Help with purchase?

[mwrohde]

I'm looking at a 4Runner for my son's first car. I have one in particular that I'm looking at tomorrow. It's a 98 Limited 2WD. I assume that it is very similar to my 2003 Tacoma.

Is there anything in particular that I should be looking for? I'll check the frame for rust. I'll look under the hood and check body gaps. I'll look for VINs in all the right places.

Can anyone help me with a car fax or autocheck? I have the VIN.

Any guidance will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[gamefreakgc]

It's a bit long, but tells you everything you need to know:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

And yes, it's very similar. A lot of interchangeable parts, and the V6's are identical in both.

 

[Chuckles89]

You can look up the service history at Toyota dealers here: Toyota Owners Official Web Site: Service Coupons, Owner's Manuals, Service Scheduling And More

 

[mwrohde]

Thanks, guys. I'm checking both.

Edit: Damn. Y'all got a lot of info. I'll be reading all morning before I go look at it. Thank you very much.

 

[7echo]

Some of the usual known issues, or potential issues, are leaky rear axle seals, front brakes vibrating under braking(can be corrected with adding larger rotors and calipers, search tundra brake upgrade), tranny cooler in radiator failure creating the pink milkshake, dead dash clock, difficult to balance wheels, and I am sure I am leaving something out. My truck had all but the transmission failure. I started getting things in order with a new radiator. $140 for the rad, did it in the drive way and was easy to remove and replace.


Do not let the list scare you off, though. T4R is an awesome source for these trucks. Lots of good write ups for the known issues, and other work as well. And all vehicles have issues, having a great resource like T4R helps you make good decisions and get things sorted.

I purchased mine with the idea that my son would earn it as his first truck when he starts driving in about 2 years. By then he(we) will have learned a lot about the truck, including maintenance and repairs.

 

[mwrohde]

Thanks everybody. I bought it. I'll pick it up in the middle of next week. I've got a question about it, but I'll start a new thread for that.

 

[Chuckles89]

Thanks everybody. I bought it. I'll pick it up in the middle of next week. I've got a question about it, but I'll start a new thread for that.

Question answered! Post up some pics now!

 

[mwrohde]

 

[shootmymime]

Looks great!!!

Let me be a fortune teller for a minute. I see a son who spends all his time and money on this forum and with the 4Runner.