I have the opportunity to purchase a 95 4runner for a clean $3,000.
It is a maroon v6, 4wd, power everything, cloth interior, sunroof, cd deck etc with 105,400 miles on it. It is in pretty good shape with just a few minor cosmetic issues such as some rust spots on the back bumper and a few dings here and there.
I would be buying it from a reliable source...a family friend. However, they have only had it for 4-5 years and when they got it, it already had about 75,000 miles on it. Needless to say, they have not put many miles on it.
Now I know the price seems like a steal but I have a few concerns that are causing me some hesitation in buying this baby (even thought I want it BAD!!!!).
First, the steering wheel had a small shake to it when appraching around 50 mph. I didn't get the chance to take the truck on the freeway yesterday but that did concern me. Obviously, when I go see it again, I am going to test it at a higher speed. Regardless, is this slight shake, vibration normal in 2nd gen 4runners?
Second, I know the second gen 4runners are not the quickest things on the street but I was pretty shocked at the lack of pickup that it posessed. Do you really have to basically floor it just to maintain speed going up a hill?
Lastly, and most importantly.....this is the one that really makes me cautious. As I'm sure everyone on here knows, the 95 v6 is notorious for blowing head gaskets. The people that I would be buying this from said that the head gasket blew right after they bought it (75,000) and they replaced it. I just don't know what to think. Should I still buy this with the thought that "hey I'll probably be able to get another 40,000 miles on it before it blows again" or should I be thinking "wow, this thing has problems and could be due to blow another gasket at any time"....?
Overall, I just need a cheap reliable car/truck. I really love SUV's and I have fallen in love with this 4runner....I just want to feel good about buying it!
My gut tells me that for this price, go for it, and if or when it blows again, i'll deal with it. But then again, I am a poor college student that will not be able to afford costly repairs without taking a big blow (no pun intended).
Any and all advice would be more than appreciated!!!!!!!
Thank you,
Keene
It is a maroon v6, 4wd, power everything, cloth interior, sunroof, cd deck etc with 105,400 miles on it. It is in pretty good shape with just a few minor cosmetic issues such as some rust spots on the back bumper and a few dings here and there.
I would be buying it from a reliable source...a family friend. However, they have only had it for 4-5 years and when they got it, it already had about 75,000 miles on it. Needless to say, they have not put many miles on it.
Now I know the price seems like a steal but I have a few concerns that are causing me some hesitation in buying this baby (even thought I want it BAD!!!!).
First, the steering wheel had a small shake to it when appraching around 50 mph. I didn't get the chance to take the truck on the freeway yesterday but that did concern me. Obviously, when I go see it again, I am going to test it at a higher speed. Regardless, is this slight shake, vibration normal in 2nd gen 4runners?
Second, I know the second gen 4runners are not the quickest things on the street but I was pretty shocked at the lack of pickup that it posessed. Do you really have to basically floor it just to maintain speed going up a hill?
Lastly, and most importantly.....this is the one that really makes me cautious. As I'm sure everyone on here knows, the 95 v6 is notorious for blowing head gaskets. The people that I would be buying this from said that the head gasket blew right after they bought it (75,000) and they replaced it. I just don't know what to think. Should I still buy this with the thought that "hey I'll probably be able to get another 40,000 miles on it before it blows again" or should I be thinking "wow, this thing has problems and could be due to blow another gasket at any time"....?
Overall, I just need a cheap reliable car/truck. I really love SUV's and I have fallen in love with this 4runner....I just want to feel good about buying it!
My gut tells me that for this price, go for it, and if or when it blows again, i'll deal with it. But then again, I am a poor college student that will not be able to afford costly repairs without taking a big blow (no pun intended).
Any and all advice would be more than appreciated!!!!!!!
Thank you,
Keene
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