lift in the back. (now that its level...) Doing cancer surgery as priority #1 ?Try and keep at least 2 of your 4 wheels on the ground this time.? Winnipeg, Canada

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What's the recomended interval (in miles)for timing belt change?

I know that BELTS should be done ~ every 60,000 miles. I think that chains last considerably longer something like 150k ? 200k miles. (I could be wrong about the chain interval) Sean Rauch 85 Supra - Sold 86 4Runner K & N 3in. lift in the back. (now that its level...) Doing cancer surgery as priority #1 Wpg. Toyota Network: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/wpgtoyota/ ?Try and keep at least 2 of your 4 wheels on the ground this time.? Winnipeg, Canada