Advice for possible buy of a 1995 4-runner

[Okrhino77]

I'm new to your forum and have really enjoyed reading through it, lots of great information. Thanks.

I need your guy's advice on potential purchase. I'm looking at 95 SR5 Limited 4X4, auto, 3.0 V6. Mileage is 103k. 15x10 pacer offroad wheels, toytech leveling kit, new cv axles and boots, new skyjacker shocks all around, and new radiator. Has not had timing belt replaced, and no known blow head gasket or recall replacement. Interior in good shape except torn driver seat. Heat and AC and everything else said to work. Owner bought from his dad who purchased it at 12k mileage. Reported by owner to run great, no known problems, and has had no issues since his family has owned it. Price $ 5200.00 but Im not going to pay that, he will have to lower price.

Im concerned about the 3.0 motor's history of blown head gaskets giving me problems down the road after reading through your forum.

Just wanting advice from you experts related to the price, 2nd gen. 3.0 history, is it a good buy, etc.

Any assistance or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[77'911]

I'd be surprised if the belt was never replaced in those miles. Though, if so, it will need it immediately. Watch out for after market rads, the 3.0 engine needs a robust rad (ie factory brass/copper multi core unit). You might want to check with the local dealer if any of the recalls were done to the truck(take the VIN to them). Have it checked over by someone who knows the mark. The head gasket issues have been over blown(no pun intended) with these trucks. If they are maintained properly, they seemingly go on and on.
For that $$, make sure some of the major systems have been gone through:
1) fuel system (pump, regulator, injector re-seal, etc..)
2) Drive line mounts (motor, trans, etc..)
3) suspension (bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, etc..)
Well, you get the idea. These trucks will easily do 200-400k, but they need to be maintained accordingly. Best of luck with it.
regards

 

[Footofgod]

$5200!!!!!?????

That's ridiculous. 2nd gens go for $2-$3k here in Colorado. Take a vacation to Colorado for $2000 and buy a Runner while you are out here. Plus, rust is not as big an issue out here.

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

I would take a good look at the cooling system. Make sure the anti-freeze looks good and there is no brown color in there.
The trick to the head gasket issue is to NEVER over heat the engine.
I would pay that much for a super nice 1st gen but not a 2nd gen like mine... although... I do have way more than $5k in mine.

 

[Okrhino77]

Here in the 4state area it's hard to find ones less 5k without a ton of miles. I liked this one because of it just turning over 100k on the mileage