1998 Toyota 4Runner Reviews

The head gasket just blew, which is probably normal for this many miles, but I take good care of my vehicles. I really don't know what to do with it now, as it really isn't worth much, except for the almost new tires I just put on it!!

I HAVE had good luck with the truck, besides replacing things like starters and alternators.

Not sure I would buy another Toyota 4runner, just because the ride is so bad in this vehicle. It really IS built more like a truck than an SUV.

I have owned 6 Toyota vehicles in my life, and they can nickle and dime you to death if they are not very carefully maintained throughout their lives.

I had to have the top end of the engine rebuilt at 124,000 as others have stated. But that is it. Everything else works.

Two things bother me, and I will soon fix them.

There is a serpentine belt squeak, and the fan under the hood rubs up against the plastic frame, but it isn't enough to make me go out tomorrow and fix them, if you get my drift.

My uncle was the original owner, and put 100k on it, then gave it to my dad. My dad put another 88k on it, then gave it to me.

It has black bumpers and handles, but ironically it has leather interior. The driver's seat is just now starting to see wear marks.

I put smaller tires on it, and they make a huge difference. I also change the oil religiously every 3 months or 3k miles, whether it needs it or not.

There also has only been 3 sets of tires, of which the ones I bought will last until 230k because I check the tire pressure once a week.

I live in California where the weather gets hot, and the air conditioning works fantastic.

My 2000 VW Jetta VR6 made it to 133k before I refused to dump anymore money into it. Basic engine stuff, nothing major, but still expensive.

Okay, people say these 4 cylinders are slow... Compared to a VR6, yes, but really they aren't that slow. I also have to admit I don't have the 4wd, which would add weight and cause it to be slower.

The AC compressor started making a whining sound at 200,000 miles. Cost me $900 for a new compressor and labor to install it. I think it was around $500 for the part.

We bought this car with 90k miles and now have 204,000 miles on it. In that time we have only had to replace the AC compressor ($900) at 200k miles, and change the water pump and timing belt (which is routine maintenance). I do oil changes at 4-5k mile intervals, but sometime go to 9k miles without an oil change and have had no problems.

I drive almost all highway miles and get about 21-23mpg's. I fill up about 15gallons and get usually drive about 350miles/tank.

Resale value is great on these cars because they are so reliable.

I have a two wheel drive model, but I have driven 4-wheel drive models offroad and they do great with decent stock ground clearance.