Hey guys, totally new to this and searching for my first car...was initially searching for a car but came across a gorgeous 88 4runner with a manual tranny on craigslist...im supposed to see if this tuesday, are there any specifics i should ask abotu or be looking for? Thanks and please let me know what u think based on the crappy pictures from the ad (sorry about the long post, jsut excited haha)

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/car/678111885.html

check the frame really well for rust, use a small hammer and tap on sections of the frame, check as much as you can.

Apparently the older 4Runners have a problem with the frame rusting from the inside out so, once you notice the rust its already really bad.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...t=Buying+guide

this thread should help you.

Goodluck, you wont be disappointed with the 4runner if its in good shape

Check the frame well behind the main cab, notorious bad spot. 4 cyl better, drive it slow over rough terrain and listen for noises from the front end. Pull the drums off and look for gtease in their (rear seals). Drive it as much as you can including highway.

I second that.

No wait, I said it first.

look here to see the places you really need to check


And it's all the 80's Toyota trucks, not just 4Runners.

Personally I'd shop around some more because I'm sure you can get something newer for that price or cheaper if you're looking at the older 4runners.

I just bought my second 4runner for $2500 and it's a 1992 and it has all the options. Sunroof, A/C, cruise V6 Auto, reese hitch etc.

Maybe offer the guy $1500. He'll probably give you a sad story about the $3000 in parts he's put into it but that doesn't mean it's worth more than any other 4runner.

The other thing that I do when I buy something is once you're pretty sure you want to buy it take it to a mechanic and pay them the $50 or whatever to give it a quick once over.

I just went through this process. I was on the verge of buying a 93 GMC sonoma and when the mechanic looked at it he told me to steer clear. The way I figure the $50 I spent to have it checked out is nothing compared to the potential problems that I avoided. When I had the 4runner checked the mechanic told me it was solid.

if the frame is good then I would look at the floor boards. Around the wheel wells, driver pass floor boards and where the roll bar meets the bed.

cool im originally from buffalo!!