Hey guys, after a long hiatus i'll be back. I'll be picking up a 3rd Gen this weekend or early next week.

Any tips or pointers that I should really look out for?

its a '95 with 249k on the clock.

Gentleman said he's done the timing chain in the last year along with the water pump, and the main bracket for the tensioner pulley replaced a couple months ago.

its got practically new tires on it. Power locks/windows. A couple of small surface rust spots, and one spot that will need work in the future, but nothing glaringly major from the pictures.

Heres a link to the Buyer's guide:

3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

However, if it is really a '95 model then that would be a 2nd gen. the first year for the 3rd gen was '96. They have a timing belt btw, not a chain. Not sure about the 2nd gens on that.

Good luck!

Now you know your in the wrong forum. I recommend looking for a 96+. The 3rd gen has lots of improvements. I would own any generation over a 2nd. IMO it was the least reliable generation.

Yeah, I caught my mistake when I started digging through the forums.

This one is within my budget. 3rd Gen's here in TN seem to be about 3k more, at least decent SR5 with 4x4

3.0L V6 (3VZ-E)?

Stock up on headgaskets.

Exciting!

Please consider all the maintenance items like lower ball joints, radiator, plugs, wires, brakes, etc.

At this point, based on my experience, you can pretty much plan on putting $500-$1,500 into a used 3rd Gen, to get it up to snuff mechanically - but it should pay off in the long run if there are no underlying issues

Good luck

Yeah, I'm looking around, hunting for a 3rd gen, since I realized that one was a 2nd gen. Nothing is popping up on the radar for being really within my budget, or nobody has responded yet. Theres a couple with 300k plus on them that are on the high end of the budget budget, but if I'm going to DD it, thats rather high on the mileage for my taste.

It would appear you are kinda sorta local, if I see any around here in Southern KY, I'll try to remember to let you know. Maybe post up your limits on price, miles, options, etc...

There was a decent looking one for sale not too long ago I looked at within sight of my work. It was $4250 I think with 250k miles or so. It's long gone now.

My 4runner came from Clarksville actually, the records I found in it showed the PO lived there.

Around 4k is my limit. Theres 1 in Manchester, and one in Murfreesboro I'm interested in. Waiting on information and pics.

https://louisville.craigslist.org/ct...197697266.html

So far this one has the most potential. Dude needs to fix his screen on his phone today then he will send me more pics.

Dont buy a second gen unless you're willing to do an engine swap.

thats what I'm starting to get the feeling about.

I've got 3 potential 4runners.

a red limited 97 with 202k, a white sr5 97 with 239k, and a black s45 99 with 288k.

the white sr5 is the most cost-wise. waiting on pics of the interior (dude is at work). the black sr5 the same.

the red limited is the best deal, but the furthest away in Frankfort KY. Dude's screen is broken on his phone, so I've got no way of knowing about the interior.

Black SR5 has all the maintenance receipts.

white sr5, person is the 2nd owner.

the red one, i'm totally unsure.

Red Limited 97....cost 2500, but I have to drive all the way to get it...300 mi each way unless I can coordinate with dude to meet me, or I find a co-driver.

Both the black and white ones are semi local to Nashville, which is an easy commute.

Black one he wants 3500. White one 4700. White one is open to negotiation. Supposedly the interior on the white one is in almost perfect condition. All have sunroofs.

Black has scratches, dents, dings, etc... the White and Red the bodies look just about perfect on, from what i can tell.....no, i dont want to deal with body rot or surface rust.


Comments from the guru's....which one to pursue?

Ask for a quick photo of the frame before you drive to any of them. Darn things will surprise you on an otherwise mint looking vehicle.

I test drove one that looked great, interior was nice, low miles, looked good. Crawled under it and it didn't have a fully boxed frame anymore.....

Dealer had a sticker of over $6000 on it. Guy was out of his mind. But I wanted to drive a 4runner at the time to see if I liked it, so I didn't tell him that...

Oh believe me. I've seen people asking 9k for a 98. i'm like "NAH"

Most especially this ^^^...
because it could mean serious consequences.
You should replace your ball joints...