Buying a 4runner, thoughts?

[hamiltonj2w1]

So i'm going home this weekend finally, the 4Runner prementioned is still up for sale!!! YEAH!!

1997 Toyota 4Runner w/ Diff Lock

this 4Runner has grown on me. I contacted him and am seeing it sunday. The original price 2 weeks ago was $6800 and now it's $6400 so it seems he wants to sell and he hasn't had many bites.

This is both good and bad in my eyes, i think the reason though is that it does have 233k miles on it.

But looking at it, what should i look for specifically?
I've read the buying guide, just asking for some of the more intimate details of the car you guys have found difficult to fix or something (i.e. visor not sitting right, or a rattle somewhere, or something)

The car looks extremely clean, so obviously i'm excited to see it. Just looking for some more opinions. Thanks guys.

Also one more question, how do these 3rd gen 4Runners do pulling up hills? My 2nd gen 3.slow could only creep up hills. Not a big deal, just curious. Thanks guys!

Get him down lower! I just bought my 97 SR5 with 218k 5speed with an E-locker for $4500 and it was a 1 owner and super clean also my timing belt was done at 179k in june of 09.


What I would look for is see if they know when the last timing belt was done also check the oil look for coolant in the oil, also check the underside for signs of abuse and mud check the CV's look at the rear axle make sure no oil is seeping from the axle near the rear brakes just to name a few. Good luck it looks like a solid rig though alittle cleaner inside then mine but not seeing 2k nicer

 

[BlackCat914]

What should you be looking for? While 233K on a 4runner might not be a whole lot, I'd still be going over it with a fine toothed comb. Leaks, rust, maintenance, etc. I've never had problems with logic like this; if it's got 233k, it's in good shape, and seems to be pretty problem free, chances are it didn't get to that mileage by somebody neglecting it.

 

[agloukhoff]

Test for a busted or leaking head gasket - you can buy easy to use kits on Amazon.

Check the ball joints for tears.
Check for rust.
Test the clutch. Verify when it was last replaced.
Make sure you don't pop out of 1st or 2nd gears when engine braking or coasting.
Make sure the CEL turns ON when key car is not running and OFF when it's started.
Check rear axle for leaks.
If rear heater is present, check rear heater lines.
Check that open hatch turns on the cabin light.

If you are uncertain about the car, most mechancis will happily check the car out for $100-$150 if the seller is willing to let you take it to the shop.

 

[Hepar]

Also one more question, how do these 3rd gen 4Runners do pulling up hills? My 2nd gen 3.slow could only creep up hills. Not a big deal, just curious. Thanks guys!

There's a big difference in the power of the two engines. I also had a 3.slow and it felt like quite a jump to get into the 3.4l (Tacoma, not a Runner). So, when you drive this one, make sure it does feel more powerful and has good compression.

 

[SilentYoda3]

My dad has been a mechanic his whole life, we look at cars seriously. Like laying underneath and crawling from the front to the back looking at everything, every little meticulous detail. We even listen to the engine with a mechanics stethoscope (like a doctors but with a point, no clue on the actually name) So i mean i'm not going to be bamboozled, just wanted to know some more in depth personal issues people have had that have been a pain to fix. I go to college 300 miles away from home (and therefore my shop) so I can't really be needing to fix a whole lot before i drive it back to college. Thanks for you help and replies guys, i'll try to find this post sunday and update you guys. I think im going to try to lowball him somewhere between 5000-5500 depending on things and probably settle around 5800 maybe.

Due to being in college i don't have the time or resources to fly somewhere and pick one up. the deal with the 13k runner is the fact it would be financed and i would pay it off this summer. My budget ideally would be free :thumb:

 

[jonaT4R]

new to the forum, but 13k seems a bit ridiculous. that thing better not have a spot of rust on it.

 

[SilentYoda3]

So i went up to see that red one, it's in immaculate condition, like jeez it's super clean. It was a one owner from 1997-2012, guy bought it for a temporary car and had it for 4 months. He was a really nice, honest guy. He sold his other car for $15k cash, bought this and then put the rest into a house loan, after he got the loan he got a new car and didn't need the 4runner anymore. So the inside is super clean and the body is straight as an arrow. There's a few minor scratches that will buff out.

IMPORTANTLY: I'm now a proud owner of a 1997 4Runner!!!
some specs:
5-speed
3.4L (obviously)
Factory e-locker
Sunroof :thumb:
and the other normal stuff
Also never really been off-roaded seriously, underside is rust free and the 4wd works well, including the locker.

 

[SilentYoda3]

Alright not sure why, but my computer keeps flipping the photos when i attach them... sorry guys.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I don't like the rims at all. Not sure why but they just aren't my style.


Other than that it looks GREAT!!!

 

[SilentYoda3]

I don't like the rims at all. Not sure why but they just aren't my style.


Other than that it looks GREAT!!!

I don't like them either haha, but in time they will change.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I don't like them either haha, but in time they will change.

i see some runners around here with them too and just think how anyone could keep them on there. I don't think they were factory I'm sure they were port installed. Who knows they're ugly anyways. Haha.

 

[Hepar]

Does that mean you bought it?

 

[SilentYoda3]

Does that mean you bought it?

Yeah, she's sitting infront of my apt right now at WSU. Talked him down to $5500 from the original $6400. I feel really happy with the purchase. A HUGE HUGE HUGE improvement over the 3.0 in my 2nd gen. This truck pulls uphill with no problem, even in 5th gear. The entire interior is immaculate, minus a few cargo area scruffs on the sides (the things over 10 years old, not going to be perfect) Even with 233k on the clock it seems to run really well. I'm happy with it, though i think one of the tires is a bit out of balance :/ and for some reason my cruise control decided to stop working halfway home (300 mile trip) light comes on, but won't set/resume or anything. thoughts?

 

[threadlessclimber]

Check the clutch pedel. There is a little button that has to be fully pressed for the cruise to work. Ajusting it takes 5 minutes, so hopefully that cures it.

 

[MCObray]

Check the clutch pedel. There is a little button that has to be fully pressed for the cruise to work. Ajusting it takes 5 minutes, so hopefully that cures it.

I'm having the same problem, and just bought a 4Runner. Where is it exactly located? And how to adjust it?

OP, congratulations on your purchase. I saw that ad on Craigslist for that T4R. I am also located in the PNW, but settled on a '00 T4R w/ E-Locker from Portland. Here to enjoying our new 4Runners!

 

[SilentYoda3]

I'm having the same problem, and just bought a 4Runner. Where is it exactly located? And how to adjust it?

OP, congratulations on your purchase. I saw that ad on Craigslist for that T4R. I am also located in the PNW, but settled on a '00 T4R w/ E-Locker from Portland. Here to enjoying our new 4Runners!

:beer: perhaps we can hit the trails together someday man

 

[threadlessclimber]

Been awhile since I've been down there--but basically get your head where you can see the pedal assembly and there is a bolt or rod that has two nuts--one is a retainer and the other moves the pedal up or down. The button is located on the assembly on the drive seat side rather than the engine side. Give a search and you'll find more info. and pictures (this site can make a DIY'er out of anyone). There will also be a lot of info about clutch pedal bushings and spring replacement to fix a squeak. Welcome to the 5spd club.