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Meet the owner of a 1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited that has logged 330,000 miles and is so beloved that she refuses to sell her trusty “mulch getter” to the dealership’s eager young technicians.
Tracy Lynn Plowman Forshee on the Toyota 4Runner Club Facebook page says,
“In 1997, I ordered my 1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited. It has about 330,000 miles on it and has been garage-kept most of its life. I always said I would drive it until the wheels fell off. Pretty sure that’s not gonna happen.”
“Every time I take it to the dealership for an oil change, one of the younger technicians comes out and asks me if I wanna sell it. I say, no, she’s my mulch getter!”
This 330,000-Mile Toyota 4Runner Is a Treasure
I love Tracy’s story. Hearing that her 1998 4Runner Limited is still going strong at 330,000 miles and is, quite literally, her dedicated “mulch getter,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of these vehicles. And those persistent younger technicians? They’re not wrong to ask about buying it; they know quality when they see it.
For the uninitiated, the 3rd-generation Toyota 4Runner (1996-2002) is considered by many to be the zenith of the model line’s engineering. It’s a sweet spot of size, capability, and sheer bulletproof reliability. When enthusiasts and experienced analysts dig into why Toyota 4Runner Limited models last over 300,000 miles, the answer always circles back to the powertrain.
Tracy’s truck, running the legendary 5VZ-FE 3.4L V6 engine paired with the robust A340F automatic transmission, is a shining example of old-school, over-engineered Japanese reliability. This engine is non-interference, meaning a snapped timing belt is a massive headache, but not a death sentence—a peace of mind newer vehicles simply don’t offer.
Keeping the Dream Alive
Tracy rightly says, “Pretty sure that’s not gonna happen,” about the wheels falling off, but even the best-built machines need proactive care. When we look at common maintenance tips for aging third-generation Toyota 4Runners, we have to go beyond the basic oil change.
The major 100,000-mile service, which includes the timing belt and water pump, is critical; however, at 330,000 miles, maintenance transitions into preventative preservation. Specifically, if she hasn’t done it recently, Tracy should consider the “pink milkshake” preventative fix: bypassing or replacing the transmission cooler integrated into the radiator.
A catastrophic failure here means mixing coolant with transmission fluid, which is instant death for the transmission. For any high-mileage owners out there, make sure your fluids—transmission, differential, transfer case—are inspected and swapped out every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on usage.
Understanding the True Value of the “Mulch Getter”
The young technicians chasing Tracy understand the resale value of high-mileage Toyota 4Runners. They know a clean, garage-kept, one-owner 3rd Gen commands a premium, often fetching $8,000 to $15,000 or more, far above what generic blue book values suggest. These vehicles represent a finite supply of true analog 4x4s.
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However, Tracy has hit on an even more important economic truth—the hidden cost of selling a perfectly maintained 1998 Toyota 4Runner. The price isn’t measured in dollars; it’s measured in replacement value. Finding a modern vehicle that offers the same utility, reliability, and simple maintenance for less than $40,000 is nearly impossible.
If you sell your reliable, paid-off “mulch getter,” you exchange a known quantity for a new monthly payment, insurance hikes, and the inevitable depreciation curve. Keeping it, ironically, is the most financially sound decision.
Comprehensive Solutions for Wear and Tear
At 330,000 miles, even if specific components haven’t failed, they are definitely fatigued. The two areas that require comprehensive solutions are suspension and frame protection. If the rear end is visibly sagging, it’s time for the best suspension upgrades for high-mileage Toyota 4Runners. I recommend a light-to-medium duty load-bearing coil spring replacement (like OME 906 rear springs) paired with quality shock absorbers. This restores the vehicle’s factory ride height, improving handling and load-carrying capacity, making it a better “mulch getter” than ever.
The second, and arguably most crucial, long-term solution is addressing rust.
The frame rails are the Achilles’ heel of this generation. Proactive owners must be diligent about addressing frame rust prevention on vintage Toyota 4Runner trucks. A deep cleaning, followed by an internal oil-based coating (such as fluid film) and an external rubberized protective coating, is the only way to ensure the metal lasts as long as the engine does.
Conclusion:
Whether you use your high-mileage SUV for daily commuting or as a dedicated workhorse, having confidence in its capability is everything. The final step is preparedness. Even after meticulous maintenance, there are essential checks before a long road trip in a classic Toyota SUV.
Always verify the condition of your spare tire (and the deployment cable mechanism), check your belts and hoses for cracking, and carry a basic toolkit and diagnostic scanner. These simple, actionable steps ensure Tracy’s sentiment—that the wheels won’t fall off—remains true for hundreds of thousands of miles to come.
Tracy’s story is proof that Toyota quality is genuine, and the 3rd-generation 4Runner is a lifetime investment. Drive on, Tracy!
We Want To Hear From You
After hearing Tracy Lynn’s story about her unstoppable 1998 4Runner Limited and why she calls it her “mulch getter,” what’s the highest mileage you’ve racked up on your Toyota, and what’s the one thing you’d never sell it for? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Toyota Tacoma story: I Just Changed the Taillight Bulb in My 2000 Toyota Tacoma For $6, It’s Why I Will Never Own A New Tacoma Or a Cybertruck, I’ll Keep My One-Owner Find
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tracy Lynn Plowman Forshee
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Source: torquenews.com
