Am I crazy to buy this?

[NewVillains]

It's a '97 4x4 V6 with 242K original miles. It's a CA car. He just replaced the engine with one that has 78K on it. It has all new Timing belt/ water pump and everything else that goes with it.

On the good side it's a 5 spd. It's maroon, and by the pics looks like it's in great condition. For $4,100 OBO

 

[agloukhoff]

Did he do the engine himself? Does he have proof that it does in fact have low miles? Did he put in a new clutch?

4k isn't a bad price - but then I say that having paid as much for a 97 that needed a new engine so what do I know..

What would rub me the wrong way about it is - why is he selling it? If I went through the hassle of putting in a new engine, it would only be because I want to keep the car.

 

[NewVillains]

Did he do the engine himself? Does he have proof that it does in fact have low miles? Did he put in a new clutch?

4k isn't a bad price - but then I say that having paid as much for a 97 that needed a new engine so what do I know..

What would rub me the wrong way about it is - why is he selling it? If I went through the hassle of putting in a new engine, it would only be because I want to keep the car.

Well, I know that he put in a new clutch. I don't know anything about the proof on mileage. I guess I'll figure that out at 9am tomorrow when I go see it. I'm definitely going to grill him about the car and why he is selling. I'll let you know what I find out.... then... PICS!!!! (maybe... if I buy it.)

 

[JasetheDamager]

Like already mentioned, talk to him and figure out why he wants to sell. Unexpected circumstances pop up all the time, and maybe he planned on keeping the truck, but something came up. Maybe he got a new job and needs to suddenly relocate, divorce, etc, etc...

I got my truck for a rock-bottom price cuz I had a friend with me who knew how to haggle and the seller just lost his job and needed to pay bills, so the Runner had to go.

Assuming the truck is mostly rust free and if the seller can provide maintenance records, including info regarding the engine, then I'd also ask about the radiator and LBJs. The 3rd Gen Buyer's Guide sticky is a good place to start.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html