I just committed to buying my first Toyota today, a 92 4Runner. I already know there are some minor issues, but I'd like to know if there are any common problems I should look for. I am new to this forum and could not find any posts specifically related to warning signs for buyers. If anyone can point me in the right direction or make suggestions, I would appreciate it.
Just took the plunge
- Thread starter clunker
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Toymaker
New member
Did you already buy it or are you looking? I'd definitely look out for excessive rust as well as any leaks. Also with that gen make sure all the windows roll up and down. That seems to be an issue. That's just some really basic stuff. Any issues you've seen that you're worried about?
Thanks Toymaker,
When I posted this thread, I had agreed to buy the 4-Runner, but hadn't paid for it yet because the title was in his Dad's name and in a different city. Just bought it today, and I feels like I got the deal of the century for $1200.
No Rust anywhere other than a 1/2" spot on one of the doors that looks like a cigar burn. All windows and locks work. A/C and horn do not work. The only question mark is that the seller told me it overheated driving up a 7% grade, and mechanics told him that it was the water pump. They decided to sell it instead of fixing it but also said that it never overheated after the mechanic flushed the coolant.
When I posted this thread, I had agreed to buy the 4-Runner, but hadn't paid for it yet because the title was in his Dad's name and in a different city. Just bought it today, and I feels like I got the deal of the century for $1200.
No Rust anywhere other than a 1/2" spot on one of the doors that looks like a cigar burn. All windows and locks work. A/C and horn do not work. The only question mark is that the seller told me it overheated driving up a 7% grade, and mechanics told him that it was the water pump. They decided to sell it instead of fixing it but also said that it never overheated after the mechanic flushed the coolant.
mikesmith140
New member
If they didn't overheat the motor any more than they told you, then it may be ok. It's not uncommon for the engine to overheat due to poor maintenance (failure to flush/change the coolant is one contributing factor). If it overheated once, it may happen again if you don't give the cooling system a close inspection. Check the belts (loose belts are inefficient), check the hoses (are they hard/brittle, are they already showing small leaks), flush the coolant (even if they say they did it, do it again and use the quality coolant), change the thermostat). And of course, fix the water pump. It'd be a good idea to change the oil, oil filter and air filter too.
Welcome to T4R ownership! : )
Mike
Welcome to T4R ownership! : )
Mike
Here's the verdict. The dealership is full of poo. They had told the previous owners that the water pump was leaking and should be replaced along with the timing belt. Since I have now bought the 4Runner and have all of the service receipts, I can also read their exact recommendations. After careful inspection, I found a very slow coolant leak, but it wasn't from the water pump. The elbow that feeds into the radiator inlet hose had a small leak that I was able to fix in 15 minutes. The overheating was almost certainly from the totally clogged radiator (leaves, pine needles, dirt, and more). I drove up the same 7% grade and the V6 didn't break a sweat.
Now I'm working on the slight hesitation issue (probably the fuel filter), and the horrible sounding undercarriage. Overall, a good buy that needs a little work.
Now I'm working on the slight hesitation issue (probably the fuel filter), and the horrible sounding undercarriage. Overall, a good buy that needs a little work.
