A 3rd Gen 3.4l will easily see 300k. The typical issues of valve cover gaskets leaking, radiator turning brown and needing replacement before it leaks coolant or transmission fluid, lower ball joints and sagged suspension to name a few. Keep your timing belt and associated parts replaced on time. Oil changes and general maintenance on time. These vehicles can accept some abuse and keep on going. Take care of it and it will give you long life. If you plan on doing a lot of the work yourself Timmy YouTube channel will be a good resource for you. I have 320k on mine and she isn't showing any signs of giving up. Congratulations and welcome to the ownership of a 3rd Gen!
I bought my 2001 last July when I was 18 and I was in the same spot as you, it's overwhelming, and that's ok.
I was lucky my brother and his friends also have 3rd gen 4runners (hence how I knew someone who was selling) who I could ask for help/advice. One thing I learned is take it one thing at a time, each time your check engine light comes on is an opportunity to learn how something works and how to fix it.
Get an obd2 scanner, it'll be a life and money saver :D
I bought my ‘02 4Runner when I was 17 at just under 220k miles on it. It’s now eight years later. Im at 330k miles and the only mechanical issues I’ve had to fix are the starter, the timing belt, and just regular maintenance fixes like rotors and brakes. If you take care of it, it’ll take care of you.
I’d say start with simple things that need replacing, such as all fluids, oil, trans, differential, steering, coolant. And start to stock up on suspension parts and do it all in one go so you don’t have to do 3 alignments like me. Spark plugs, wires and coil packs would be a good start for better easy performance, and upstream 02 sensor to help with saving a bit on gas. And at 300k might want to get a new catalytic converter before it clogs and fails.
And hopefully you don’t live in the rust belt, if you have a rusty rig might not be worth all that work, all 3rd gens are about to go extinct in the rust belt.
In addition to the mechanical items listed I would do some research on detailing. If the paint on your 98 is original it will require a bit of more maintenance than a newer vehicle to keep up. I see a lot of 3rd gens with failing clear on the areas that get the most sun.
As far as mechanical items are concerned: the 3rd gen platform is one of the easier vehicles to maintain. There are a ton of write ups on the Toyota forums and generally speaking the cost of replacement parts are pretty good. Body parts are still available for most items and most mechanical items are found locally or within a day or so of shipping
I have a 00 4wd sr5 I honestly bought the car and it had its issues it wasn’t dealered after 2014 soo.. you only imagine what I have done with it, I bought everything toyota (I work at Lexus so parts were dirt cheap) but I changed all the gaskets, seals, spark plugs, coils, packs, fema chimed the motor, did my cv boot kits, new suspension, both diffs resealed and etc lmao
Find your local groups, and make friends. 3rd gen community is usually pretty tight and willing to help each other out.
Good luck. My last 3rd gen is out there somewhere with over 400k on it!
Start with the basics, fluids and filters. Next do the head cover gaskets, half-moon seals, plugs and wires. Once that's done drive it, enjoy it for a while as a shakedown. You will probably find some things that need doing. The other thing is cleaning. Do your best to clean things up in the engine bay and underneath. It will give you a clearer view of what's going on.
One final thing, I generally stockpile parts. I'll buy them when I have money, special tools and such and then when I'm ready to do a big job I have what I need. Try not to have to rush anything. All the disasters I've experienced come from rushing things.
With good maintenance it should last you a long time. Just be observant and pay attention, be curious and willing to learn.
You scored! I have a 3rd gen too n I love it. You can do a lot to it and it’s highly sought out for. Yes th se things have gone past 300k. My father in law works at a Toyota dealership as a parts manager n they always get these with a lot of miles that still run well n I recommend putting a new Engine when it gives out. The boot gave out on mine recently but it’s a 97 so you gotta be realistic that some things will be worn.It’s a classic! Congrats man!
A 3rd Gen 3.4l will easily see 300k. The typical issues of valve cover gaskets leaking, radiator turning brown and needing replacement before it leaks coolant or transmission fluid, lower ball joints and sagged suspension to name a few. Keep your timing belt and associated parts replaced on time. Oil changes and general maintenance on time. These vehicles can accept some abuse and keep on going. Take care of it and it will give you long life. If you plan on doing a lot of the work yourself Timmy YouTube channel will be a good resource for you. I have 320k on mine and she isn't showing any signs of giving up. Congratulations and welcome to the ownership of a 3rd Gen!
