2000 4runner pre-purchase advice

[centralscrutinizer]

Hey guys, been lurking a while, bobloblaw....

Need some advice on this 4runner I would like to buy. Been looking for a 4cyl 5 speed with 4x4 for a while. I found one with low miles (under 90k), a new clutch (kinda weird), paint looks good. I haven't seen the thing in person yet, but its lived its whole life by the water. I asked for some pix of the rear axle.



sup with this? bad crush washer? clogged breather?

How about the rust? I'd prob sand it and put POR 15 all over it.

I think I can get it for about $5,000, have to buy it sight unseen :wow2:

Opinions??

TIA

 

[Scramble]

I detect a Frank Zappa fan...

Too much rust for me. Does the seller live by the sound?

 

[GrampsT4R]

I can't see what you're talking about becuz rust...

 

[snow junky]

Try to get pics of the frame

 

[centralscrutinizer]

I detect a Frank Zappa fan...

Too much rust for me. Does the seller live by the sound?

You are correct sir! Praying to St. Alfonso that I can clean this up before it turns to rot.

I wish they were by the sound, i'd go poke around, unfortunately its about a 5 hour trip...

I can't see what you're talking about becuz rust...

New material for ya!

http://http://www.reddit.com/r/dadjokes

Try to get pics of the frame

Got this one



Any specific spots I should request that seem to rust out first?

 

[KANO]

I hate when seller's won't even wash the car before sending pics. To me, that is already starting off on a bad foot.

As far as the rust underneath, it doesn't look horrible but definitely needs to be cleaned up with POR15.

Good luck with the sale if you decide to go through with it.

 

[LookAtThatDog]

I know 5 speeds are hard to come by, but that rust isn't worth it, at least for that asking price. Not to mention the pictures are shitty and the truck is dirty (questionable seller?)

The biggest rust spot is always by the passenger side rear control arm. Look at my build and you'll see what I mean. Good luck brother

 

[centralscrutinizer]

I hate when seller's won't even wash the car before sending pics. To me, that is already starting off on a bad foot.

As far as the rust underneath, it doesn't look horrible but definitely needs to be cleaned up with POR15.

Good luck with the sale if you decide to go through with it.

Yeah I know, the seller is out of town for the winter months so a friend is taking and sending the pictures, can't totally fault them for not washing.

I know 5 speeds are hard to come by, but that rust isn't worth it, at least for that asking price. Not to mention the pictures are shitty and the truck is dirty (questionable seller?)

The biggest rust spot is always by the passenger side rear control arm. Look at my build and you'll see what I mean. Good luck brother

I may be able to talk them down a little with the condition of the undercarriage. I just requested some more pictures, I'll post them up when I get them.

Does anyone have any idea why the diff fluid seems to be seeping out of the fill plug?? Am I deluding myself...does it look like the pumpkin is possibly rusted through??

 

[Troybylt]

I dunno man, everything about this smells fishy to me, and 5 Grand seems steep for a 4cyl with that much rust mileage be damned. This thing better be loaded with REALLY good condition Leather or something.

Personally, I wouldn't.

Out of curiosity though, why does it have to be a 4cyl?

 

[Hesk11dog]

If you take the time to clean the frame,axle, and control arms, there is no reason to worry about that rust. POR-15 is a good product if you follow there cleaning and prepping steps. I love my 5 speed and they are hard to find under 100,000. $5,000 seems fair but always try to get him down. the worst rust on mine was the driver side frame rails. I'm guessing from all the salt they put down and it settling in the middle of the road.

 

[foskco87]

Keep in mind too you are ALWAYS going to find lots of little things that you didnt notice or know about originally. But the owner does know about them so he/she will most likely come down in price. I thought I absolutely stole my 4runner when I first bought it.... then after finding a lot of little things that needed fixing I realized I just got it for a fair price I feel you with the rust though... I live in Canada... the land of salted roads. I am still pondering what my attack plan is going to be on my undercarriage.. theres soo many bloody rust products it almost makes it harder to know what to do.

 

[CallMeAnEngineer]

If the rear diff is that rusted, then you've probably got frame perforation where the rear lower control arm meets the frame, on the inner side of the exterior. It's common to be able to stick several fingers into the holes on a rusted frame. It's not irreparable, but once your frame has rust, you will battle it until there's nothing left. For every spot you can see rust, there's another where you can't see it.

 

[LookAtThatDog]

Keep in mind too you are ALWAYS going to find lots of little things that you didnt notice or know about originally. But the owner does know about them so he/she will most likely come down in price. I thought I absolutely stole my 4runner when I first bought it.... then after finding a lot of little things that needed fixing I realized I just got it for a fair price

Church.

Also its very possible that the pumpkin is leaking. Everybody suggests JB weld. Can't really tell though.. you'll have to taste it :tongue1: