1992 4Runner Keep/Sell?

[ks4run]

I have a 1992 4 runner with about 240,000 miles on it. 3.0 V6

The Good
California Car (minimal rust)
Engine rebuilt at Toyota Dealership at approximately 200,000 miles (40k on rebuild)
Interior in Good Shape
Moonroof/Rear window work
Exterior has some cosmetic damage

The Bad
Power Steering leaks quickly, needs work. I have read this is a PITA to replace. A local store shop $800 to replace
Often need to shift manually to first gear from a stop, (This is likely a shift solenoid?)

I'm located in the midwest. Do you guys think this vehicle is worth keeping for someone who is slightly mechanically inclined and wouldn't need as a daily driver? Any other deal breaker signs I need to look for?

I figure I can get somewhere around 2,000+ for it on craigslist.

Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated!

 

[3rzrunner]

keep it. its a 4runner. :nod:

you could probably get a little more than 2k for it tho, lets see some pics!

 

[Granada7]

I would keep and fix even if it does take a while for 2000$ thats a steal even with power steering messed up and since you don't need it as a daily driver maybe a project car?

 

[ks4run]

Hopefully this picture doesn't wreck the message board....

 

[ks4run]

This picture makes it look really really good haha!

On the drivers side the blinker is cracked, the front fender is missing the trim, there is also a random dot of rust about the size of a quarter on one panel.

I would really like to keep this car, I just want some solid feedback on how expensive or how much of a pain the repairs may be.

 

[KidVermicious]

I have a 1992 4 runner with about 240,000 miles on it. 3.0 V6

The Good
California Car (minimal rust)
Engine rebuilt at Toyota Dealership at approximately 200,000 miles (40k on rebuild)
Interior in Good Shape
Moonroof/Rear window work
Exterior has some cosmetic damage

The Bad
Power Steering leaks quickly, needs work. I have read this is a PITA to replace. A local store shop $800 to replace
Often need to shift manually to first gear from a stop, (This is likely a shift solenoid?)

I'm located in the midwest. Do you guys think this vehicle is worth keeping for someone who is slightly mechanically inclined and wouldn't need as a daily driver? Any other deal breaker signs I need to look for?

I figure I can get somewhere around 2,000+ for it on craigslist.

Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated!

I think these trucks are always worth keeping, assuming you have the time and inclination to do the work needed yourself. But twenty year old trucks need regular maintenance, and if you're going to be paying a mechanic every time something goes wrong you're going to make that mechanic a very rich man.

 

[ks4run]

Any input on how much these repairs might cost?

 

[mikekfr]

Try to find yourself a mechanic that would work cheaper than the dealer, or possibly let you barter some tasks out. And, as Kid said, start trying to knock off some maintenance stuff yourself, there's gaggles of videos on youtube showing you how to perform routine stuff, some better than others, or course. Keep the truck, fix the problem things as you can afford or learn to do them. Of course, if i was your neighbor ( before the T4R i just bought for a project ) i would have talked you into selling it to me, and let me take the worries from your shoulders lol. Good luck and keep us posted !! It's a beautiful 4runner.

 

[junkyardbiker]

If its just the power steering hoses leaking it can be a cery cheap fix, the pump itself you can get from a junkyard, order a rebuild kit for it, swap it in, then order a rebuild kit for the original and set it on the shelf for a rainy day.

 

[Jdrum1]

Does your steering have the right fluid?

They require Dexron transmission fluid.

My runner had a slight leak and the pump sounded horrible. Turned out it had PS fluid. Flushed with Dexron and its been fine (almost a year ago).

 

[Hyde802]

You can buy a pump rebuild just from any parts store for under 20 bucks and do it in a afternoon. There very simply pumps and there are several write ups on the internet.

800 for a pump replacement is nuts.

 

[goatfarmer]

I believe there are a number of 'classic' T4r's owner's, who at some point, are faced w/ the same dilemma. Just reached the 200k mi mark and the only issue was whether to sell or put the money into the front suspension. Before making a decision I took the 90 SR5 to a chain auto shop who charges a $25 assessment charge, which includes diagnosis and estimated parts and cost. I took the parts list to local Toyota part supplier and compared the cost of a 'do it myself' and was able to completely rebuild the entire front suspension; i.e., idler arm, tie rods, 1 CV, spindles, shocks and a few items not included in the quote and saved a considerable amount of $. I have medium mechanical skills and completed in a weekend. Now it appears the battery may need to be replaced so back to square 1.