[John67]

Hello everyone, I'm considering to buy a 2001 Toyota 4runner SR5 4x4. I just wanted to know from your experience what is a good procedure to follow to make sure what your buying is in good condition, like no major mechanical problems, clean history report, etc. What I'm thinking of doing is first getting a Carfax report on the car, then matching the carfax report with the vehicles registration and then matching those two with the owners drivers license to make sure all background stuff checks out. Then I am thinking of going to a toyota dealership and having the vehicle inspected there(I'm thinking they will do the best inspection) and on a side note, how much do you think a toyota dealership will charge for an inspection?. So if all that works out I think I am pretty safe buying the vehicle, I'm also thinking about buying it with a cashiers check. So this is the first I will be buying a car and if I did not mention it, I am buying it from a private individual not a dealership. So any advice on things that I should do, things to watch out for that are specific to the Toyota 4runners, do you think my approach to it is good? Or am I missing something. Thanks!

[Dan.3]

Unfortunately you cant learn experience. It is best to take it to a "trusted" mechanic. A stealership might be ok. With any unknown mechanic is the chance of them charging you $100 to glance at it for 5min and say everthing is ok when somthing might not be ok.

In my opinion, the most important thing to have checked is the radiator. Check to see if it has been replaced recently. If so, why was it replaced. I think it is common for people to get a pink milk shake, change the radiator and flush it with the trans and sell it immediately to avoid having the trans rebuilt or replaced down the road.

[Chandler_Ross]

Welcome John! Heres a link to just about everything you need to know when buying a 4Runner. 3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide When you test drive it, check for things like shaking at freeway speeds as well as monitoring the temp gauge. Like Dan.3 said, watch for radiator issues. The pink milkshake is only a big concern if its an older 3rd gen or has quite a bit of miles. The shaking could be as easy as new steering rack bushings and is a common thing for a lot of runners to have. check the tires also. if the insides of the tires are wearing faster than the rest of the tire, that points to bad lower ball joints. this is a very common issue with the 4R, and if it is a 01-02 model, there is a toyota sponsored recall on the LBJs. I would take it to a mechanic you trust, not toyota. they know if you buy the car, youll probably be seeing them again to order parts, service, etc. but you made the right choice coming here before buying! if i knew what i know now (thanks to this site) when i was buying my 4R, things wouldve gone differently, and i wouldnt be stuck trying to fix someones old bumper car! Good luck with your purchase and welcome to the forum!