So, I'm a new member, but have lurked for awhile.

I'm considering purchasing a 3rd generation 1997 4Runner SR5. It's got the 5-speed manual transmission. It has 271,000 miles, needs a new windshield, and some transmission work because it doesn't currently shift into 3rd (but can shift into all other gears without issue, supposedly). Guy claims the transmission can be repaired for $600. He's asking $1400 obo. Is this a deal worth jumping on?

He also says it has a new alternator and battery, and that the timing belt, water pump, and O2 sensor have been replaced.

I've attached the pics from the ad, so hopefully they will show up without issue.

Any advice you guys can give would be awesome. I love reading about all of your trucks.

Thanks,

attackfish

Attached Images

         

Which vehicle does that spot belong too. It is quite large.

At any rate, you can probably find a transmission from a parts dealer for about 600.00, Seems like a decent deal, but unless it is 4wd its not worthless it to me.

Paperwork on the work done would be a bonus too.

Did you look under the truck? wet spots? rust? torn boots of any kind? rear seals blown?

If no rust and 4wd it's worth it. Look for a part out 4Runner on Craig's List. There are engine trans combos for 1000 or so in my area.

The 5spd trans is s rare part out item though. The auto trans shows up a lot.

Thanks for the quick reply!

Yeah, I'm wondering about the spot on the driveway under the truck as well. I haven't seen the truck yet--headed there after work in a couple of hours. I'll look for rust, etc., at that time. I forgot to ask if it was 4wd, and the ad doesn't say. vindecoder.net says that it's 4wd, but I'm not sure how reliable that site is.

I'll ask about paperwork for the other work when I go and see it.

Things to look for then. Rust (clearly). Get way up under the truck and see if you can see any leaks and torn rubber. Drive it in all the gears you can and especially run it in both high and low range 4wd.

Also, check the rear wheels from underneath (the back side where the axle bolts in), if they are wet then the seals are bad, which also means that most likely (98% of the time) the bearings are bad. This repair, unless you have the special shop tools and a 6 ton press, will run anywhere from 600.00 to 1200.00 depending on the shop.

Typically, the mechanic that does the timing belt will put a sticker or in white or silver marker the milage in which it was done, but consider this...even if it was done once on time it is still way over due for the second one. Also, belts and hoses will be good indicator on if or how long ago the timing belt was done. If they are in rough shape then the TB is probably original or way over due.

Everything is repairable, some things more pricy than others, but once it is right it is a 3000.00-4000.00 dollar truck. Just depends what kind of initial investment you want to put into it and clearly that is highly dependent on its real life existing condition. Between the TB and the rear seals you could be in the range of 2000.00 in just repairs, but maybe they are all good. Keep us informed.

For 1400 bucks you could donate it and get the tax break for more than that if things go sour quickly. Offer a thousand and see if he bites. Seems pretty low risk if you want to wrench.

Thanks for the replies and all of the advice. I'll post later about how it turns out.

$1400 is a good starting point. It will however cost more than $600 to fix the trans. Expect a full rebuild to run you at least $1k. It makes no sense to not rebuild the trans if there is an issue. Go look at it and haggle the seller down and bring cash with you.

I bought a 96 sr5 last August. Paid 2500 with 255,000 miles and needing work.

Fixed it all up and someone blew a red light and totaled it. I got 3270 for the settlement. So it will be worth at least that in better condition mechanically.