Toyota Repair: purchase 1998 4 Runner, vin range, toyota dealer

Question
Hi Ted, Hope you give me some advice regarding a possible purchase of a 1998 4 Runner.
Do you know if this model year had any major problems that I should be aware of?

I recently got out of my 2000 Explorer that I maintained in mint condition until some pin head at the Ford dealer over heated my engine during a routine repair. The Explorer never was "right" after that and Ford corporate as wll as the dealer would not help me.
So, after doing business since 1933 I have left Ford for good.
I'm on a fixed income so my wife and I have to watch the pennies and purchase a good used vehicle.

I've been looking at model year 4 Runners: 96,97, 98, mainly to keep the price low and still get a vehicle with some "life" left in it.

I certainly appreciate this service and all that you people do to help us.
Thank you,
Ben Berg.

Answer
The 96-98 4 Runners all use the same engines which by the way have have no major problems other than there was and still is a headgasket special service campaing on some 96 and 97 models(not 98) they fixed the problem that year, this campaign is good a few more years regardless of mileage and toyota pays for the headgasket replacement if it qualifies and falls under the vin# range, I would advise the 1998 model, there are no major problems with these and you should get about 200,000 miles without any major expenses, just normal maintenance.
Try to have a toyota dealer check any potential purchase that you have in mind, they will charge a small fee to check the car out completely, if the seller refuses to let you have it checked out at your own expense by your mechanic, pass it up.