New Buyers Advice

[Turbo224]

So I posted this in the general section but was told I would probably get a better response if I posted it here. I am in the market for a 3rd gen 4Runner to replace my wife's Grand Cherokee. I have always liked the 4Runners and our Jeep has turned into a ticking time bomb. So my question is what problems i should be looking for when buying one of these.

I have tried to browse the forum a little and the main things I can tell that I need to inspect is the rear axle and seals, and make sure the timing belt/water pump has been done. I have worked on many cars in my life so I am am mechanically competent, I just know that each type of vehicle has its own set of problems.

Thanks for any help in advance.

-Tyler

 

[theizzardking]

So I posted this in the general section but was told I would probably get a better response if I posted it here. I am in the market for a 3rd gen 4Runner to replace my wife's Grand Cherokee. I have always liked the 4Runners and our Jeep has turned into a ticking time bomb. So my question is what problems i should be looking for when buying one of these.

I have tried to browse the forum a little and the main things I can tell that I need to inspect is the rear axle and seals, and make sure the timing belt/water pump has been done. I have worked on many cars in my life so I am am mechanically competent, I just know that each type of vehicle has its own set of problems.

Thanks for any help in advance.

-Tyler

your research has pretty much turned up the main ones, possibly check out the "pink milkshake" threads as i think that may be the only thing you missed,
post up pics of a few your considering and the options your really wanting and we can help narrow the search down as well.

 

[Hepar]

Do you know roughly what you are looking for? Years, miles, budget, options, etc etc?

 

[2runnersnyynyg]

Axle seals,t-belt water pump emergency brakes (seized or operational) double check the frame condition depending where you are geographically (salt and sand) can effect certain runners if not addressed usually surface only but i have seen perforation. ALSO CHECK THE 4WD WORKS!!!

 

[Turbo224]

your research has pretty much turned up the main ones, possibly check out the "pink milkshake" threads as i think that may be the only thing you missed,
post up pics of a few your considering and the options your really wanting and we can help narrow the search down as well.

I was actually just reading about the pink milkshake issue, but I never saw anywhere that outlined what caused it. I'd imagine if the radiator has a built in trans cooler, it's probably caused by some sort of internal damage, or leaking?

Do you know roughly what you are looking for? Years, miles, budget, options, etc etc?

I'm not really sure exactly what we are looking for. Probably looking to spend somewhere under 8k. I would prefer something with under 120,000 miles on it as well. The only must have is 4wd and an automatic. Other than that we are pretty flexible.

Axle seals,t-belt water pump emergency brakes (seized or operational) double check the frame condition depending where you are geographically (salt and sand) can effect certain runners if not addressed usually surface only but i have seen perforation. ALSO CHECK THE 4WD WORKS!!!

All very good suggestions. I definitely plan to crawl under the truck and inspect everything for leaks and obvious damage or wear. I'm in Utah, so salt is always something to be concerned about.

 

[Turbo224]

I thought of a few more questions.

Are heated seats an option on these, and if they are, how common of an option is it? I have noticed that a lot of the Runners listed for sale don't mention anything about them.

From what i have been reading, there are two typed of 4wd setups used in the 3rd gens. Is that right? Do both 4wd systems let me drive in 2wd if I don't need it in 4wd?

 

[Hepar]

I thought of a few more questions.

Are heated seats an option on these, and if they are, how common of an option is it? I have noticed that a lot of the Runners listed for sale don't mention anything about them.

From what i have been reading, there are two typed of 4wd setups used in the 3rd gens. Is that right? Do both 4wd systems let me drive in 2wd if I don't need it in 4wd?

Heated seats were available in the Limited models.

And I think you're speaking of the 4wd models with a center lock diff button and those without. Both let you run in 2wd. Those with the ability to lock and unlock the center diff essentially have the ability to run in an AWD mode, so you can drive on mixed roads.

 

[Turbo224]

Again, thanks for the info guys. I will be hard pressed to get my wife to give up heated seats. Looks like I need to be looking for an 01-02 Limited 4Runner. :bluejump: