1991 4Runner

[runnerbug]

Hi! I'm possibly about to buy a 1991 4Runner. The engine was rebuilt in 2001, it has the original clutch and Tranny, but runs like a SOB. It has barely used off road tires, but no rear bumper due to a fender bender. 196,000 miles on OD, but I dont know how that works with a rebuilt engine.

I'm taking to a third party mechanic to look it over completely. Everything electronic still works on it ecept the antenna wont go up or down. Guy is asking 2,900. If it turns out ok, is it a good deal? I already own a '78 Superbeetle, so I know a little about older model cars. Thanks!

 

[just66horns]

Just plan on spending $2K on repairs. If you are willing to do that, it'll be a good deal. If not, you are choosing to drive on a very old driveline, shocks, brakes, and whatever else. If you leave some money for maintenance after the purchase, you'll be fine.

If not, just blame the used car dealer or seller when you are broken down...

I know it is a toyota, but, get real.

 

[mikes4runner]

If you can work on your own stuff you will be fine, it is older so be prepared but very few issues come up.

BTW search "power antenna fix" in classic 4runners and you will find the DIY on the antenna fix.

also welcome aboard


Mike

 

[runnerbug]

Thanks everyone! Well, "The Duke" as I'm gonna call him, is officially mine. The Mechainc ssid that it was in really great shape, just the typical Toyota oil leaks.

He said the clutch felt fine, shoudl have at least another few years out of her, that the transmission was tight and saure, and that all six cylinders were firing fairly well.

It needs an oil change and a tune up, and since it hasn't been really driven or seriously maintaine for about six months, I'm going to let the professionals do this first one. I'm also going to have them rotate the tires. Then its off to the Toyota dealership for my steering rod recall fix.

This weekedn I'm going to treat the rusty spots, nothing all the way through, with this great rust converter to primer I have. Then another spray of classic grey primer, a wash, and a protective wax.

I'm really excited. I really got into auto work with the bug, but her main deals are usualy electrical, and I'm just not that brave yet! I am going to go ahead and replace the rear window motor and fix the antenna motor.

I haven't done a search yet, but has anyone else had a problem with the sun roof motor? mine will retract very easily, but getting it closed is an act of god. Bing Arkansas in the summer, I'm afraid of taxing the 15 year old AC, which works fine but I dont want to push it, especially at night when I can just open all the windows.

Anyway, thanks for the welcome, I can't wait to get my grubby little paws on him! Oh, and I got Duke for $2800. Bye!

 

[runnerbug]

Hey ya'll! Well, I've owned "duchess" as she has been renamed, and its going great! After her oil change she was blowing white, odorless smoke after sitting cold for a couple days, but this went away after a week. Since it didn't have any odor, the toyota mechanic said it very probably was not the head gasket.

My rear window wasn't broken, just stuck. The runner got bumped by a volvo full of teenagers a few year back. The window mechaism just needed to be opened up and lubricated a little. I also got a new rear bumper, with chrome, for $100.00. The salvage guy was really impressed with the old girl.

The AC does need to be recharged, and my mechanic has a stash of r12 set aside for me, so when I dog-sit here a few weeks, that extra cash will go towards the $75 he priced me for it. It blows great, and its a little cold, but dang ya'll, its hot down here!

Speaking of temp, I do have a question. My temperature guage consistently stays at just below halfway of the little symbol. Is this normal? and how hard is it to replace with a gauge that actually gives a round estiamte of temperature.

She also stays at around 2500 rpms in all gears, and only crosses 3000 when I hit about 80.

All in all, she's great. The interior did get wet when we had a freak tunderstorm and my mom couldn't figure out the ghettification of the sunroom to close it.

Next big purchase is a trailer hitch reciever and ball. Should I be expecting about $150? I haven't had a chance to call around. Thanks everyone!

 

[chrismears]

me too!

Hi.

I've just found the forum lately and I am also in the final stages of purchasing a 1991 4runner of my own. It's wild the newest thread in this forum is a story similar to that of my own!

Anyway. This will be my first 4x4, and my first Toyota. I've wanted one of these things for a VERY long time and I've been reading for some time about what to look for. I come from a long line of Volvo cars and some pretty heavy repair work, that said I'm just a shadetree mechanic.

I'm reading about "typical Toyota oil leaks", any ideas where else to check for these. Our truck had it's engine rebuilt (failed head gasket) about 7k ago in a decent local garage and the truck runs great now, just wondering what else I should look at under the hood before I finally sign off on this thing.

Chris