Did you notice that left rear brake backing plate? It looks like a hole rusted through it. I’ve never seen that before.

That looks like black spray paint on the lower control arm bracket. Someone was aware of the rust.

See how rusty the right pan hard bar bracket is?

That rear end will likely need replacing if that is a gear oil leak.

The exhaust repair should be considered a short time fix. That’s not going to last like the oem did.

Op, I know the excitement of getting a new vehicle, but i’d Keep in mind this one is going to be a project and that’s just stuff we see from a few pics. Just be cautious. Hope the price is lowish.

I appreciate the feedback, this is what I was hoping to get from this site. It's not sounding good and I am all for a project, but don't want to get in over my head. Price is $4200.

$2500 at best. It is a project.

That's a lot for a rusted frame. Factor in what it would need for repairs and what it would cost you and if the price is acceptable, then go for it. But if a new rear axle, frame repair, rust coating, spot welds and fixes makes this a $7000 purchase, I don't think it's worth it.

This doesn't look good.

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I'd probably be interested in it for $2500 to $3k, the rear axle is kind of alarming but otherwise it's not too bad compared to what I see around here. I'd give the known problem areas of the frame a good smack with a hammer first

The other stuff wasnt all that bad (but I would still walk probably) but this pick is for sure a forget about it.

I'm in AZ and had my dad ship me his old jeep from jersey. It was a rust bucket but I took on the challenge and think I did a pretty good job and stopping the rust.

But with no emotional attachment to a vehicle it just isnt worth it. Keep looking for a nicer one. In your area rust is hard not to be on at least some of the vehicle but at least look for minimal and pay some extra money if you have too.

I have ZERO rust on my 97 but plan on traveling a bit with it. I need to figure out a way to protect it.

BTW I think that one dripping spot is from rust converter. Works pretty good too.

I also agree that $4200 is a lot for what we see in the photos.
I paid $2500 for this in Nov 2018 - Needed a bumper fender headlight/corner. Limited Auto, but with a locker. Since it lived in NM and CO all it's life, zero frame rust.
My '97 5-speed also has zero.
Don't pay $4200 (although I get wanting a 5-speed - I also looked for months.)

Just curious what area of the country this rig is in. As I agree with the others the back plate probably has a pin hole and that frame had to be in salt water to only have the back half rusted like that. If in rust belt the entire frame would be rusted.

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1st owner was in the MD/DC area, then the 2nd owner had it in NJ.

I am in Virginia and it is hit or miss with Toyotas around here. I've already decided that I am going to pass. Just too much trouble. Even if I still do think about that 5 speed....

I offered him $3k and I think I offended him. His best bet is selling to someone who knows nothing about Toyotas and their rust issues.

I found a 98 5 speed in Tampa, FL and that was around $7k I think. I'll keep my search going. All the feedback has been great. Thank you all.

Sad to see you pass up on a 5 speed! Price was a little high but not outrageous. The 5 speed owners are very stubborn and they over price their rigs from what i've seen in my local area. The honest truth is that this runner wasnt really that bad from what I saw.. a used rear axle housing from a junk yard is 75 or 100 bucks tops in my area. If there was no hole in the frame right next to the muffler on the inside, by no means is it too far gone. You will grow to love this rig like I did mine and over the course of the entire summer if you dedicate 40 hours under your rig to a complete de-rust project like I did your truck will look brand new underneath like mine does now. If you're not a DIY guy then dont get the truck. If you are then dont pass up on it. Were talking a lot more elbow grease than anything here.... Once again before I get attacked by the mob for what i'm saying, provided there are no holes. Just cause a lot of people say something is too far gone or because they wouldnt put the time into restoring it doesnt mean you cant do it. The other thing I will say is its basic economics. Go on auto traders and do a nationwide search for 3rd gen 4runners. You will find 10 manuals and 15000 automatics. Why do you think the price is high? Supply and demand. Cant look at 20 year old trucks and not expect to have a shit ton of work to do to get it in great condition.

EDIT: I think more people on these forums need to tell people why they should buy a rig and not a million reasons why you should stay away from one. A guy like Jackstraw was smart and passionate enough to find this community and instead of guiding him towards fixing up a rig and preserving the 3rd gen community we've convinced him to pass on the 3rd gen. Next thing ya know someone else buys that truck and never even looks underneath untill shes rotted out in a junkyard somewhere 5 years from now. If it gets fixed this year she wont have that fate. Thats why this site is dying lmfao.

I appreciate the feedback. One concern that someone pointed out was the hole behind one of the wheel, driver's side rear I think. Completely rotted through, near the brakes.

I am about a 50% DIY guy I would say. I won't be replacing the timing belt myself but I fully expect to get underneath and scrub away what rust I can and coat everything. I can do body things myself as well like replace the grill or fenders. My gut is telling me this is still worse than the pics let on.

I emailed again to ask about the inside of the frame and got no response. Probably tired of me being an educated buyer.

So - if I end up with an automatic - strawberry milkshake is what I am hearing. If the radiator is "yellowed" then it would be good to replace. If it looks black and clean, its good or recently replaced. Anything else to this story?

Background - I owned a 2001 Tacoma 5 Speed TRD elocker and the works from 2007-2014. I sold it for $1,000 less than I bought it for and I added 100,000 miles to it. It was Xtra Cab so too small for my needs today but man I miss it sometimes. The 4Runner is being to scratch that itch for me and I'll find something acceptable soon enough.

Realistically - how many miles should I expect out of these automatic transmissions?

Your right Verny. It’s not the worst we’ve seen. And the price is not as bad as I expected. I was figuring he was going to ask big money like a lot of recent ones.

If the rest of the truck is in good nick I might give it a go? Was the Service history mentioned?

If op goes in expecting to replace rear end on top of the usual catch up maintenance it might be ok.

Inside looks like a 243k vehicle. Only maintenance that is mentioned is what shows on the Carfax. 1st owner took it to a Toyota dealership regularly for oil and whatnot. No history of timing belt, no sticker on the engine like usual. 2nd owner in NJ shows maintenance but it is less detailed.

Passed inspection in January. New tires.

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