Buying a 1995 4Runner - Advice?? Things to watch for??

[ryanbigcheese]

I'm thinking about buying the below 1995 4Runner SR5, from a private party in the next couple days for around $3100 and am wondering if there is anything that I might not be aware of that I should be looking for before buying this truck. Any advice greatly appreciated!!

from listing:
"1995 4runner 3.0 liter V6 engine utility vehicle...

Highlights:
3.0 liter V6 engine
2wd automatic transmission
153xxx original mileage
power locks, windows and security alarm
tow package
running boards
new front shocks
new timing belt
new radiator and thermostat
new head gasket less than 500 miles ago
new oxygen sensors
new catalytic converter
AC blows cold with rear vent
Power steering with tilt adjustment
recently tuned up with new oil, spark plugs and transmission fluid
recently smogged less than 90 days and registration is good until Aug 2013
please see kelley blue book prices...
Clean inside and out... Excellent condition for its age... must see to appreciate

Cons:
Tires are mildly cupped, hence the new front shocks...
possibly might need new front brake pads..."

I've went and looked at and test drove this and everything listed above seems to check out. The new header work was done very recently with paper work to back it. The interior and exterior are both pearly for a 95 and the drive train feels solid. There are no leaks that I could see, does need new brake pads and tires due to the cupping, but that seems pretty minor. What else should I be checking???? Buy the thing?? Thanks guys!

 

[thatoneguy]

Do you need four wheel drive? I assume not, since you're looking at a two wheel drive model.

What part of the country are you in? Where i live, that would be a somewhat high price for a 4runner like that. It's good that there's paperwork of the recently mended 3.0, it should probably be good for another couple/several years.

Other than that, it looks pretty clean. If it were me i'd skip it due to the 2wd/auto trans combo. But if you're in the market for that, you could shoot him a high 2's offer.

Before i decided i hate the 3.0, i looked at a '95 Limited, 3.0, 4wd, manual for $2300 w/223k. No maintenance records however. This was in Utah.

 

[BucknutBob]

That sounds a little pricey for a 2WD, even in excellent shape. Are you sure you wouldn't want the capabilities of 4WD, even if only occasionally? With the automatic, just make sure you give it a good test drive, to make sure the shifter solenoids are working fine (they can go bad over time and need replaced). OD typically doesn't shift in until fully warm. I'm curious why someone would sell with only 500 miles after having the HG replaced, but it could mean nothing. If it drives good, the underside is relatively rust-free, and you're sure you can live without 4WD, I'd try to talk them down some on price (unless that's simply the going rate for your area). Best of luck!

 

[Jonny]

looks pretty damn clean!
3k for a 2wd...
seems like you have some room to negotiate. You can land a 4wd in similar condition/miles around here for that price. (socal)
best of luck!

 

[ryanbigcheese]

reply

Ya being in suburban Orange County a 4wd isn't essential, though I haven't been opposed to looking and even buying one if the right one came along. I don't do any off-roading at the moment but do go up to to mountains a few times of year where it could be useful. My only thought on the 2wd is that it would be a little more fuel efficient than the 4wd, though I'm not really sure by how much. If I did have the 4wd I would definitely make a point to go out there and make use of it though.

It is totally rust free and is a clean SoCal car like they are known to be. I am going to give it another drive today and see how I feel about it and will definitely try to negotiate the price down at least to the $2800 range.

 

[Jrdwgn]

I'm near you and little more than a year ago paid $1600 for my 2wd 95 with 221,000 on it. Luv it! Yours sounds pricey by about a grand or so. Things to watch are the shifting like was said, rear sag, tranny fluid smells burnt, whine from the rear at highway speeds fold the rear seats down and drive freeway, find out why the cat was changed and for gods sake make sure it's the right one. Good luck.