99 4Runner Limited - New Purchase, Got Scammed, please help

[KarlitosWay]

Hi all! Long time follower of all things 4Runner here.

I need y'all's help, advice, thoughts on what I'm dealing with.

I just bought a 99 4Runner Limited off of Facebook Marketplace. And with all the hubris and arrogance of a previous 4Runner owner I made a silly mistake. I'll save you the boring details of the steps I thought I took when inspecting but ultimately overlooked.

Today I learned that the reported 272,000km on the machine is false, and the vehicle actually has well over 430,000km. That sucks, being lied to isn't fun and now I know I cant trust a lot of what this guy told me so I'm starting at ground zero for learning about the vehicle. If anyone has any advice on where they would start with unravelling a purchase like this, I'd love the help.

What I currently need help with:

- There is only one key for the truck, and it can only unlock the doors via the remote unlock. The remote locking function doesn't work, and neither does pushing up on the lock button on the doors - how does one disable all of this and go back to having manually locking doors?

 

[Zhehan]

The amount of mileage/kilometers isn't that high for the 5VZ-FE engine as long as it's been maintained with regular service.

A quick google search for the door actuator problem: Door unlock/lock problem

A Timmy the Toolman video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=bmasXh_JEuhAQkae&v=2aFHMtlnKxA&feature=youtu.be

Hope this helps.

 

[Endlessblockades]

430,000 kilometers is 267,033.56 miles - about what I'm at and that doesn't bother me a bit.

 

[heat]

I mean, it's just the usual routine for evaluating the condition of a used car...
Top 2 items on a 3rd gen 4Runner: lower ball joints can cause so much damage
I'd replace them just to remove any possibility. Brown tanks on the radiator can
indicate a unit that's close to taking out the transmission (on an automatic). I
did both of these preemptively when I got mine just to avoid the worry.

"- There is only one key for the truck ... how does one disable all of this and go back to having manually locking doors?"

I wouldn't. I'd call a locksmith and have him sort it all out. It's worth it to avoid
the annoyance of shit somebody let slide over the years. If you read various
threads here about the locks it's apparent not too many people have had much
luck cracking the codes.

 

[JWaldz]

I'd run a full OBD diagnostics on it. Not just an AutoZone standard one, but a full in depth scan.
Someone who lies about something as big as the mileage will certainly lie about the condition of which the vehicle is in.
With an in depth scan you can check for force cleared codes and other various odds and ends. Peace of mind.

The 3rd gen is pretty bulletproof, which you probably already know.
The only things that honestly kill it are constant overheating leading to failed head gaskets and frame rot.
Otherwise, if you just stay on top of any leaks (fix them eventually), and take care of general maintenance, they'll last a lifetime.

Here are some general and 3rd gen things you can look into immediately that are mostly visual inspection with minor wrenching or just checking by hand..

• Standard Conditions: Oil, valve covers, timing belt, and radiator (and hoses). At 200k+ miles it definitely should have had timing belt, water pump, and valve cover jobs completed.
• Suspension/Steering Conditions: front lower ball joints, tie-rods, cv axles boots, steering rack bushings, front/rear sway bars & end links.
• Drivetrain: Differential leaks, rear hub leaks, transfer case leak (if 4x4), driveshaft u-joints.

There's probably some general things I'm missing and obviously some more in depth maintenance you will want to look into. It sounds like you've done a bit of research already, but in case you haven't seen it, dive into THIS THREAD.

Welcome to the 3rd gen club, sorry it's a rough experience from the start :sad:

 

[Hungryhawk]

I do not have personal experience with this on line seller. But maybe can be of use to you.