hello all - i have been lurking on the forums here for a couple of months now, slowly doing research and gathering info to make the most informed purchase of a 4runner that i can, but i have a question... i am looking at '96-'97 sr5 4x4 5-speeds with ~80k miles; i am wondering which type of 4runner is the best to look at buying: the one from the metro/urban area thaa may have had it's 4-wheel drive used ~5 times in the last 5 years, or the one from up in the mountains, that would have used it's 4-wheel drive consistently every winter. thanks in advance for the help,

wally

Welcome to the forum, Wally!

My only suggestion is to drive several and see how they feel. Go to a stealer and test drive a couple newer ones with low miles. Then when you find one in the range you are looking for, you will know how it is supposed to drive if it has been well taken care of. The knee jerk answer to your question is to buy an urban one, but that isn't always true. If it has been driven really hard in traffic, and the previous owner, for example alway rides the clutch, then it may be in worse shape than one that was driven often but cautiously in four wheel drive. Ask for maintanence records, ask about the spring and head gasket recalls, etc. I think the biggest mistake a car buyer can make is getting in a hurry and buying the first one they drive. Drive as many as you can and see how you like the different options and configurations.

Good Luck! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Your choice should also depend on how the vehicle was maintained. Make sure all scheduled maintenance was done and see if records of service are available. Personally I'd pick the city one where the 4X4 hasn't been used too much since using it does put additional stress on more parts. If the 4X4 has been used constantly then there's a increase in potential for problems.

The quality is built in so if the 4X4 has been used too much you shouldn't experience any problems should you choose to start offroading it.

That's my opinion...

Wallstrum,
Welcome to the board. Personally, I would pick whichever Runner is within your budget and the trim-level that suits your taste. As for the urban vs trail thing, as was mentioned before it does depend on how well it was maintained.

But, there is a school of thought regarding a 4wd that has at least been used off-raod every so often as it indicates the transfer case and front axle assemblies have been run which keeps the internals lubricated at least once in a while. Keeps things like seals from drying out, and lube on the internal parts. Maybe some others will jump in here on this aspect.

But again nothing beats normal maintanance, and some records to back that up before you buy would be a bonus.

Good luck.

Ricochet

i appreciate all of the info so far... anyone else want to chip in their opinion? thanks,

wally