New here - good deal?

[JPrzech]

Hello all,

I've been reading a lot of posts and am floored at the knowledge here. Seems like a perfect place to ask...

I'm looking at a '95 4R on my local CL. Guy wants $2500 for it, I've talked him down to $2300. 107K miles, pretty much original owner (he says they bought in in '96). I'll attach a bunch of pics here, then follow it up with another post with more. I've never had a 4R before, but have always wanted one. I just want to know if this is a good deal. The engine sounds strong, but noisy so I'm sure it needs some exhaust work. According to the seller, he's had the head gasket done. No rear bumper either, but I don't really care about that.

I have an '04 Trailblazer that I absolutely love. My plan is to drive the 4R about 75% of the time to save the wear and tear on the Chevy. I guess I just want to make sure I'm getting a decent deal so I figured I'd ask the experts. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

 

[JPrzech]

a few more pics

Here's a few more shots.

 

[77'911]

Well, if it helps, we had offers on our (one family owned) 1990 4runner(98k, no rust, no needs) of 4.8-5k, readily. I was asking 5500, and the guy would not meet me in the middle, so were keeping it for a bit. Maybe this will give you an idea of the market(PNW).
The fact it's, effectively, a one owner is nice. The miles are quite low for a 4runner. If you don't mind rust work, it does not sound bad. Best of luck with it, and the search.
regards

 

[JPrzech]

Thanks for the input. It's helpful.

 

[KidVermicious]

That's not just surface rust on the frame, that's creeping under the undercoat and that's a sign that things could be very very bad. If you really really like the truck, crawl under there and have a really hard look - pay special attention to anywhere dirt/water/salt will pool and collect, because that's where you're almost certain to find missing metal. Pound on the frame with a hammer, feel for soft spots, because sometimes the rust is worst on the inside and you won't see it.

Me, I'd run far and run fast. That truck has not been treated well. Holes in the body, rotten frame, missing body parts, questionable engine, that truck isn't worth $1200 and even then only if you're ready for a LOT of elbow grease getting it back to reliable DD status.

 

[Fixitinboca]

This looks like it was cleaned inside but never thought about short of that. Some of that frame rust and supporting member rust looks like it is going to make this a hunting truck more than a DD. Body rust is well advanced, in one shot all the way to the gas inlet. Unless you are handy with sheet metal and rust removal, think some on this great deal. My 2 cents.

 

[JPrzech]

Anyone else? I know there's a lot of knowledge on here so I'm hoping a couple more folks will chime in.

 

[Peevedkitten]

Anyone else? I know there's a lot of knowledge on here so I'm hoping a couple more folks will chime in.

I think the other posters are right. That rust is bad and I wouldn't go for it.

 

[redrunn]

be careful

hey bud, you have to consider the price of all the rusted out stuff on the truck, like the bumpers, fenders...etc.

That frame looks horrible. if you ever want to do a lift, you are going to go through hell. It is definitely not worth even 1.2k. yes it is a one owner, but as stated above, many of these one owners eventually get neglected, and are just kept around for random runs.

Gas lines, brake lines, and gas tank are all susceptible to leaks at this point. The gas tank might already have a leak (when you fill it up past a certain point).

I wouldn't buy it. Find a good clean truck for 2.3-2.5k. you won't regret passing this one up.

 

[onian]

No way, would suggest not getting that. That is some really bad rust and I am sure its worse than you can see at an initial glance.

 

[redrunn]

No way, would suggest not getting that. That is some really bad rust and I am sure its worse than you can see at an initial glance.

couldn't have said it better. only when you start working on it, will you realize just how bad it is. That fuel tank skid plate looks horrible.

don't buy this truck.

 

[ralatkins]

Run away. Check out a southern or western truck, fly out, drive home. Avoid that up north, rust belt stuff if you can afford to.

 

[JPrzech]

Thanks for all the input. I thought maybe the fact that the motor only had 107K on it might make it worthwhile.

 

[KidVermicious]

Thanks for all the input. I thought maybe the fact that the motor only had 107K on it might make it worthwhile.

Nope. And at twenty years old, the mileage is irrelevant anyway.

 

[JPrzech]

How so? 107K is 107K no matter how old it is, or so I would think.

 

[Peevedkitten]

How so? 107K is 107K no matter how old it is, or so I would think.

There are consumables on and in a motor. Think gaskets, hoses, tubing etc. These things age and fail. Sure it's not a big deal to replace a single hose or line, but when a brittle head gasket goes it becomes expensive.

I've done a lot with repairing/restoring motorcycles and the worst cases hands down that I've run into are low mileage bikes that are 20+ years old. Use doesn't kill motors if you maintain them. In fact if you're using the motor regularly you kind of have to maintain it. Sitting unused for long periods is horrible for motors, gas goes bad, clogs injectors and lines, it burns dirty and typically people will let oil sit for a very long time. Since they don't hit that 3,000 mile magic change point they might be running year old oil.

This is just my opinion but look at that truck, look at the severe rot/rust and tell me it looks like it's only got 107k on it. Maybe it was his winter driver and that's why it got less than 6k/yr on it, but to me it looks like the body and frame tell a different story than the odometer.