I just came across this 4Runner on Craigslist that is close to home and I want to know some expert opinions. Does this seem like a good deal? I am cautious of taking on other peoples problems like this especially after he started the repair but decided not to finish it. This makes me suspicious. Does this mean there are some previously unnoticed damaged parts that are going to make it really expensive to repair? Could this have discouraged him from further progress? What do you guys recommend that I check for given the amount of damage to the front end? I don’t want to buy it only to find out that a lot of structural damage has occurred or expensive parts have been destroyed. Please see link and thanks in advance for any and all input!

2001 Toyota 4 Runner

Nate

It looks like there is more damage than he is saying. Especially lower passenger side. However, if the frame isn't bent, and you don't mind spending some time on it, that doesn't seem like a bad deal. He says its a limited, but that's a sport edition...and pretty good condition everywhere else from what I can see. Go take a look and see what all you can find.

I'd go look at it in person and see if there's any more damage, such as frame rail end caps, inner fender, etc. if it is as stated its a pretty good deal and could be easily fixed in a couple days. Btw that looks like a non-limited bumper. Not sure if there are differences in mounting or fog light harness. If the rest of the car is in good shape I'd go for it.

Given that the entire front end is damaged, it may have slid into a snow bank. As opposed to striking one of the giant deer in IA. And I would much prefer the snow bank.

The driver's side fender looks wrinkled and/or paint is missing. Was the radiator leaking before the accident? If the rad was punctured, is the A/C condenser bent, or punctured? The CL seller may have planned on a functional, but not perfect repair. So if everything lined up fairly well, he may have planned to enlarge some of the bolt holes, hammer things straightish, etc. He found some used parts, then took it apart. What he found is a little worse than he hoped, and it tipped him over to sell it.

If you think the price is fair, the only issue is how much risk you want to take on. A snow bank hit, with no guard rail behind it, shouldn't bend the frame. If it were me, I would take a used radiator and change it in the driveway. It doesn't take long. If the radiator won't slide out, that will tell you something about the damage. With the radiator swapped, take it for a drive and figure out if there are engine or transmission issues. Given what he describes, the issues should all be cosmetic, sheet metal, and radiator.

I would take the extra steps because a) $2k cash goes a long way towards a T4R that doesn't need front end work (any used car will need some repair), and b) if you had a shop full of air tools and a lift, you probably wouldn't ask this question. If you have time to spend on this, and you like the truck, you may want to investigate further.

Good luck, let us know what happens.

I dont know if its just me or the angle of the pic but the radiator looks like its sittin in there kinda crooked. If thats easily straightened then youre probably gonna want to get a new a/c condenser too and maybe the lines going to it if you want a/c. Other than that, it looks pretty fixable.

It looks like the A/C condensor has been removed, as well as a lot of bracketry, and the dryer is hanging there, so figure A/C work (including vacuuming and charging - if you pay for it, $100 or more). Paint and body work is ALWAYS more expensive than mechanical stuff. You might be able to replace the mechanical stuff for $1000 or so then end up paying another $1000 for a fender and getting the paint to match.

Given that it's 2WD, unless you are really good with mechanics and body work, I'd stay away from it. I'm thinking you could easily sink $2000-$3000 in it and still might have issues, and if you have to pay for work, maybe quite a bit more.

I feel like an idiot...I skimmed right over the part about it being 2 wheel drive. I shouldn't be browsing Craigslist so late at night. I now have no interest in the vehicle but I want to thank everyone for their lengthy replies. It goes to show how great this site is.

I would make sure the engine cranks and hand the dude $1500 and call it a day! Then make a sweet 2x4 to go out in the desert and play!!! Ive always had a 4x4 but ive seen some guys do some pretty amazing things in a locked 2x4!

Honestly unless you are capable of both assessing the work required and performing the repairs yourself then it is foolish to buy.

Don't ever buy a broken vehicle and pay someone else to fix it.

If that is your plan then its a seriously bad plan.

Good luck with your search.

I was hoping it was more of a time constaint for him to not want to fix the vehicle. Had I picked it up it was going to be a winter project aka parts gathering if there was nothing structurally wrong. The paint I would have traded favors for with a friend. I agree 100% about how foolish it would be to buy it and have someone else fix it. But it doesn't matter anyway because I initially failed to see that it is only a 2 wheel drive. I will admit I am a bit anxious to finally get a 4Runner as my standard cab Tacoma just isn't a real comfortable commuter. My anxiousness wouldn't be quite as bad if I didn't have a drum to drum E-Locker axle sitting in my garage waiting for a home...I know poor me.

If you wait it out a few weeks/months you will find one.

People think these trucks are rare, they are not! I pass several every day on my commute.

Good luck with the search.