Buying..anything to look out for (kinda long)!

[doubleA]

Hey Everyone,

Second post (first was on the newbie thread)...

I have gone to look at two 4runners thus far:
A 2000 limited in black with 96k miles, engine was filthy, i mean water spots everywhere and the undercarriage was all rust, needed new muffler, $9950
Second was a 2000 SR5 in black with 111k on the clock. Felt better, pulled harder, but mileage was 20k higher. $8900

I plan to see a third one today and have some questions:
Is the anything a new buyer should look out for when inspecting the 4Runner?
Should mileage above a certain number send me clear of a 4runner?
Lastly, what is the one thing you wish you had waited to come along, like limited vs SR5, or V8 vs V6?

I have never bough a used car, only lease or new... so any help is greatly appreciated. I can say I did not search!! So dont kill me! Thanks everyone. All help is greatly appreciated. Oh and I am learn-on-fly do-it-yourselfer, so no project can scare me! Well maybe a rebuild! :guitar3:

 

[Awz]

Welcome to the forums. As for specific things to look out for, I don't know much about the 2000 year range, others here do though.

There's lots of general stuff to look for though, it's always a good idea to take a car to a trusted mechanic before buying. Unless you're looking for a project car. But things to look for just on a test drive and stuff. Make sure all accessories work, run the windows from both switches if they're power. Make sure all the doors lock, the tail gate and doors open and close smoothly. Check the A/C (sounds weird. it's 18F outside right now). check the heater from all setting. make sure the wipers work. On a nice straight road (preferable empty) let go of the steering wheel for a couple of seconds to make sure it doesn't turn too much (a little to the right isn't a problem, they do that to counter road crown on some roads). Check ALL the lights. Really just make sure everything works. Then take it to a trusted mechanic, most will do a buyer check over for pretty cheap.

 

[doubleA]

Welcome to the forums. As for specific things to look out for, I don't know much about the 2000 year range, others here do though.

There's lots of general stuff to look for though, it's always a good idea to take a car to a trusted mechanic before buying. Unless you're looking for a project car. But things to look for just on a test drive and stuff. Make sure all accessories work, run the windows from both switches if they're power. Make sure all the doors lock, the tail gate and doors open and close smoothly. Check the A/C (sounds weird. it's 18F outside right now). check the heater from all setting. make sure the wipers work. On a nice straight road (preferable empty) let go of the steering wheel for a couple of seconds to make sure it doesn't turn too much (a little to the right isn't a problem, they do that to counter road crown on some roads). Check ALL the lights. Really just make sure everything works. Then take it to a trusted mechanic, most will do a buyer check over for pretty cheap.

Hey thanks!

the 4runners i have been looking at are at used car dealers... the one i saw today is a 99 limited with 98k miles. probably my favorite so far except the a/c wasn't working... so the search continues!

 

[doubleA]

hey I test drive another 4runner yesterday, 99 limited in green... 98k miles, the dealer let me take her out myself so I stopped in parking lot to run through the 4wd...

I was in D 0mph, and when going into 4Hi it 'clunked' in... then nothing abnormal going into 4Lo, and a smaller clunk noise when going back out of 4Hi...
Would the clunk concern anyone?

 

[doubleA]

Just bought my first toyota!!

You know, I saw many views on this thread that I created, but only one reply!!! So hopefully you guys know that I am for real!!

Here is my new truck. 2000 SR5 V6, 111k miles, bought for $8k today. I am going to change the fluid, timing belt, water pump... how about that tranny cooler? Anything I can do cheap to prevent a break?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56869530@N06/5247337174/" title="New Car2 by doubleA567, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5247337174_100a816d81.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Car2" /></a>

 

[blcktpgsr]

Looks like you're off to a good start with your SR5, and i second putting a tranny cooler if not a new radiator in it. Aside from changing the oil, filter, air filter, tranny oil, brakes, differential and transfer case oil plus the spark plugs..you should be rollin!

Congrats on the purchase too! It looks very nice..You're gonna be happy with it.

 

[Pikeman]

Congrats on the purchase you should be very happy with it for many years to come. Look forward to seeing you in the 3rd gen section.

 

[doubleA]

Looks like you're off to a good start with your SR5, and i second putting a tranny cooler if not a new radiator in it. Aside from changing the oil, filter, air filter, tranny oil, brakes, differential and transfer case oil plus the spark plugs..you should be rollin!

Congrats on the purchase too! It looks very nice..You're gonna be happy with it.

Thanks man... the engine still pulls strong, tires are good, shifted good, no excess body roll.. so hopefully I can avoid any hiccups for a little while at least.

 

[LakeRunr]

Is the anything a new buyer should look out for when inspecting the 4Runner?

The paint on the roof racks peels off.

 

[rjaudi]

That looks nice. I like that all black look over two tone limiteds of those years. I would put the front in the air sometime and check the ball joints and tie rods for play. It seems you looked for rust and hopefully got a 4runner that didnt have to much rust.

 

[doubleA]

That looks nice. I like that all black look over two tone limiteds of those years. I would put the front in the air sometime and check the ball joints and tie rods for play. It seems you looked for rust and hopefully got a 4runner that didnt have to much rust.

It had a new muffler put on... well really to the cat. Underneath looked pretty good. Some rust, but nothing like other 4runners I looked at. No rust on the doors, or the door wells... which I saw a lot. So overall I am pleased. The picture above is a dealer photo, so I will post some home pics soon!

 

[Deep_palancar]

The best disaster insurance for this generation of 4runner is to replace the radiator @ timing belt change. You could just install a dedicated transmission cooler and bypass the radiator, but this is not the best route if you are in an extreme climate.
A common failure for this vehicle if a rupture of the transmission cooler lines inside of the radiator. This allows the coolant to enter into transmission. It can be a very expensive repair since the transmission seldom survives.
The failure result has become known as 'strawberry milkshake' on most forums. A 'net search will give you an idea of the frequency and outcome.

Other that this one weak spot, it's a great vehicle which just keeps on going. Mine's at 180k and still going strong.

 

[YotaZach85]

Thanks man... the engine still pulls strong, tires are good, shifted good, no excess body roll.. so hopefully I can avoid any hiccups for a little while at least.

Mine is at 225k and still pulls strong! I think you made a great purchase!

 

[Hepar]

Nice looking Runner! Always like them in black.

 

[Ghostrider]

while you are under the hood I would replace the plugs, wires and clean the MAF sensor. Take about an hour and prevent a lot later on. One other place that has been prone to problems are the lines to the rear heater (if you have a rear heater).

 

[LakeRunr]

doubleA, I PMed you about the manuals.