Considering a 2nd Gen...

Firewater

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New here, considering buying a 2nd Gen 4runner, and could use some advice. This seemed like the place to go. I need to make a decision in the next day or two.

I wasn't sold, but after doing a bit of research today I'm leaning more towards it. The price is right, I trust the owner, and buying it would help both of us out. If I don't, they have to store it for a few years anyways, but they aren't offering it to anyone else.

Mechanically it's totally sound (they just drove it here, and are driving it back up the mountain if I don't buy it), but after a run in with a deer the front clip needs replaced. I don't mind working on a vehicle at all, but body work isn't something I'm familiar with and I know it can get pricey quick. That's the part I need some help figuring out options, and cost of. It's only got 60k miles, and it's an AZ car with minimal rust, so doing the repairs would definitely be worth it.

The front bumper is gone, along with the grill. The hood is intact, but doesn't latch (it's tied down). Fenders are intact, but banged up. I don't care about appearances that much, so I'm thinking dropping one of those nice rolled steel bars on it might be the best choice, if not the cheapest. Since I have to replace the bumper at the very least, would that work? Or how much work/money is involved with replacing the whole front clip? Seen a couple parts trucks listed on craigslist, but most don't list prices, and pricing used stuff can be tricky.

Any input would be appreciated. About the body work, or what I might be in store for in general.
 
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New here, considering buying a 2nd Gen 4runner, and could use some advice. This seemed like the place to go. I need to make a decision in the next day or two.

I wasn't sold, but after doing a bit of research today I'm leaning more towards it. The price is right, I trust the owner, and buying it would help both of us out. If I don't, they have to store it for a few years anyways, but they aren't offering it to anyone else.

Mechanically it's totally sound (they just drove it here, and are driving it back up the mountain if I don't buy it), but after a run in with a deer the front clip needs replaced. I don't mind working on a vehicle at all, but body work isn't something I'm familiar with and I know it can get pricey quick. That's the part I need some help figuring out options, and cost of. It's only got 60k miles, and it's an AZ car with minimal rust, so doing the repairs would definitely be worth it.

The front bumper is gone, along with the grill. The hood is intact, but doesn't latch (it's tied down). Fenders are intact, but banged up. I don't care about appearances that much, so I'm thinking dropping one of those nice rolled steel bars on it might be the best choice, if not the cheapest. Since I have to replace the bumper at the very least, would that work? Or how much work/money is involved with replacing the whole front clip? Seen a couple parts trucks listed on craigslist, but most don't list prices, and pricing used stuff can be tricky.

Any input would be appreciated. About the body work, or what I might be in store for in general.


So is the damage just cosmetic? If so a junkyard will be your friend. Im sure you can find a hood, fenders and a front clip no problem. You may have to color match. But if the truck has 60k on it and is good to go, buy it! Especially if the price is right.
Replacing the parts is a piece of cake with these truck, only thing you need to send out is to get them color matched
 
That's what they tell me. I'm going to get more specific information later, find out what, if anything, they had to replace etc.. They've got some interesting jerry-rigging going on as a stand in for the grill.

I was pretty much decided on getting a Subaru before they offered the runner to me, but the ones I was looking would cost 3 times as much, with double the miles (at least). When I noticed the odometer at 60k I started paying more attention, heh. The difference in mpg is gonna hurt, but other than that I'm pretty much sold if the body work isn't too much trouble. I should be able to find something rust free enough out here.

Color matching is easy: I like flat black.
 
Check to make sure the lower cross member radiator support isn't bent ( I doubt it from a deer, but you never know). Other than that, if you enjoy it and the price is right, go for it!
Like 85Straight said, junk yard will have the body panels you need - easy swap. If I was closer, I'd make you a smoking deal on a front bumper!

60K miles... that thing is still fresh!
 
DON'T FORGET to investigate whether or not it had it's head gasket replaced or shows sign of HG going bad.
That is the single biggest weakness of a second gen V6 3.0 4Runner
 
Aaaaand, it turns out the damage was a lot more extensive. They resurrected it well enough, but it still made me wary. The 60k wasn't original either. But after researching 4runners so much, I might end up with one anyways.
 

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