How long does a 2002 Toyota 4runner SR5 last?
Asked by Ger Mar 20, 2021 at 05:37 PM about the 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I'm looking to buy a cheap car and I've always
heard toyotas were realiable. One I'm looking at has
250,200 miles for $4000, is it worth it?
Car fax seems good but then again i could miss
something. It's coming from a big chain
dealership(brand new cars are sold). So i trust them
more. Here is the listing
heck out this car I found on Cars.com:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/8396914
99/overview?aff=share_other
And carfax
https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cf
x?vin=jt3gn86r320249047&partner=cdm_o
5 Answers
That is a big gamble. Your question should be "are Toyota's with a quarter million miles reliable". I would say no. Even if it is super clean and drives good it probably will not go long before it needs expensive repairs. How many miles a year do you drive? As always have a mechanic inspect it and offer less.
Honestly, I don't even plan to keep it long, I bought a mustang brand new and put 35,000 from excess driving, road trips and work commute in 2 years. But I stopped doing that and only use it for work. So my goal is to buy a cheap car and having it last for at least 35k in 2 years, but it will only be for my drives to work so i may not even put that many miles but that's just a base line. So if it can last me 30 thousand in the next 2 years that is okay. I could pay it off within a year to since I'm only looking at cars under 10,000$
If all you want is a cheap beater to commute in I would look at an older Camry with a lot less miles on it. I assume you want a reliable car and not one that needs constant attention? The 4Runner could last another 35k and then again it might not last 35 miles.
What is the base line i should look for? Under 150k? Under 100k? What should i look for when checking out the car wether online or in person,
Personally I would look at cars under 100k miles but since you only want a car that will go 30k miles you could expand that to higher miles. Obviously you want some assurance that it will go longer than that so you can sell it rather than scrap it. I look for rust, scan for codes etc. If any warning lights are on walk away! Look for evidence of accidents such as overspray, paint colors that don't match, rough edges on body panels etc. ; smoke or oil leaks means run away! A recent smog check is assurance that the engine runs well and the emissions systems work. Check the CarFax and have a mechanic check it out before buying. Money well spent!
