Need Feedback from all you 3rd Gen Experts

[FJ 100]

Good luck with the flip. If you're not into the truck, then that's a great way to make a quick buck.

If it were you (read: not too familiar w/4Runners yet), I'd have it checked out by a mechanic... top to bottom. If the truck checked out, I'd keep it. Read up, and enjoy being a 4Runner owner.

If you flip it and decide you want another one down the road, you probably won't find another deal like you got this time.

That's the direction I'm gonna take. I'm having checked out this week. It everything's cool on it, I'm keeping it. If it has any issues, I will continue down the path of selling it.

 

[FJ 100]

That's a great deal but none trumps mine, my best friends dad owned mine and if his dad sold it he would get a new t4r so all I had to do was put in 1500 and my friend gave me the other 2k!! And his dad took of some $ after just because haha.

Sounds like a deal.

BTW, not trying to trump anyone, I've had other Toyotas, but this is my first 3rd Gen and I just shared the details while trying to learn more about it.

 

[FJ 100]

I'd say, don't start modding yet until you have made sure you have brought the maint up to speed. Pull the rear wheels and look for gear lube. But don't stop there, work the ABS sensor out of the hole in the axle and look inside. That's where you'll find if the seal is leaking. If you see a honey colored wetness, fix it before the lube ruins the brake shoes. The cost to repair at the dealer will be $1200 for bearings and seals. Then plan on replacing the lower ball joints and outer tie rods. Toyota changed the design in 2005, but in the 3rd gen, the joint is constantly being pulled apart and can and has failed numerous times. Search failed ball joints. For peace of mind, replace yours ASAP. Also check out the TACO LBJ threads. I just did mine and it works great plus the joints are beefier than the T4R joinits. Parts alone will be $250.

The first thing I bought for my truck was a new radiator just to prevent the contaminated trans fluid issue.

If you have a small budget, start with maintenance items first. They can add up to big dollars quickly, especially if you can't do it yourself.

Great looking truck. Enjoy it in good health.
Cheers

Thanks...I appreciate all the advice.

 

[3rd gen king]

Sounds like a deal.

BTW, not trying to trump anyone, I've had other Toyotas, but this is my first 3rd Gen and I just shared the details while trying to learn more about it.

Oh no man I was just dropping my story, lol. But you won bc your 4wd :,(

 

[masphx]

Keep the truck! You got a great deal and she is just broken in. You can have many fun year with her and black is a nice color.

 

[madbomber08]

You gotta keep it man. If you just bought it to resell it right away and make some quick cash then more power to you. But if you sell it and finally realize you miss the thing, you'd be hard pressed to find another one like it in as good of shape for 6k. Hell, from the looks of it, if I was looking for a 4runner, I'd even be chomping at the bit even for 6k.

Good luck man with whatever happens but you know what the people of t4r want you to do don't you? Haha

 

[Baja Runner]

Trucks like yours will sell for $7-10k here easy on Craigslist. I see it all the time.

 

[jrm]

How did you find out about the impound sale?

curious. Sounds like an interesting great way to buy a vehicle

 

[FJ 100]

Good luck man with whatever happens but you know what the people of t4r want you to do don't you? Haha

Thanks...with the little time I've spent on the 5th Gen and 3rd Gen forums, you guys are great. One of the best sites I've been on. I'm active on other brand forums as well with my other cars and this is by far the best group of owners.

The car is at the dealer right now going through a PPI. If it comes back good, I think I will keep it for a while.

 

[FJ 100]

Trucks like yours will sell for $7-10k here easy on Craigslist. I see it all the time.

Yeah, I took no less than 20 calls over the weekend. Most were lowballing. I will keep it otherwise.

 

[FJ 100]

curious. Sounds like an interesting great way to buy a vehicle

Through the tow companies. I work at a body shop that uses one company in particular. They have storage lots where they often end up owning the unclaimed cars. They will sell them off from time-to-time. I've bought 3 cars this way and, while they are usually in rough shape, they make for a quick sale. This is the first one I've thought about keeping. We'll see after the mechanic goes through it today.

 

[FJ 100]

Well I'm pretty sure this one's a keeper. Thanks for all the feedback!

Toyota dealer gave it the once over today and specifically looked at some of the common trouble spots according to the buyer's guide (great info...thanks 4-Ripcord).

No troubles found in those areas, although I think I will take a closer look at the brakes. They're kind of mushy and a bit wobbly at high speeds.

What did come out of it was error codes P0440, P0441 and P0446 (check engine light was on). They diagnosed a failed VSV. They also found valve cover gaskets leaking and power steering fluid dirty. I will have them tackle these issues.

They further recommended plugs and wires. I can take care of these myself.

 

[kman55]

That's is a great buy, for 3k! You can easily put a little into it for maintenance updates and still have it dirt cheap and it shouldn't ever let you down if you treat it right! Congrats! I love seeing these deals!