New guy here buying a 93 runner needing some help

[flatlandrunner]

Hey Guys new member here.
Im going to look at a 93 4runner tomorrow. It hasa 3.0 v6 with 230k on the clock. Its needing some TLC. It does run the guy sent a video of it running.

What would be some important things to look at and check out before the test drive?
Im thinking check all the diffs and transfer case. Of course the oil and antifreeze.

What are some weaknesses of this model of 4runner? I had an 89 4x4 v6 truck and an 04 tacoma 4cyl but ive never had a 4runner.

What size of ratchet would i need to check the diffs? Sorry for all the questions just trying to get some thoughts on what to check when i go look at it.

 

[Jdrum1]

Are you familiar with the 3.0 head gasket issues? If not, research it!


Lesson learned on my part..........I would highly advise a compression test (in addition to careful inspection of the oil and coolant (oil in coolant was my first sign of an issue).

If you aren't 100% certain of the health of the engine (which still doesn't guarantee future issues), then buy it at a price where you won't regret a blown HG.

 

[gtgt_bangbang]

like da man says - head gasket, #6 particularly, know it before you buy it.

Not a horrible fix but common.

Wouldnt doubt it had already been done by 230 but what do I know ?

 

[Jdrum1]

like da man says - head gasket, #6 particularly, know it before you buy it.

Not a horrible fix but common.

Wouldnt doubt it had already been done by 230 but what do I know ?

Mine was done under the recall, but HG #2 was failing.

 

[flatlandrunner]

Thanks guys.

The guy doesnt know a whole lot about it. He says he bought a few months back and hasnt even really drove it.

The only problem he told me was that the rear marker lights quit and they pulled a bunch of the plastic off of the inside trying to chase wires thinking it was a short but found out it was a relay.:shrug:? Any ideas there? O and no dash lights. Ive been trying to find a wiring diagram but not having much luck there.

Just from the pics all I know is that the body is straight, no major dents, no rust, seats are pretty tore up, no radio or antenna and some of the heater vents are missing the plastic that directs the air. He did send a video of it running didnt sound too bad. It sounded like a motor that hasnt been started in months and it was 20 degrees outside.

Ill know more when I go to look at it tomorrow afternoon.

On the recall how would I go about finding out if its been done? And if it hasn't been done and it needs it I should be able to take it to Toyota and have it done even tho the vehicle is 20+ years old?

 

[LedFloyd900]

Also, listen for a ticking noise from the engine. I have a '92 and didnt research it before I bought it and turned up having to put a new engine in it (needed a valve job so why not). I know not doing research before you buy is pretty dumb, but honestly if I would have read about all the HG problems and the famous ticking, I probably wouldn't have bought it so I'm actually glad I didn't research. I never even thought about 4runners before owning one but man I'll always have one from now on, absolutely love it

 

[Jdrum1]

You can search for recalls by the VIN on Toyota's website.

I'd figure there's zero chance chanceof getting it done if itwas never performed.