Finally did it.

[gwohlfort]

After joining this site nearly 2 years ago to begin research, I have finally bought a 4runner. 1997 Limited with only 78k for $6600. I put a deposit on the car unseen after getting a 3rd party inspection today, and I will be making the drive from Baltimore to NY tomo am to pick it up. The mechanic that looked it over said it was in perfect mechanical shape, but does have some undercarriage rust that should be addressed in the next year or so. Any suggestion?

Check it out:
Used 1997 Toyota 4Runner, Westchester & Yonkers, NY, Sport Utility, Yonkers Honda Stock: U7523

 

[rjaudi]

Reminds me of mine. You got yourself a good deal considering the mileage. The car looks to be very clean judging by the pictures.

 

[brian2sun]

What did the mechanic say you should do about the rust in the next year or so? If it's just surface rust it's probably no big deal, but just make sure it's not cancerous rust, especially on the frame because there's not much you can do it that's rotten.

 

[gwohlfort]

Mechanic suggested that I take a look at some undercoatings/zinc-enriched paints. Right now the rust is not structurally threatening but I want to nip it in the ass before it is.

 

[brian2sun]

That's good the rust seems to be just on the surface. I think it looks really nice from the photos, congrats!! Hard to find a '97 with low mileage like that too, mine has 200K.

 

[blcktpgsr]

Awesome find there..Now how much you wanna sell it to me for?

 

[drinknmolson]

Nice find!! That's what mine looked like when i bought her, cept I got mine with almost 200K. Great Year!! Can't wait to see your build thread, LOL!

You might want to try get him to go lower on price that rear license plate from looks crooked, LOL

 

[gwohlfort]

Haha thanks guys.

I think there may be a couple rust spots on the rear bumper in the one picture, or perhaps just a reflection.

Has anyone seen a Limited in this color with the gray, base-style bumpers? I'm thinking the bumpers might match the trim and look awesome.

 

[rjaudi]

The flares are a metallic dark gray. The base bumpers are a flat gray and wont match very well. I thought about painting my bumpers black while I save up for steel replacements. You can buy a aftermarket replacement bumper fairly cheap on ebay if it is in fact rusted. I recommend coating the back of a replacement bumper with rust preventive.

 

[gwohlfort]

Thanks. How about highlander style bumpers? If I found a black pair would they bolt right up? How would it work with the limited style fender flares?

 

[rjaudi]

Thanks. How about highlander style bumpers? If I found a black pair would they bolt right up? How would it work with the limited style fender flares?

The flare would just switch because I'm fairly certain they are the same flare just painted differently. The 99 and up painted bumpers would be a direct swap in the back, but the front bumpers are a different shape. We call the 99 bumpers the fat lip because of the nose the valance has on it. I believe you could fit the bumper assembly, but IMO its uglier.

 

[gwohlfort]

I have the 4runner and I love it. Its getting inspected tomorrow and a new bumper from certifit will be installed early next week.

There is a small ~1" tear in the drivers seat leather. Any ideas for repair? I really just want to prevent it from worsening.

 

[JohnsD90]

Mechanic suggested that I take a look at some undercoatings/zinc-enriched paints. Right now the rust is not structurally threatening but I want to nip it in the ass before it is.

You have a long time before it will matter, the only thing it does it makes working on it harder.

 

[rjaudi]

I have a similar looking slit on my front seat. I am planning on using a leather backing patch to put behind the cut, essentially some tape. Then use some leatherique leather crack repairer over the repaired area. They make some dye that I was gonna use on the bolsters and that area. I also planned on switching the drivers seat cushion with the passenger bottom seat cushion.

 

[96743runner]

I have the 4runner and I love it. Its getting inspected tomorrow and a new bumper from certifit will be installed early next week.

There is a small ~1" tear in the drivers seat leather. Any ideas for repair? I really just want to prevent it from worsening.

Get Wet Okole seat covers! lol :bigok:

My driver's seat was beginning so show some wear too. Didn't really like the feel of the leather and wanted to prevent the seat from getting worse so the Wet Okole's solved the problem for me. They are very, very comfy too