I also need advice! Please help!

[iWantA4runner!!]

i want to buy a 4runner for my first vehicle and ive found this 2nd gen fo $1900. ive been eyeballin it for awhile but now its finally for sale. the guy says everything works and it runs well. it also looks really clean inside and out. i was just wondering if i should buy though because it has like 245k miles and its a v6. i dont want to get something that runs good for now but will **** on me in a couple of months or so! should i walk away or snag it? what would you guys do? i dont know much so please help! thanks

 

[Levinz11]

Would it be your daily driver? Or just a weekend toy? Does he have any service records? Get the VIN and call the dealership and ask if all service campaigns have been performed. Headgasket and a steering component and were the two big ones. The steering recall will get you a free alingment and MAYBE some inner tie-rods.

I just bought a 95 with 166k for $1650 so I think you have some haggle room on price.

Last thing is: if it makes you happy get it. It is your decision. :jump:

Edit: I just read that it would be your first vehicle, so disregard the daily driver stuff. On this forum and yotatech.com you will see plenty of thee trucks over 300k.

 

[cometobanks]

Any used car is a gamble, search here for information on the motor, some people love it, some hate it. If you like it buy it, but if it will crap out is a roll of dice.

 

[markfagus]

I would suggest taking it to a shop for a pre purchase inspection. At least then you will know what you are getting yourself in to.
It will be the smartest $$$ you will spend.

 

[SjamesT4R]

I say get him to drop the price.. I paid $1500.00 for my 95.. with 235miles on it.. ive had it for over a year now.. but ive done alot to it.. ive replaced alot of things just little stuff tho nothing major..

except my catalytic converter someone cut off my truck.. some people man.. lol

 

[iWantA4runner!!]

So what im getting from this is that i should have someone that knows alittle more about these 4runners to check it out or something? i mean i know that if the head gasket is bad and stuff leaks all over the place then it could be a bad deal. i just need maybe some names of all of the spendy parts that could be bad so that i can see if they are fine and stuff or what? i just want to know the things that i really need to watch out for like the head gasket and steering components that would determine a good or bad rig. thanks for the help guys.

 

[SjamesT4R]

So what im getting from this is that i should have someone that knows alittle more about these 4runners to check it out or something? i mean i know that if the head gasket is bad and stuff leaks all over the place then it could be a bad deal. i just need maybe some names of all of the spendy parts that could be bad so that i can see if they are fine and stuff or what? i just want to know the things that i really need to watch out for like the head gasket and steering components that would determine a good or bad rig. thanks for the help guys.

If the vehicle is running fine right now than just check for leacks make sure the vehicle wasnt dry on anti freeze and oil.. check tranny fluid make sure everythings topped off.. never buy a car thats just empty on oil.. someone didnt take care of it.. check for tire ware to see if it needs alighnment.. If so only $70-$80 for an alighnment but a good stuff to notice to mention to him why he should drop the price.. also when you test drive it pull the break and give it some gas to do a load test if it wants to take off than your good.. make sure the 4 wheel drive is working.. make sure the vehicle is not smoking AT All.. gas.. oil.. nothing.. you dont want it running rich nor your gaskets eating away nor your rings.. thats just some stuff off the top of my head.. im prob missing a few things

 

[run4yota]

bring the price down, i got mine with 185k and power EVERYTHING. and tow package for 1700

 

[Attrition]

You should ask if the timing belt and water pump has been replaced. I would also get the current owner to take the car to the emission station if there is such a thing where you are at and see if it will pass.

 

[iWantA4runner!!]

the truck just passed safety and emissions in march he said. im going to wait a couple of weeks so i can save a few hundred more dollars than offer him what i got which should be around 1500. the only thing is that he has a pretty nice set of wheels and tires on there so i dunno how much he will go down? and thank you Sjames and Attrition for the help. i will definately ask for all of that stuff and check it out. hopefully its still up for sale in a couple of weeks and then i can buy it after i check it out. you guys help alot and i thinks thats way cool for a kid thats new to all of this forum stuff. thanks much again.

 

[BladeRunr]

Not sure if anybody else said it, but check to see if the clutch has been replaced too. Expensive surprise if it hasn't been replaced. Guess how I know...