New member, pre-purchase

[Kung]

Maybe it is where you live, but the majority of Toyota owners take care of their autos much better than other brands.

I'd agree...which is part of the reason I bought one in the first place - because I plan on taking excellent care of this vehicle. Although I do/will do the same with all of my vehicles.

130,000 is pretty much on par for 10k a year, I just bought a 1994 in the same condition you are explaining with only 170,000, and thats less miles per year average than yours and I got mine for $3700.

Well, good for you. The difference is that I'm actually genuinely happy for you getting a good deal.

I don't understand how much of a "HUGE" deal you could be getting on service at your Ford dealership.

All I know is that they charge(d) a lot less than the local Toyota dealership - and the local Toyota dealership is known to cut corners. (As in, people have tested them.)

You go on about how much you can afford $

I didn't realize mentioning that I could afford the best 4Runner one time was 'going on' about something. *scratches head*

so I don't understand why you would take a risk and not using brand specific mechanics.

For two reasons:

1) As I said above, the local dealership is by ALL accounts terrible. I've truthfully not met ONE person who has had anything good to say about them. In other words, I'd be taking a risk USING brand-specific mechanics.

2) As you mentioned above, most Toyota owners take excellent care of their vehicles, and I plan on doing the same for myself.

This being said...I just ran across a trustworthy dealership about 70 miles away...so for me, that will be worth the trip. So yes, I WILL be using brand-specific mechanics after all, if it makes you feel better.

It's funny when people think they have gotten the deal of the century is all.

Well hey, I'm glad you're amused. If you got an even better deal, then like I said, I'm happy for you.

In any event, it's all in perception; so I'm more concerned about what my perception of the 'deal' is. And 100% of my research has upheld my perception of it being a great deal - turns out that the only thing it needs is an alignment. Valve cover gasket was just the bolts needing tightened; breaks are great with plenty of thickness on them, etc., etc.

Even if this fantasy of a "heated garage" was true, dude its a truck in a garage not an animal or a mink coat.

I contacted the original owners - they wrote their names AND phone number down in the owner's manual - and asked them further about the history. Sure, they could be lying, but I doubt it.

This being said, while I will be taking excellent care of it, I'm quite sure that I won't be babying it as the past owners did. lol

 

[LakeTahoe94runner]

I contacted the original owners - they wrote their names AND phone number down in the owner's manual - and asked them further about the history. Sure, they could be lying, but I doubt it.

I have heard of a sales technique of having the owner's information written down on the manual so potential owners think they have the upper hand and contact the phone number or whatever.

I honestly you should have gone with the 4th generation 4Runner, they are the roomiest and have the best amount of power.

A heated garage isn't going to do very much, thats all I was saying, sounds more like a selling point than anything. Garaged or heated garaged doesn't make a difference except not running the risk on freezing the gas lines.

 

[TRDCal]

@LakeTahoe94runner: Wow, you are being really negative for no apparent reason. If Mr. Kung did something to both you, this isn't the right place to get even.

I honestly you should have gone with the 4th generation 4Runner, they are the roomiest and have the best amount of power.

And I must ask, if you "honestly" think he should have bought a 4th gen, why did you buy a 94. Not that I have any issues with 2 gens, I feel that along as its a 4runner, you can't go wrong!

 

[Kung]

I have heard of a sales technique of having the owner's information written down on the manual so potential owners think they have the upper hand and contact the phone number or whatever.

So have I...except these people live right smack in the middle of where I used to live (in Chicago). I've had family members up there (of whom I have tons) do some checking up...and they do indeed live in that area, at the address listed online, and that same phone # in the phone book belongs to them, as listed in the phone books there. Additionally, one of my family members works for Verizon, plus my father retired from AT&T, so finding out the actual owner of a phone # isn't hard.

As I said elsewhere somewhere, I try to research the absolute crap out of something before pulling the trigger. :biggrin2:

I honestly you should have gone with the 4th generation 4Runner, they are the roomiest and have the best amount of power.

