HELP assessing a potential purchase!

[starclassic]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at buying my first Toyota! I found one locally (Chicago suburbs) that is at the right price point for me, but wanted to check with you professionals to see what you thought about it.

It's a '98 LTD, here is the Craigslist post.

It's right around 176k. 2nd owner, clean carfax. Owner purchased from his father who was original owner. Seems well maintained on paper.

Known issues:

• Recently replaced radiator, as they discovered a rusted line going to the rear AC. Seller says they replaced radiator proactively. Should I be concerned about a pink milkshake issue???
• RUST. This is Chicago so of course there will be some. I have included a link to additional pictures below. It doesn't seem like the rust is TOO bad on this one. Can someone tell me what kind of effort would be involved in cleaning up the rust and getting it all coated?

See more photos here.

They guy is asking $3300. Any concerns about that? Any help would be SO appreciated!

Cheers.

 

[ThorInc]

Looks like it has a RR diff lock, cool. Priced well if everything works and the rust is not a significant issue.

Here is a link to a 3rd gen buyer's guide found on Google, I am sure there is one here:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.630/#post-15774

 

[psraff]

The rust doesn't look bad at all. From the quick look I saw, it looks great. The ad says "No Major Accidents". What does that mean?

For that price, and at first glance I would say it's a decent find. Other maintenance preformed? Timing Belt, Water Pump.... for those miles it's time to look at more then basic oil changes. Did they ever maintain ball joints, U joints, and such?

 

[psraff]

Looks like it has a RR diff lock, cool. Priced well if everything works and the rust is not a significant issue.

Here is a link to a 3rd gen buyer's guide found on Google, I am sure there is one here:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.630/#post-15774

Good eye on the locking diff..... That's a good plus!

 

[starclassic]

Looks like it has a RR diff lock, cool.

How can you tell it's got the locker? Just from looking at the dash on the left side of the steering wheel? Or can you tell by looking underneath the car?

 

[ThorInc]

How can you tell it's got the locker? Just from looking at the dash on the left side of the steering wheel? Or can you tell by looking underneath the car?

It's the switch to the right of dimmer and to left of steering wheel height adjustment stalk with orange lettering.

 

[cbr900boy]

How can you tell it's got the locker? Just from looking at the dash on the left side of the steering wheel? Or can you tell by looking underneath the car?

The button on the left that says RR DIFF LOCK. Make sure to test the 4WD so that it engages, also put it in 4Lo and press the RR DIFF LOCK button as well. Try to drive in a straight line if you can so you don't put stress on the drive-lines. General rule of thumb, you want a solid 4x4 and diff lock light. If it blinks it they haven't engaged yet. Sounds like a solid deal. I bought my 98 limited with 260k miles and don't have a single regret. Good luck. Make sure to post some pics if you buy it.

 

[starclassic]

Make sure to test the 4WD so that it engages, also put it in 4Lo and press the RR DIFF LOCK button as well. Try to drive in a straight line if you can so you don't put stress on the drive-lines. General rule of thumb, you want a solid 4x4 and diff lock light. If it blinks it they haven't engaged yet.

Thanks for the pointers. I was wondering about what kinds of things I should be checking for during the test drive. Will definitely be listening for front end noise, checking steering (LBJs).

What's the best way to feel out the tranny? Just listen and feel for how quickly/smoothly it drops into gear?

 

[cbr900boy]

Thanks for the pointers. I was wondering about what kinds of things I should be checking for during the test drive. Will definitely be listening for front end noise, checking steering (LBJs).

What's the best way to feel out the tranny? Just listen and feel for how quickly/smoothly it drops into gear?

I would recommend taking someone who knows Toyota 4runners, that would be the most ideal. If not, at least someone who has general mechanical knowledge That can identify issues with the way it drives and such, including oil leaks, etc. I wouldn't be too concerned with the LBJ at that time because that's one of the first things you will have to address if you buy it. Just know going into this you will have to spend some time and money on basic maintenance. And if you decided to mod it, be prepared to spend a SHIT load of time and money! HAHAHAH. It not an overnight process, you will have to do a lot of searches on what to look out for on this forum. There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum so if you can't find it, it probably doesn't exist. Good luck.