55k Original Miles: 1999 Toyota 4runner Limited 4WD – SOLD!

February 27, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

February 12, 2023 Update – The seller replaced their expiring original Craigslist ad with a fresh listing.  In their latest ad, the seller decided to lower their asking price from $19,500 to $18,500.

If you ask long-term owners of a Toyota 4Runner if they know how much their vehicle commands on the used marketplace, I’m guessing most respondents won’t have a clue. Some do – I’ve come across a handful who actually plan to restore their long-term daily drivers – but for the most part, these are just beaters that make good college cars in the eyes of the non-enthusiast world. This is why they make great flip vehicles if you are on the ball to grab one of these original owner examples offered for sale for peanuts or kicked to the local charity auction. This extremely low-mileage 1999 4Runner spotted in February 2023 on Craigslist near Charlotte is now offered for $18,500 (the original ask was $19,500), and comparing that price against the Classic.com model guide shows us that the seller is asking for just above the going sale price of $16,595:

The 4Runner has evolved in many ways but not so much in others. It has certainly gained significantly broader acceptance among consumers from its early days as a soft-topped off-roader that was very limited on the creature comforts but was impressively competent off-road right out of the box. The newest 4Runner really isn’t that new, which is a genius move on Toyota’s part not to fix what isn’t broken. With ancient architecture that renders it one of the very few body-on-frame SUVs you can buy, the 4Runner is a cash cow for Toyota, considering its development costs have been a non-factor on the balance sheets for the last ten years. This may also have something to do with why even 20-year-old 4Runners still command a strong price: it’s nearly the same truck as the new one and just as capable off-road with arguably less to break (considering the marginal advancements in creature comforts the newest truck has.)

The MotorWeek Retro Review YouTube Channel features this test drive of the 1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5 version:

The 4Runner shown here looks like a low-mileage truck, but it could look much better with professional detailing and a proper photo shoot. It always blows my mind to see sellers land a real-deal unicorn and then half-ass the presentation. My griping aside, the 4Runner benefits from the clean cosmetics that l0w-mile survivors like this typically feature. The light-colored interior reveals mostly stain-free carpets and decent – but not great – seating surfaces. The driver’s side left bolster features a major rip, a detail I would have corrected before listing this truck for sale. Fortunately, the seller has addressed many recent service items, including a new timing belt and water pump; valve cover gasket; replacement shocks; coolant temperature sensor; and more. Even if this is likely a flip, it’s always encouraging to see a seller that actually pours some of their own money into addressing deferred maintenance; we wish this extended to the cosmetics as well. This 4Runner is priced at the top of the market, and then some, but low-mileage specimens like this don’t come along daily.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“You won’t find another one! Yes 55k original miles
Cold AC Hot heat
All power seats
4WD works
Solid frame

Services done:
Front shocks and struts
Shock absorbers
Timing belt & water pump
Valve cover gaskets
Toyota oil and filter change
Coolant temperature sensor
New Goodyear tires

Wheel speed sensors getting installed on 12/20/22

Major credit card accepted
No trades, No financing, No low ballers, Please no time wasters
NOT INTERESTED IN ENTERTAINING ONLINE OFFERS, OR PRICE QUESTIONS, Price is discussed after it’s checked out
If all you have is questions, please do not message me
Cash in hand serious buyer, that’s ready to buy message for an appointment to check it out”

The ultimate Japanese SUV? Is a 4Runner like this a better value than spending several thousand more on a comparable Land Cruiser?