going to buy my first 4runner.

[rick1987]

So I've been reading on here for a while. And I decided within the next month I'll be buying a 4runner.

I looked at 2 yesterday. Both limited and 99.

The first one has 230k on it, and it has the rear locker, even tho I was not able to get it to work, it still has it. ( the light just flashes no matter what I did)

The bad, it did have rot, 2 holes in the hood, and slight frame rust. Nothing major, but it was rusty.

The timing belt was done at 185k.

The interior was also a little tired. The drivers seat, steering wheel, and everything else looks like it was travelled with.

The guy bought the truck from a used car dealer in 2012 drive it for a year and then gave it to his son. The son is going away for school.

 

[rick1987]

The second one I looked at has 180k

Timing belt replaced at 150k and has been serviced by the dealer it's entire life, they also have all the service records.

Unfortunately, it does not have the rear locker.

This truck also has rust, but not as bad. The worst rust I saw is where the upper control arms bolt to the frame. The rest of rust doesnt look that bad. It also has the 2 rust holes in the hood.

The interior was very clean and nice.

This truck was owned by a older couple that bought it brand new. They are moving away and need to get rid of there vehicles.



Both trucks are in the $3.5-4k

 

[Boosted1]

Take a road trip down south and get one with NO rust for the same price
I'm in Alabama, if I can help you out let me know
good luck����

 

[rick1987]

Take a road trip down south and get one with NO rust for the same price
I'm in Alabama, if I can help you out let me know
good luck����

I wish I was able to. The only free time I will have is on the weekend.

 

[jawga4runner]

Yeah down south is basically a rust free zone, 4runners seem to be on the cheaper side here too(3rd gens anyway), but 4wds do seem to be a rarity. Really no need for em down here

 

[nc-grayson]

yeah most everybody is going to tell you to keep looking for something rust free. but to answer your request, I would personally choose the one without locker, if those are your only two options.

less rust, lower mileage, all service records, old couple p/o > uncertain rusty locker

 

[Boosted1]

If those are your only 2 options I'd go with less rust. Lockers are cheaper (imo) than to fix a lot of body rott

 

[rick1987]

This is the truck I'm aiming towards.


Not quite sure why the pics uploaded upside down. Ha-ha

 

[poleclimber63]

ok...

If these are the only options you're considering, hands down, without a doubt, the second one. With vehicles of this age there are no guarantees but one owner, all records, it should give a better picture of the overall condition.
That first truck, you really have no idea of maintenance and if it was abused by the owners son... as well as possibly, not being maintained. Who knows?
The more info you have the better a decision you can make. Unless you're doing some serious off-roading, a locker may not be necessary... you can add it later. Getting a good all around vehicle, to start with, is much more important. If you had some time, I also agree finding one in a rust free environment would be preferable--- WITH 4X4!!! That truck rust free on the West Coast would be $5-7k...