Input please on possible purchase.

RobRoy

New member
I am looking at buying a 1990 4runner SR5 4x4, roundabout 150k miles on a V6. asking price is $2200......is this a fair price? I'm not familiar with them enough to know. Anything I should look for or be aware of for this particular year? I know the 22re is very reliable, how about the V6? Thanks in advance!
 
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Biggest problem with the 3VZE is blowing headgaskets, and dismal fuel economy if it's an automatic. Seems like a reasonable price if everything is up to snuff.
 
Its a 5sp. Is the head gasket issue a big problem like its just a matter of time till it happens or more of a beware 1 outta 10 issue?
 
I am looking at buying a 1990 4runner SR5 4x4, roundabout 150k miles on a V6. asking price is $2200......is this a fair price? I'm not familiar with them enough to know. Anything I should look for or be aware of for this particular year? I know the 22re is very reliable, how about the V6? Thanks in advance!

Well if that mileage is accurate it is a decent price. However i would check the DMV records against the safety sticker for several years, perhaps 10 or so, because they record the mileage at each inspection. That way you will know of the odometer has been run back or changed.
Also they are correct about the head gaskets blowing. There is a recall however if they blow for one replacement. If it is an automatic the tranny usually lasts to about 250,000 unless abused.
The back window can be a problem with motor going out.
 
When buying a 4runner or any car I go by this checklist..

1)First thing is the simplest, ask current owner for maintence reciepts. Look for headgasket, timing belt/water pump maintenence. oil change maintenence (Those 4 are current issues with the 3.0) If its a 22RE motor, ask for Timing chain maintence receipts.

2) Check the Fluids. Check the oil, make sure it has oil in it #1, make sure since its an older motor, that the oil should be black and not chocolate milk looking. Chocholate milk looking is signs of a blown headgasket. Check the Radiator make sure it looks like fresh water/antifreeze, not brown dirty water or crap floating in it. If its an auto tranny pull the dipstick and look smell it, if it smells like burnt toast, but looks good, signs of transmission problems trying to cover up. Smells bad/looks bad=gpnna be bad, might not be now, but soon.

3)Start it and take it for a test drive. Let it warm up and watch the gauges. Make sure it idles and doesnt have vaccum leaks.

4)ask for current title / registration / or SMOG Papers. Here in California the rules are so strick, that if any vehcile passes smog, its usually a good sign of a good running vehicle.
 

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