Buying a 4runner

[TypicalTexan]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a 4runner as my first car and I've found some but I have some questions about them. They are all 5 speeds by the way... Ok so, what is considered high miles for a 4runner? I found one with 245,000 miles, the timing is off a bit, new head gasket, the guy says that it feels a bit underpowered at times, and it is stiff when changing gears(he thinks its time to change the tranny fluid). I want a car that has a few problems so I'll be able to feel accomplished when I fix them; but are these problems too much to take on? Should I leave it alone?

 

[TheeMikeB]

Your question is a bit vague. It depends on your budget, asking price, year, 4x4 etc...

Based on what you stated above, I personally would stay away.

 

[slowpoke99]

Your question is a bit vague. It depends on your budget, asking price, year, 4x4 etc...

Based on what you stated above, I personally would stay away.

x2!
also, how mechanically inclined are you? never bite off more than you can chew. i understand feeling "accomplished" but you need to determine wether its worth dumping unknown ammounts of money into it just to get it in good running condition. i personally would avoid a rig with those miles and that condition and hold out for a better deal and invest my money into upgrades/mods instead. good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[TheeMikeB]

x2!
also, how mechanically inclined are you? never bite off more than you can chew. i understand feeling "accomplished" but you need to determine wether its worth dumping unknown ammounts of money into it just to get it in good running condition. i personally would avoid a rig with those miles and that condition and hold out for a better deal and invest my money into upgrades/mods instead. good luck with whatever you decide.

Good point, get 'accomplilshed' through modding, not just getting it running.

 

[fourwd1]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a 4runner as my first car and I've found some but I have some questions about them. They are all 5 speeds by the way... Ok so, what is considered high miles for a 4runner? I found one with 245,000 miles, the timing is off a bit, new head gasket, the guy says that it feels a bit underpowered at times, and it is stiff when changing gears(he thinks its time to change the tranny fluid). I want a car that has a few problems so I'll be able to feel accomplished when I fix them; but are these problems too much to take on? Should I leave it alone?

245K is alot of miles, even for a Toyota.
There's a lot of things that will be wearing out/worn out and need replacing.
Simple things like clutches and brakes and starters, etc. But it could go to more expensive things like engines or transmissions.
Unless you are getting it really cheap and plan on putting some time and money into it, I'd pass. I'm not saying it's a bad vehicle, but given the mileage and problems the owner acknowledges, plus the ones you don't know about, it could turn into a PITA if your're not ready for it. I bought both my 4Runners knowing they had problems and planned on putting some $ into them. The key issue around here is finding one with a solid frame.

 

[MarcusAurelius]

I would avoid it personally. At the mileage, it will be cheaper initially but there will never be a shortage of things to fix on it. I just bought mine with 110K miles which I feel it still has plenty of life, but at 245K I would be hesitant