Looking to buy 92 SR5 4x4

[TranceKrayz]

HELP: Looking to buy 92 SR5 4x4

Hey guys, my friend is currently driving a Toyota Cressida that is soon to be put in it's grave. I've been helping him look for a used car under $4,000, and he sure loves Toyota's dependability. I found this deal for him on autotrader:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ed&advanced=&start_year=1981&isp=y&cardist=34

I just wanted some input from anyone with experience with this generation. The mileage is over 150k. What type of maintenance would be required to keep this truck running? What is the typical cost of maintenance? What kind of problems can he expect? Any kind of input would be great. Thanks!

 

[TranceKrayz]

bump....

I need help soon!! :awais:

 

[Schooler]

Maintenance is really next to nothing. Keep it clean to keep that rust away. That is the biggest issue with older 4 runners.

I change my oil at 7500 mi.

Had a few minor problems with power steering leak, and had to replace u-joints. I know of a couple of 4 runners that had to replace u-joints. It cost about $150 with a mechanic doing it.

The back window will probably not work or it will eventually not work. That is pretty much a given. Just replace motor, get one on ebay for $50.

Usually they start to sag in the rear end. This does not affect performance so it can be left as is.

Replace speakers and stereo as they will probably suck.

Rust, Rust, Rust! Don't let it rust! Clean the salt away. I clean my truck at least every week. Re-paint the frame with a real good epoxy paint or rock guard. You can never go overboard on rust prevention.

At 150,000 mi., this truck should last a good long while.

And of course, if he buys the truck, and has any problems, he can always ask specific questions in the Classic forum.

 

[TranceKrayz]

Thanks. I know problems can be fixed, but the main concern is the cost of fixing those problems. He is a college student, and cannot shell out thousands to rebuild a lemon. Spending a few hundred will not hurt. So from what you say, there are no real big mechanical failures/problems with this engine? I'm assuming from the mileage that the previous owner has changed the timing belt at least once. Am I correct?

 

[TranceKrayz]

One last bump before I let my buddy know......:awais:

I hope the truck isn't sold yet......

 

[Schooler]

Sorry... I didn't log on for like a whole day!!! Got a life changing test tomorrow.

The timing belt may have not been changed. You can never really be sure, even if you do inspect it.

Ask the seller lots of questions. Get him to take more pics, especially of underneath the rear end as that is where most of the rust will be. If the interior is in great shep like he said, experience has taught me that the truck has usually been well taken care of. People who do not take care of their vehicles well, don't clean them. (obviously)

I can't see any rust from the picture but that does not men it is not there. I bought a truck that had over 100 pics I could look at. I only found 3 rust spots on the pics., then I brought it home and found a bunch more.

Just find out a lot more about it before you commit to buying it. Good Luck.

P.S. If you had posted this in classics T4R you most likely would have more responses.