Going to look at a 3rd Gen today

[Diverse4runner]

Besides the buyers guide "milkshake, rust, LBJ's" is there anything else I should look for.

Its an 01 V6 auto 125k miles He wants 6500 for it. I might give him 6k

He said new Timing belt and water pump was done 10k ago. He also said it needs brakes and rotors. The hood is also a little faded.

 

[shadow247]

Make sure everything works. Put it in 4wd and make sure the front diff is engaging. See if you can get the VIN and see if the LBJ recall has been performed. Grab the CV's and check for excessive play. Look for seepage from the Valve Covers. See if you can take it to a mechanic you trust and have them give it a once over.

 

[GladeRunner]

^^^ shadow 247 beat me to my suggestions

 

[Rocky5000100]

Sounds like a good price. Test all the drive modes, test hard braking and acceleration, AC and heat, wipers, make sure to listen for noises that may sound out of the ordinary.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Check for highway speed vibrations. Not that they would necessarily keep me from buying a 3rd gen, especially if its a good price and everything is in good shape. But vibrations can be a pain on the 3rd gens. Ive had my truck for over 2.5 years now, and have never been able to get the highway speed vibrations out, despite multiple balances, three different set of tires, two different wheels, alignments, greasing the u joints, all new front end components, etc.

If its in good condition thats a pretty good price. I paid $6k for mine with 161k miles, and a few issues. Brakes are easy, and you can get a good set of brembo rotors for just over $100

 

[Diverse4runner]

Thanks guys!!

Interior looks pretty good too.

 

[jkoni426]

check the carfax. looks like a good deal if the carfax is ok. and you could do the tundra brake upgrade.

 

[Diverse4runner]

Check for highway speed vibrations. Not that they would necessarily keep me from buying a 3rd gen, especially if its a good price and everything is in good shape. But vibrations can be a pain on the 3rd gens. Ive had my truck for over 2.5 years now, and have never been able to get the highway speed vibrations out, despite multiple balances, three different set of tires, two different wheels, alignments, greasing the u joints, all new front end components, etc.

He said he drove it up to Virginia for Christmas with no Vibrations. Im still going to drive it though.

 

[ICD]

Carfax/ autocheck for sure. I can help with this if you get me the vin.

Under body rust and visually check the timing belt yourself. Those are some of the biggest things.

 

[LittleCaesar]

How does the engine bay look?

Put the 4wd through its paces.

Check for leakage around the rear axle housing ends.

 

[Diverse4runner]

Thanks you guys are awesome.

I found another one 2000 limited with E-locker 160k miles. Im going to look at it today the black one tomorrow.

 

[ICD]

Wow looks like Florida has some nice ones.

 

[mattgold]

... vibrations can be a pain on the 3rd gens. Ive had my truck for over 2.5 years now, and have never been able to get the highway speed vibrations out, despite multiple balances, three different set of tires, two different wheels, alignments, greasing the u joints, all new front end components, etc.

Steering Rack?

 

[GladeRunner]

Wow looks like Florida has some nice ones.

FL does have good ones come up on a regular basis. I look at CL almost everyday for them. I see a good one every week or two. They are gone by the next day.

 

[Diverse4runner]

What do you think is wrong with the front bumper in your guys opinion? Also hes only asking 5700 for it.

 

[2002tii]

What do you think is wrong with the front bumper in your guys opinion? Also hes only asking 5700 for it.

That plastic panel warps and does that. I think there's a clip right under the spot where it's up too high, so that might be broken.

Actually, I think it was somewhat warped on my 2000 back when I bought it new. Mine looked just like that - Imperial Jade Mica Limited with the locker. That might be it

 

[ICD]

Fender bender? Maybe he took it off and couldn't align it?

Give it a good look through in that area and look for any other crushed or bent parts of the support or frame

Carfax?

 

[Diverse4runner]

FL does have good ones come up on a regular basis. I look at CL almost everyday for them. I see a good one every week or two. They are gone by the next day.

I know I finally have enough money saved to buy one. I have a 2nd gen but it really has a hard time pulling my boat 3.slow. Figured the 3rd gen would be a lot better on gas and do better pulling the boat. E-locker would be a plus.

 

[Brentif]

IF you PM me the VIN and an email address I can run the carfax for you

 

[Diverse4runner]

IF you PM me the VIN and an email address I can run the carfax for you

Ill try and get it from him. Thanks