advice for buyer!!

[jvo]

Hi Everyone,

I've been cruising this forum for a while now, as I am looking to purchase a 3rd gen 4runner and wanted to do my homework to make sure I get a good truck. I'm kinda a newbie, so

I had a couple questions about a 1999 that I am looking at.

It is a 1999 SR5 4wd "turbo". It has the turbo emblem on the tailgate. I know it isn't an option to order a 99 with a supercharger, so does that mean it was a dealer install? Is there anything in particular to watch out for here or do I need to find out what supercharger is installed (if any..)?

Also, the waterpump was replaced at 110k miles. It now has 140k. The current owner purchased it at 90k and never replaced the timing belt. He cant confirm that the previous owner ever replaced the timing belt either. Sounds like I should have that replaced shortly after purchase, right?

The owner just had the spark plugs done about 200 miles ago. Apparently, he was driving it when it started running a bit rough and the check engine light came on. He brought it to the shop, and cylinder 3 was misfiring. He said they replaced the spark plugs and the coil pack I think. (He wasn't positive it was the coil pack, but that's what it sounds like. He is looking to find the receipt.) He said this took care of the issue, and the check engine light hasn't come back on.

Should I be weary about this cylinder 3? I'm worried this could be a gasket issue. What do you think? Would I be able to tell when I go for a test drive?

Any/all help is much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[5vzT4R]

Toyota does have a factory TRD supercharger that I think was only a option and not already installed ready to roll off the lot. But never a turbo. And if it does have a turbo it is aftermarket and I would not even consider buying a turboed 4runner. Just my opinion.

Pull the timing belt cover and visually check its condition. If it looks okay you will be fine for now. The V6 ( 5vzfe ) is a non interference engine so if the belt breaks there will not be any damage.

I wouldn't worry about the previous miss fire. Check to see if the oil is milky, pop off the radiator cap when the engine is running to see if it is bubbling over the radiator ( make sure engine is not hot, obviously) , check to see if the tail pipe is throwing out water, and if the gasket was bad, it would still have a miss fire and run like crap majority of the time.