Any advice on this 4Runner?

[TWeatherford]

New guy here. Never had a 4Runner before. I'm going to look at this Wednesday: 1995 Toyota 4runner Limited 4x4

I spoke with him on the phone, apparently it leaks a little oil or maybe transmission fluid, but not enough to need to ad in the 4000 miles he's owned it. Has had a hitch on it in the past, which is a little worrisome cause I figure towing could fry an auto without a transmission cooler, but if it seems fine now maybe its not a big deal.

Any tips on what to look for, watch out for, or what a decent price is for it are appreciated. I'll be using it as a daily driver, especially when the snow falls here and the car doesn't cut it.

 

[thatoneguy]

Depending on what part of the country you're in, the asking price is either moderately too high, or way too high. For where I am, that's a ~$3000 runner.

What to look for? Usual stuff, but especially rust. Rust eats these things. Watch out for? That 3.0L V6 is notorious for blowing headgaskets.

If you have that much money to spend on a daily driver, i'd either look at a more reasonably priced, possibly 4cyl model, or the next generation, '96-'02 4runner. Either way, i'd go with the manual if you don't have a transmission preference. They don't rob what power is there.

 

[TWeatherford]

Good to know. I figure I'll try to get a car dealer to run me a carfax as well.

I would definitely prefer a manual, they're just pretty hard to find. Good to know head gaskets can be an issue.

 

[SV_Dude]

I wouldn't be too over concerned about the head gasket issue. They do have a known issue for higher mileage though because the rear cylinders are are real close to the crossover tube for the exhaust. But the 3.0's have a lot more power than the 22re so there is a trade off.

The price is a bit high. There are plenty of clean 2nd gens around and I wouldn't pay any more than $3,500 for a good clean 2nd gen... unless it had some goodies to go with it

If you prefer a manual tranny, then wait and find one. Check the craigslist within 500 miles of you and I bet you'll find one. Going for a drive to find the 4runner that you really want is well worth it.

 

[fourwd1]

Well, since it's in AZ, rust isn't an issue, so that makes it a bit more valuable, and $4K a more reasonable price. But if you don't want an auto trans, keep looking.

 

[92-SR5]

I think it is too high as well, but those tires are nice!

 

[KidVermicious]

With the recent service history established and those tires, I'd call that a $4000 truck, especially if it's spent its life in the desert. $4900 is way too high tho - if you're ok with the auto (it's a dog, seriously), offer $3500 and see what happens.

 

[azshtr]

My 91 was in almost identical shape except the head gasket had been replaced in addition to the timing belt / water pump. $4000 is what I paid. Rust free and clean. 3.0 5spd

 

[TWeatherford]

Thanks for the input. I looked at it and drove it today, and passed. It had faded and cracked plastic inside from the sun, but also some rust from probably living somewhere else for a while. I drove it and you all weren't kidding saying the auto is a dog.