Lookin to buy my first T4R, hows this??

[2NOMADS]

Hey im a noob here and have been debating for about a month :wow: btwn a bronco or a 4runner but this site has got me sold on a 4r! Im from San Diego but im gonna be workin in KS for a month so rather than renting a vehicle I figured id buy one and drive it back. Im lookin at this one but there are some issues Im hoping you guys can help me with, first check it out:
91 Toyota 4runner
sounds great right? only problem is its got +400k on the chassis! can you believe that?! love it tho so im kinda worried about the transmission holding up (+200k) on it. The other thing is having it smog and reg in CA. Is there anything I can do or check to see if it will before I drive it back and find out its only good for parts here? Oh and will I have to pay taxes on it when I get it registered? Thanks for the help in advance! I have big plans for this rig starting with a chop and some rhino lining eeeeehehe! Im stoked on it just need one now! hows this one sound??

 

[Geolander]

How much is he asking for it? The ad doesn't list a price.

I definitely wouldn't buy something like this sight unseen. You'll at least want to test drive it before putting down any money, and preferrably take it to a mechanic for a check up as well. The transmission is probably just fine since it's a manual - I just bought one with 240k on the clock, and the (original) transmission is still strong. It just needs the shift seat bushings replaced to get rid of some slop. This is a pretty easy fix from what I've seen and can be done in under an hour with less than $30 in parts. I'll let you know how mine goes when I do it in a week and a half.

I don't really know anything about smogging/registering an out-of-state vehicle.

Also, when are you headed to Kansas? I'm driving to Lawrence from Orange County in two weeks for grad school. If you're not going to be out there for a while, I'd be happy to take a look at it for you.

 

[2NOMADS]

He's taking offers, no set price.

We've semi arranged a meeting depending on my arrival time so I can take a look at. Good to know about the transmission that was a big concern. $30 shift seat bushings? nice hope all repairs are that simple and cheap.

Ha thats too funny man Ill most likely be there the same time. If you know something about these rigs I could definately use a second opinion, if you wouldnt mind meeting up with us but Im not looking to start a bidding war lol

 

[Geolander]

Well, my mechanic wanted $210 to do the bushings and the dealer wanted $290, but it's an easy enough repair that you can do it yourself for parts. I bought the heavy duty ones from Marlin Crawler (Heavy Duty Shift Lever Ball Seats | Marlin Crawler, Inc.), which were $17 + $10 shipping for the seat and the socket.

I can't say I'm all that knowledgeable about 4runners - I just got mine a couple weeks ago after all, but I'd be happy to help. No chance of me starting a bidding war lol, I'm happy with my truck.

I wouldn't say that the tranny is guaranteed to be good, but it's a lot less likely to have problems than an automatic. From what I've seen, the manuals are pretty bulletproof and the only things that really go wrong are just normal wear-and-tear items.

 

[fourwd1]

The other thing is having it smog and reg in CA. Is there anything I can do or check to see if it will before I drive it back and find out its only good for parts here?

The chances are slim it's a Cali smog vehicle.
But, the ECM is behind the pass side kick panel. It should say on it if it's Cali or Fed/49 state emissions.
And you never know, my 84 which began life in PA is a Cali emissions truck, go figure.

And if you get the seller to give you the VIN, you may be able to have a dealer run it and tell you before hand.