Is this 97 T4R a good one to buy?

[graf]

I've been looking for a 4runner as a family car. Saw this ad on CL
1997 Toyota 4runner

Emailed him and he said it has regular oil change, did the rear axle seals and 4wheel defferential service last summer. New shocks all around with new brakes and rotor. New battery and tires. No issue and it's his daily drive. The dealership told him the truck can use some tune up. Asking $4300.

I'll try to get more pictures before test drive.

So what do you guys think? A reasonable deal? Thanks.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

It looks decent. Not a steal but it's a good one to buy IMO as long as there is no rust. I'm betting you could take it for about $3,700. Offer $3,500. He'll go to $4,100. Go $3,600, he'll go to $4,000. Tell him $3,700 FINAL OFFER. Be prepared to walk but you won't have to.

 

[nissanh]

Check for any corrosion under the body, chassis etc.,

T-belt is the only advantage here. tires have 15k miles and thats like 50%. Trucks have full size spare so that's not something important.

When did he do the T-belt? 60 K miles or every 5 years. Consider that when you negotiate the price.

I think $3500 seems good. It is 97, 16 years old.

Any information about auto trans maintenance?

Check for AC and heater operation, any visible smoke from the tail pipe, trans oil color, Check blow-by by pulling the dip stick while engine running- any smoke/air coming out from it is blow-by

 

[SilentYoda3]

Rust is a big thing on these, check the underside thoroughly. See paperwork for timing belt. Why did it need shocks and everything with only 136k? (seems early to me, could just be preventive or something)

I bought mine for $5500 with 233k, but mines a 5-spd, e-locker, AND I live in the Pacific northwest where we pay premium for these trucks cuz they last forever and handle everything.

Also, I dropped about $1300 off of the guys asking price for my truck by just going around and pointing everything that was wrong out. I suggest you nit-pick it. Try and get it for a low price and then you're golden.

ALSO STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE, make sure you look for that. Also check the BUYER'S GUIDE sticky on this forum.

 

[gotopless]

Seems good to me. But, as mentioned before I would check for pink milkshake, proof of timing belt, and check that frame! I'm fixing frame rust on mine now because I didn't do a good job looking at the frame.