2nd Gen help

[vjz]

Hi all,

I was out running the other day, and a few roads over, a couple is selling a 1995 SR5. Its green with a tan cloth interior. It's actually in awesome shape considering being in Indiana and being a 4Runner. Only one rust spot on the whole truck. Its a hole about the size of a half dollar on the rear wheel well.

I didnt get a chance to drive it yet because they weren't home.

I did call and talk to the owner later in the day.

He said they have had it for several years, and gave it to their son last year, but he wanted a car, so they haven't driven it much.

it has 181,000 Miles on it.

He says it runs a little rough, like it a needs a tune up.

It is a V6, so I'm aware of potential head gasket issues.

Is that a sign of a blown head gasket on the V6? or could it just be a sensor or actually needing a tune up.

I know some sellers try to pawn problems off on a vehicle by just saying "it needs a tune up"

Usually, I ask if it just needs a tune up, why don't you do it? But, I get money being tight. That's $100 some don't have to spend.

I'm looking for a good DD to drive for a while, and this seems to be a good price if it runs okay.


Any thoughts?

 

[OCMike]

There was a recall for the head gaskets and something with the steering. Ask them if they were taken care of and when. Also, check the hoses to see if they may need to be changed. It might be getting close to needing the timing belt changed also. I think its every 90,000 miles or so. I could be wrong. How much are they asking?

 

[vjz]

They have no clue about the head gaskets.

They want $1,950 OBO for it.

 

[vjz]

So, if the price can be worked a little lower, should I hesitate in buying it?

If there's a recall, I'd assume either its been taken care of, or I can have it taken care of and not worry.

I can fix the rough running stuff if its sensor/tune up related

 

[OCMike]

Well, you can call up the local dealership and give them the VIN# to see if it's already been done. I recently heard that they might have ended the grace period for the recall though. But call the dealership to make sure.

 

[vjz]

Yeah they said they needed the VIN.

I don't have that, and I seriously need a vehicle in the next 24 hours.

So, its either this thing or a 99 Explorer 4.0L.

If he knocks money off the price and theres no junk on the oil cap and clean oil, I'll go ahead and probably get it.

 

[ScarabArtistry]

Recall

I talked to Toyota the other day when I was still hunting a 4runner. The lady in the recall department (I guess that's what you would call it), told me that if it is a recall, it will never expire until it is fixed. I was looking at a 95 V6 with a blown head gasket. Beware though that the recall is for specific years. This one was a a later 95 and was built after the time period of the recall date. Just call Toyota with the VIN. 1-800-331-4331 is the number. They were very nice and helpful. I was told by them that if it falls within the years that they have a recall on, it will be covered. I hope that helps some.

 

[vjz]

Thanks guys.

I'm hoping its just something minor like a tune up

 

[vjz]

I just checked online with the toyota owners thing.

Theres a service record online that shows it had a bad HG back in 2005 and was declined.

So...no.

 

[dewiseman]

the other recall was for the steering relay bar, what we called the center link bar... they replaced it and aligned mine.

 

[Bad_Vision]

runs a little rough can mean over 1000$ of parts.
its hard to judge without seeing it myself but i wouldnt go more then 1000 on it.