sounds like it might be burning some oil, with 240K miles it doesnt surprise me. sounds like the majority of those miles are highway. but i wouldnt pay more then $1200....
Considering a purchase: 1998 Frontier with high miles
I've been looking for a cheap pickup as a second vehicle -- hoping to find something under $2000, with a preference for Toyota and Nissan. So far, that's been limiting my choices to 1990ish and older, with the occasional 1993 or 1994 popping up (and Toyota's commanding a premium over Nissan for a given year and mileage).
I came across an ad for a 1998 Frontier -- 2wd, 4cyl, 5 speed manual, regular cab. It seems to be in pretty good condition, with a few minor cosmetic issues (rear bumper is pushed in, front corner signal needs replacing). A/C and heat work great.
The issue is that it has 240,000 miles. The owner bought it in 2001 and used it for a 50 mile daily commute for most of that time. He says it doesn't appear to be leaking any oil, and the exhaust is dry, but that it does end up being about a half-quart low on oil when he changes the oil every 3000-5000 miles.
He's asking $2200. Fair price? The miles themselves don't worry me that much -- I might find a 1988 Toyota or Nissan that has fewer miles, but more abuse over that extra 10 years. Should the oil use concern me?
I came across an ad for a 1998 Frontier -- 2wd, 4cyl, 5 speed manual, regular cab. It seems to be in pretty good condition, with a few minor cosmetic issues (rear bumper is pushed in, front corner signal needs replacing). A/C and heat work great.
The issue is that it has 240,000 miles. The owner bought it in 2001 and used it for a 50 mile daily commute for most of that time. He says it doesn't appear to be leaking any oil, and the exhaust is dry, but that it does end up being about a half-quart low on oil when he changes the oil every 3000-5000 miles.
He's asking $2200. Fair price? The miles themselves don't worry me that much -- I might find a 1988 Toyota or Nissan that has fewer miles, but more abuse over that extra 10 years. Should the oil use concern me?
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Yikes, really? $1200 around here doesn't get you much. Old beat to heck carbed Mazda's and rusty Nissan Hardbodies with Z24's.
I think for 2k you're getting a good truck ... keep it in perspective, you're not going to find a circa 98 yota with +200k for anywhere near $2000. Are you going to get 100k out if with any repairs, not likely but at least couple years of of beating on maintaining would be a fair expectation.
Here are a couple more so you can compare:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/1593755413.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/1588770860.html
Here are a couple more so you can compare:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/1593755413.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/1588770860.html
This is probably the wrong place to be making this statement, but I recently bought a 98 Frontier (2wd, 2.4L just like what you're looking at) to replace a dying 91 Toyota pickup, and honestly I understand why the Toyotas hold more value.
I do like to make it clear though that that isn't a knock against the Nissan - It's a good little truck for it's purpose which is to get me to work and haul around the occasional junk. My Frontier has about 158K on it, I've put on around 1500 in just the past few weeks since buying it and it drives well; I just preferred how the Toyota felt and drove.
I do like to make it clear though that that isn't a knock against the Nissan - It's a good little truck for it's purpose which is to get me to work and haul around the occasional junk. My Frontier has about 158K on it, I've put on around 1500 in just the past few weeks since buying it and it drives well; I just preferred how the Toyota felt and drove.
^ I love my fronty but still want a 22re
Keep in mind that an engine that burns oil will only become more of a pain in the neck as time goes on. Repairing the problem (either piston rings or valve oil seals) would not be trivial or inexpensive. Also, you'd want to change oil slightly more frequently than you would otherwise.
Your seller's asking price is a bit high according to Kelley Blue Book, which values the truck you described at around ~$1500.
IMHO: You can probably find a more dependable truck for $2200, especially if you decide to forgo the Japanese makes. If he lowers the price, however, you might have yourself a good deal.
Your seller's asking price is a bit high according to Kelley Blue Book, which values the truck you described at around ~$1500.
IMHO: You can probably find a more dependable truck for $2200, especially if you decide to forgo the Japanese makes. If he lowers the price, however, you might have yourself a good deal.
My father had a '94 and an '01, both 2wd 4 cylinder 5 speeds. Both ran like new at 150-160k. He bought them both new and sold them at that mileage. They were his commuter/weekend HD run trucks and he never had any major problems with either one. He got good MPG out of them too, he averaged like 26 mpg.
They hold their value pretty well too, he sold both of them for over $5k.
They hold their value pretty well too, he sold both of them for over $5k.
Yeah, I think I'm probably going to pass on it. I might have to wait a while longer, but I'd rather not buy into a dying motor. I've owned a car with a ton of blow-by that drank oil like crazy, and it's not fun.
I did just come across another 98 Frontier, 165k miles, 4wd, extra cab, sunroof, with all power options, a little further away but for the same price. I'm going to pursue that one for now.
I did just come across another 98 Frontier, 165k miles, 4wd, extra cab, sunroof, with all power options, a little further away but for the same price. I'm going to pursue that one for now.
I agree that the second one sounds pretty good... but half a quart at that mileage wouldn't scare me for the first one if the second one doesn't work out, assuming he's kept up with the other maintenence, like MT and differential gear oil changes.
Heath
Heath
doesn't sound bad to me... 1/2 quart is nothing... my 95 taco burned that by every 3k oil change at over 200k/mi... and i sold it for $5k with 250k/mi... and yes toyotas hold their value like crazy, but you pay a lot more upfront too so it kind of washes out... is the 4X4 a V6? cuz from what I hear they won't get the crazy high mileage like you get with the I4
1998's all had the KA24DE, did they not? It is a 4 cyl, either way.doesn't sound bad to me... 1/2 quart is nothing... my 95 taco burned that by every 3k oil change at over 200k/mi... and i sold it for $5k with 250k/mi... and yes toyotas hold their value like crazy, but you pay a lot more upfront too so it kind of washes out... is the 4X4 a V6? cuz from what I hear they won't get the crazy high mileage like you get with the I4
Nope they def had the V6... that is the only year the 4x4 was offered with the ka24de tho... u should prob get that then... hard to comeby, sought after, prob a good resale value, and an overall cool truck
I thought the vg33 was introduced to the frontys in 99...?
Really? i better check my facts
98 Frontier
I'd say offer him $1500 and go from there. Just for the record I have a 95 Hardbody KC SE-V6 4x4, tow package, sunroof, $1000 matching color Leer camper shell, just turned 232000 miles, 60 miles daily driver, oil changed religiously at 3k since 68k, burns no oil. I'd drive it anywhere on go! NADA has clean trade-in at $3625 and clean retail at $5875. I wouldn't take either!!!
I'd say offer him $1500 and go from there. Just for the record I have a 95 Hardbody KC SE-V6 4x4, tow package, sunroof, $1000 matching color Leer camper shell, just turned 232000 miles, 60 miles daily driver, oil changed religiously at 3k since 68k, burns no oil. I'd drive it anywhere on go! NADA has clean trade-in at $3625 and clean retail at $5875. I wouldn't take either!!!
Yes you are right... it also seems that the 4 cyl was available for 99 4x4's as well... except only in the manual trans... sorry for the misinfo
I am not sure myself... but definitely post the results of your search.
^ beat me to it
^ beat me to it
I would only buy that truck with the manual tranny anyway... the auto would be a gutless wonder
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