Wanted some advice I had a 1995 sr5 and sold it 10 years ago and have a lot of regret. now have an oppty to buy a 2002 SR5 limited for $4300 but it has 220K miles. it has been well maintained and recent timing belt change how concerned should i be by the mileage? do i go for it?

That's pretty average miles for an 18 year old car. At that price (assuming 4x4) you'd be hard pressed to find a lower mileage one. Have you looked at the buyers guide thread?

This write up is freaking awesome! I’m going to look at a ‘98 SR5 Limited that has new looking Goodyear Wrangler tires, lift and tubular front bumper with winch. It has 205k and looks clean, but I’ve been studying this guide to make sure I cover my bases before I buy it. I’m 99% sure I’ll be driving it home tonight.

Attached Images

 

I’m looking a 2001 and really only thing that I’m seeing wrong with it is the rear control arm where it connects to the frame is rusted through on one side. Is this something that can be fixed? TIA

Attached Images

 

I would run away from that mess. Or have a mechanic inspect it.

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

It can be fixed. I once saw I guy do a trail fix on his control arm after it broke. He had his welder fix it on the trail. The question is where is the vehicle rusted elsewhere? I'm sure that isn't the only major rust on that beast

That's probably the most common place for the frames to be rusted through. I would be wary, but I, like many others, am spoiled by the desert southwest lack of rust.

It can definitely be fixed. I remember some time ago that someone sold a patch kit. I would definitely check the rest of the frame and rear axle with a fine tooth comb. The rear axle gets pinhole leaks often. For a 20ish year old vehicle I think you'll be lucky to find a rust free one, unless you have one shipped from someplace without rust. Good luck with whatever you find!

Dang, this is awesome and the very reason I joined the forum as I'm getting a 3 gen this weekend!! Thank you so much for the hard work!

The 13WL brake can also be found on these cars too:

TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2003-2005
TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2007-2014
TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2003-2007
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2000-2006

Some of the years and vehicles you listed had more than one caliper option. Something to be aware of if you are ordering based on year and model. For example: 2000 Tundra could be 13wl or 13we. 2005 Tundra only had 13wl.

Hey guys, new to the forums. Found this 1998 4runner Limited. Its got 267,000 miles. No tears in seats, newly upholstered drivers seat. All the windows and locks work. Everything looks great, light surface rust underneath. I'm waiting for the seller to send me the list of dealer upgraded parts. It looks like original lower ball joints and factory radiator. I also saw grime build-up from the valve cover. Seller reports no transmission problems, but I'm prepared to replace the radiator if I decide to buy. My question being, is $5000 a good deal? He originally had it for 6,000 but I'm sure he wants to get rid of it now as its been on the market for a while. It also comes with a rod rack. Thanks for any help, I greatly appreciate it. (sorry for HUGE pictures) Also timing belt replaced at 220,000 miles.

Attached Images

           

It’s a nice looking 4Runner.

The photos we’d like to see are some undercarriage shots. Look very closely under there, especially the rear half. The rear lower control arm area is the first and worst to rust. Don’t buy yourself a rust project unless you want one. Hopefully it is just surface rust which is to be expected.

Pricing is so regional. I can’t comment.

Count on Lbj’s, rad, likely suspension, fluids, if no service records exist. Most seem to spend 1 to 2,000 getting a new purchase up to date and fixing the little problems. But this depends on the condition of it.

Good luck.

Thanks a bunch!

New to the forum (just posted in new member's thread), but wanted to personally thank the authors of this buyer's guide. I found it extremely helpful and comprehensive in my search.

Hi, new user here but I've browsed many of the forums before. Many of the links in the New Owners Section redirect to nowhere (404: not found)

Great posts otherwise tho, much appreciated.