97 runner 4x4

[Emmohl]

Found a 97 runner 4x4 with 138,000 miles for 4,000. Appears to be in good shape took it for a spin and everything is in working order. Only thing is the timing belt hasn't been done. Besides that and rust on frame anything else to look out for on these? How is the auto trans reliability?
Thanks for any input.

 

[jmildoc]

check the radiator at the bottom make sure it looks good, also check the tranny fluid, smell it, see if it smells burnt, same with the oil, if it is fresh change, smell it. I dont know I may be weird but I always smell all the fluids in vehicles because you can usually tell if something is wrong.

I think that is a good price for it though, is it a limited? see if it has a locker. it would be a button on the dash.

Post some pics or the AD so we can take a look as well.

 

[USMC0351]

Check above the muffler for rust, and try out the 4x4 if you haven't already. Valve cover and steering rack leaks are easy to miss.

 

[Emmohl]

Here's the link to the add. He had some paperwork showing a tranny flush around 20,000 miles but not anything since. The carfax did show an accident back in 2011 to the rear. I did try the 4x4 and worked perfectly fine. Mostly concerned about the auto tranny. He's owned it two years. 1997 toyota 4runner sr5

 

[jmildoc]

Nice find, I would offer $3500. maybe $3300 if the timing belt hasnt been done yet, tell him shops charge atleast $700 to do that job.