Picked up a new fixer upper project a couple days ago and I figured I'd take you guys through the process of bringing it back to life with me. It's important to note, I'm gonna make this look easier than it really is. This isn't my first time, actually it's my fourth, so there's nothing here I haven't done upwards of 3 times in the past.

Let's cut to the chase. I'm always looking for the super cheap 3rd gen deal on craigslist, facebook, what have you. I'm not talking the 2500$ ones, or even the 1500$ ones... I'm talking sub-1000$ beaters. This one ties for the cheapest I've ever bought (including ones I've parted out). I paid a whopping 500$ for this 4runner.

Here's what 500$ got me.

It's a 1997 base model with a little bit of above average options, under the hood is a 2.7L 3RZ, automatic transmission and 4WD. The truck has a tick over 270K miles.

It has it's fair share of problems, the motor has seen better days, the headgasket is definitely gone, and it's generally tired from the miles. It still runs, just barely. The tires are bald, the hatch is destroyed from an accident and bodged fix long ago, and interior is absolutely covered in a mixture of dog hair and mold.

It's not all bad though with this one. Through the layers of moss and leaves I could see a pretty straight body, with some half decent paint. And even though the interior was disgusting, there wasn't a lingering smell, and it wasn't completely trashed like others I've bought in the past.

Here's how I first saw it, in what would've been it's grave. Luckily the previous owner (Also the 2nd owner since 40K miles) cared too much to let the scrapyard take it.