bringing an old 2002 4runner with 300k to life or shoot it in the head?
 

got a 2002 4runner from family member 300k and very poorly maintained if at all...

love hos this car is simple to repair and parts are cheap

the car has some oil leak from the side of the engine but the oil level holds and there is no leak in the cooler or other systems that I saw, so calling it a cosmetic issue..

my main concern is the transmission as there has never been a fluid change probably and that fluid is probably thck as tar, wondering if I should refresh it a bit or is that risking a slippery transmission.

The brake pads and the Alternator and battery were replaced recently.
The lights in and out of the car dim up and down as in the voltage changes, read people have that issue with some of the 3rd gen , not sure how normal that is...

the AC was shot, had the compressor and the dryer and belts replaced myself. that is around 200$

the ABS and brake light was o, techstream showed the both right side ABS sensors are messed up so I have to open that up clean it see if that helps if not change them,
the brake fluid is full but nasty and could use a flush with DOT3
the steering wheel is a bit stiff, change the belt and I have to change the power steering fluid, ATF fluid,

the shocks are shot and found Gabriel brand quick struts for front and back for 250$ from rockauto with good reviews but


> and my other concern which I ma not see if itis normal in this car

When I try to back out of my downhill driveway from parked position I have to hold the brake till the last second and then push the accelerator fast and hard to get out without rolling down the driveway,

is that normal for 2002 4runner ?
my car has the manual gear and the automatic gear, never used the manual gear.

Hows the rust? Is the frame solid?

not bad for the age up here in New york