Looking at a four runner with some issues

[Vmax]

I have been looking for a bit and came across this
On the side of the road, 2000 SR5 sport 120k had my mechanic look
At it and it's in good mechanical condition
but when we got it on the lift I checked the
Frame rail and it's rusted thru on one side and
The other side is unknown without dropping
Gas tank. I found a welder that can fix both
Sides, I like the car and the mileage, question is what
Should I pay for it ? It also need a cat converter

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

Welcome, and first: it's a 4Runner, and not a car.:becky:

As for value, someone from your area will surely chime in. That's low miles for a 2000 imo and if it was clean I'd shoot for 5k? Subtract what the rust repairs would cost of course.

 

[Brique]

What do you mean by "found it on the side of the road", exactly? Like it was abandoned on the shoulder, or someone had it in a parking lot with a for sale sign?

I smell neglect on this one. Even though that rust is fixable, it'll continue eating at the rest of the frame. I personally wouldn't touch this one, but being in the south, I have more opportunity to find low-rust vehicles.

 

[Vmax]

Found Outside a home with a sign they are asking 3500 and I see
Some neglect as well.
I made them a much lower offer since I
Expect to have to do some work. Will see what
Happens.
I expect to have to fix the frame and undercoat it,
New cat converter and possibly a timing belt
Don't know yet if it has been done.
Has a small dent on front upper fender
From tree branch falling. Needs a good buff
And detail. Black with beige cloth I know
It's sport edition since painted fenders and
That vent on the hood. 4 wheel drive.

 

[sterbenlicht]

......dammit.

I want that exact truck. The frame would be a huge turn off for me, but the color would have me seriously considering fixing the frame.

 

[JMunn55]

the frame is worth fixing, my uncle and I did mine. Mine's black with beige cloth but it's an SR5 w/o flares, not a Sport. Real nice truck there. Around here it would be worth around $3000 I'd say. Got mine for $2600

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

Man, values are so different region to region.

 

[Jc12]

Man, values are so different region to region.

So agree. Around my neck of the woods it would be worth around $8500 without the rust issue.

OP have you checked inside the frame as we have a box frame the rust could be spread throughout and nearly invisible.

 

[Doc2012]

I would offer him 2k, no more than 2.5k.

Then, take that other 1k, and get a frame that is in decent shape and transplant.


It'd be better than taking the risk of the rest of the frame rusting out on you.

 

[sterbenlicht]

Yeah, the price differences are pretty wild. The sport package with that uncommon color around here would fetch some good money even with the frame issues.

As for a frame transplant, that would depend on your comfort level with that kind of serious overhaul and the equipment you have available. It will also involve replacement of a handful of other things in addition to a bare frame. If that isn't your cup of tea, you can try to really check that frame out closely.

If you're in the market for one of these trucks, and you want one badly enough, you might try inspecting it and convincing yourself that it's okay. Try to fight that urge and instead try everything you can to convince yourself that the frame isn't okay. If you find enough evidence that it's a bad decision, you won't regret not buying it, but you might regret it if you convince yourself that it's fine. It'll be on your mind all the time, every speed bump you cross, every pothole you hit, every creak you hear.

Other than that, it's a cream puff in my eyes.

 

[Troybylt]

Found Outside a home with a sign they are asking 3500.

Damn Man that's what I paid for mine and mine is 99% rust free! Benefit of having a "southern" truck. Granted mine is an SR5 But it's fully Loaded, Leather moon roof factory tint rear heater tonneau cover, you name it it's got it. Short of the sport hood and flares.

For me I wouldn't touch it with that much rust on the frame. What about the miles?

 

[Vmax]

i did not get it, the neighbor kid just home from the service pleaded his case and got it, oh well, back to searching ugh.
with some patience i will find one.

 

[sterbenlicht]

Well, it was a sweet truck, but I think you may have just dodged a bullet.

 

[Vmax]

The more I read about them the more I want one
Going to look at a 1999 with 158k in the
Morning. She looks good In the pics will keep y
You all posted.

 

[sterbenlicht]

Another sport package! Looks good

Could someone chime in and let me know if I'm wrong, but were head gaskets changed for the 2000-2002 models? I don't have enough experience with them to know if they're different, but I know the earlier 3rd gens were the ones with the more common gasket issues, and that was pretty much fixed for the later ones. I just don't know if that was for the 98 change or the 2000 change. I mention it because the one you're about to look at has typical mileage and age for one that could develop an issue in the coming years. Other than that, it's very reasonable mileage for these trucks.

 

[Hepar]

Another sport package! Looks good

Could someone chime in and let me know if I'm wrong, but were head gaskets changed for the 2000-2002 models? I don't have enough experience with them to know if they're different, but I know the earlier 3rd gens were the ones with the more common gasket issues, and that was pretty much fixed for the later ones. I just don't know if that was for the 98 change or the 2000 change. I mention it because the one you're about to look at has typical mileage and age for one that could develop an issue in the coming years. Other than that, it's very reasonable mileage for these trucks.

Are you thinking the 3.0l V6 vs the 3.4l V6? The 3.0l found in the 2nd gens (1990-1995) were notorious for head gasket issues. I don't believe they made any significant changes to the 3.4l through it's life cycle.

 

[sterbenlicht]

Yeah, the 3.0 was horrible about it, but as you'll see through these forums it's not uncommon for the 3rd gens to have head gasket issues either. It's not as bad as 2nd gen, but they still do it. For a very reliable truck, it's one of the few big things that still brings them down. I was told the later 3rd gens had corrected head gaskets which is why you don't see them having issues as often. I just don't know if it's true or not. The person showing me showed me a solid gasket vs. a gasket with reinforced rings around the cylinders. I'll have to look into it to see if it's a fact. Either way, it definitely looks like a good truck to take a look at.

 

[montana_jeepn]

So agree. Around my neck of the woods it would be worth around $8500 without the rust issue.

OP have you checked inside the frame as we have a box frame the rust could be spread throughout and nearly invisible.

Heck, I'll drive mine north and drop it off.