"JCAlan" (jcalan)
04/25/2018 at 07:55 • Filed to: None
3
10|
"JCAlan" (jcalan)
04/25/2018 at 07:55 • Filed to: None | 3
| 10 |
My plan is that in about a year or so, this will be one of the nicest 3rd gen 4Runners in the country. And I started with a good one, this thing is pretty clean. I have made the mistake in the past of taking on a custom project, but starting with a piece of shit and later realizing that it will never be what I want it to be. Pro tip: If you want a nice custom automobile, start with a nice automobile.
I bought it from a small dealership not far from home, which was a weird experience for me since I work at one. I paid right around $4400 plus tax for it, which I think was a good deal as these are getting hard to find in decent shape.
This is a 97, so pre “fat lip” front bumper, which I never thought looked right. Very low miles at only 132,000. The only rust is on the chrome of the rear bumper. Frame is solid. Everything works, engine smooth, trans shifts out, 4wd, low range, A/C, rear window, etc. The only things I’ve found in disrepair are the power antenna mast and a A/C vent that the little slider to shut off the air flow seems to be missing. Oh and I have some brake pedal fade that I’ll need to iron out. Interior is clean, though this “leather” is cheap as hell. One panel on the driver’s seat is worn through, but I might just replace all of the seat surfaces with something softer anyway.
I have big plans for this thing, but it will go in small steps. On day one, I removed the running boards, cheesy window vents, and all badging. I think it’s looking better already.
Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
> JCAlan
04/25/2018 at 08:27 |
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Nice price for sure. Most of the private sale 4runners in the Charlotte area are going for that with double the miles. And apparently, people are paying it. They never stay on craigslist or Facebook marketplace for very long.
xsnowpig
> JCAlan
04/25/2018 at 08:27 |
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nice score. Imperial Jade Mica for the color? 4Runners are at least 50% more money out here in Colorado for the same miles.
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JCAlan
> Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
04/25/2018 at 08:58 |
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That’s pretty much what I found here. It’s like I got 100,000 miles off for free!
Under_Score
> JCAlan
04/25/2018 at 09:39 |
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I still see a lot of these around, even though they’re 20 years old. In fact, I probably see more of these than new 4Runners.
vicali
> JCAlan
04/25/2018 at 09:47 |
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What are your plans?
‘Nicest 3rd Gen in the country’ has a certain ring to it but there are some really nice ones out there.
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JCAlan
> vicali
04/25/2018 at 09:51 |
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Ambitious right? Perhaps a bit of hyperbole.... You know, lift kit and wheels and stuff.
Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
> JCAlan
04/25/2018 at 10:43 |
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Thats about the mileage mine had when I got it.
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vicali
> JCAlan
04/25/2018 at 11:21 |
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Some ideas from a friends old build;
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/84811-98-sr5-dirt-duster-build.html
horizonsofkhaos
> JCAlan
04/25/2018 at 11:24 |
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There’s one on a nearby craigslist with 230k miles and some significant dents in it selling for $4500 so I’d say you got a good deal. My next door neighbor just bought a nice one for his youngest son at $3500 with about 210k miles on it.
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JCAlan
> vicali
04/25/2018 at 11:25 |
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Nice! That grill is exactly what I had in mind.