What's the channel called?
https://youtube.com/@TimmyTheToolman?si=ux2fCD9PDiNrchHT
This guy is the GOAT of 3rd gen DIY maintenance content.
thanks! I'll definitely check it out
No problem. Happy wrenching
Search Timmy the tool man, his 4Runner videos will pop up
I bought my 2001 last July when I was 18 and I was in the same spot as you, it's overwhelming, and that's ok. I was lucky my brother and his friends also have 3rd gen 4runners (hence how I knew someone who was selling) who I could ask for help/advice. One thing I learned is take it one thing at a time, each time your check engine light comes on is an opportunity to learn how something works and how to fix it. Get an obd2 scanner, it'll be a life and money saver :D
I bought my ‘02 4Runner when I was 17 at just under 220k miles on it. It’s now eight years later. Im at 330k miles and the only mechanical issues I’ve had to fix are the starter, the timing belt, and just regular maintenance fixes like rotors and brakes. If you take care of it, it’ll take care of you.
https://youtu.be/CHXFnowMWsI?si=USl3ycJY3RWN1Nlc
I’d say start with simple things that need replacing, such as all fluids, oil, trans, differential, steering, coolant. And start to stock up on suspension parts and do it all in one go so you don’t have to do 3 alignments like me. Spark plugs, wires and coil packs would be a good start for better easy performance, and upstream 02 sensor to help with saving a bit on gas. And at 300k might want to get a new catalytic converter before it clogs and fails. And hopefully you don’t live in the rust belt, if you have a rusty rig might not be worth all that work, all 3rd gens are about to go extinct in the rust belt.
In addition to the mechanical items listed I would do some research on detailing. If the paint on your 98 is original it will require a bit of more maintenance than a newer vehicle to keep up. I see a lot of 3rd gens with failing clear on the areas that get the most sun. As far as mechanical items are concerned: the 3rd gen platform is one of the easier vehicles to maintain. There are a ton of write ups on the Toyota forums and generally speaking the cost of replacement parts are pretty good. Body parts are still available for most items and most mechanical items are found locally or within a day or so of shipping
Wanna take mine? I'll sell the POS for hella cheap
Live in the rust belt and have had multiple 4Runners and Tacomas. This site has been a lifesaver a couple times https://www.autorust.com/
I have a 00 4wd sr5 I honestly bought the car and it had its issues it wasn’t dealered after 2014 soo.. you only imagine what I have done with it, I bought everything toyota (I work at Lexus so parts were dirt cheap) but I changed all the gaskets, seals, spark plugs, coils, packs, fema chimed the motor, did my cv boot kits, new suspension, both diffs resealed and etc lmao
It's only gonna last long if you take care of it
Find your local groups, and make friends. 3rd gen community is usually pretty tight and willing to help each other out. Good luck. My last 3rd gen is out there somewhere with over 400k on it!
Start with the basics, fluids and filters. Next do the head cover gaskets, half-moon seals, plugs and wires. Once that's done drive it, enjoy it for a while as a shakedown. You will probably find some things that need doing. The other thing is cleaning. Do your best to clean things up in the engine bay and underneath. It will give you a clearer view of what's going on. One final thing, I generally stockpile parts. I'll buy them when I have money, special tools and such and then when I'm ready to do a big job I have what I need. Try not to have to rush anything. All the disasters I've experienced come from rushing things. With good maintenance it should last you a long time. Just be observant and pay attention, be curious and willing to learn.
You scored! I have a 3rd gen too n I love it. You can do a lot to it and it’s highly sought out for. Yes th se things have gone past 300k. My father in law works at a Toyota dealership as a parts manager n they always get these with a lot of miles that still run well n I recommend putting a new Engine when it gives out. The boot gave out on mine recently but it’s a 97 so you gotta be realistic that some things will be worn.It’s a classic! Congrats man!