Trust me, I wanted to. But it honestly came down to a 'money spent' vs. 'amount of use' thing. Despite living in Missouri, for some reason people want PREMIUM prices here. I can buy the same 4th Gen 4Runner in Virginia (where my father in law lives) for about $2K - $3K less than I can here. *scratches head*

So when I saw one in pretty darn good condition for a good $5.5K to $6K less, I felt it a good enough deal. Plus, by almost all accounts, while the 3.4L has its problems, it's generally accepted as a bulletproof engine.

A heated garage isn't going to do very much, thats all I was saying, sounds more like a selling point than anything. Garaged or heated garaged doesn't make a difference except not running the risk on freezing the gas lines.

Ahh, now THAT I can agree on. I probably should have just not mentioned it. LOL What was more attractive to me was stuff like

- no rust at ALL on the undercarriage
- all of the 'problem' areas are in fantastic condition (e.g., no 'milkshake', ball joints are great, everything's
- rear leaf springs recall was done
- the fact that I have paperwork on every oil change, recall (one) and maintenance that was EVER done on it

That's why I felt that the price I quoted was a great deal - not because of the # itself but because it's suppoted by a ton of documentation and proof. I hope this clears it up a bit.

 

[gptoy96]

Cool Kung.

Sounds like a good deal all around to me. I'm like you and research the crap out of things before I commit, especially on an investment like a vehicle. I'm sure you'll find that your research pointed you in the right direction!

Enjoy the ride!

:worthless

 

[Kung]

Sounds like a good deal all around to me. I'm like you and research the crap out of things before I commit, especially on an investment like a vehicle. I'm sure you'll find that your research pointed you in the right direction!

My father actually got pissed at me a while back - he finally told me to, uh, defecate or vacate, if you get my drift. Sometimes I research TOO much. lol

And I'd post more pics - and can do so - but bluntly put, a lot of people here buy their 4Runners to instantly modify them, it seems. With the economy the way it is, and with a 'boss' (wife) to keep happy, I'll be more inclined to do minor stuff (e.g., new wheels/tires, shocks, etc.) until I get it totally paid off, which I sincerely hope to do in about a year or so.

 

[LakeTahoe94runner]

I don't know really what mods you would do for what you mentioned you got the truck for.

Maybe if you have 4Runner rear sag to replace with a Heavy Duty suspension or give it a bit more lift and 33's but my stock 94' runs great and I get through some pretty hairy 4x4 areas here in Lake Tahoe

So unless you are looking to go mudding or extreme offloading then maybe a suspension lift or upgrade is in your future but give your truck some time to show you what it truly is capable of in it's stock configuration.

 

[stanleybb50]

Air Lift 1000 for the sag.


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[Kung]

LakeTahoe94runner - that makes sense to me. I'll admit that I'm not planning on modding the crap out of this - first priority is reliable transportation, especially in the fall/winter. But I do plan on doing some basic mods.

This being said, I agree 100% - makes no sense to do a mod until I know what the baseline is like, so I know how (or if) a mod improves it.

 

[gptoy96]

There's quite a few on us here too that leave the truck basically stock too. I've had mine 3.5years and based on the length of mods in my sig I obviously haven't had much spare cash to change things the way I want either. Over time I'll piece it together but family and life take priority which leaves the truck out in the dark most of the time.

 

[LakeTahoe94runner]

Air Lift 1000 for the sag.


- Sent via Tapatalk for Android

I think that's a pretty hardcore solution for just sag. I think Landcruiser 80 series springs/coils are a better solution and much cheaper

to install an air system is a big investment for sag

 

[stanleybb50]

I think that's a pretty hardcore solution for just sag. I think Landcruiser 80 series springs/coils are a better solution and much cheaper

to install an air system is a big investment for sag

$90 and 2 hours of your time is significant? Firestone/Air Lift 1000 bags in the coils are by far the easiest/cheapest way to prevent sag.


**just realized you thought I meant a whole system, but I just meant the air bags that you put in the coils and fill when needed manually. They're awesome IMO.


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[Kung]

Honestly, I've not really noticed much (if any) sag. Possible that it's there, but I've seen pics of 4Runners with *a lot* of sag; whereas mine is not noticeable at all. Unless I'm missing something?

 

[stanleybb50]

Honestly, I've not really noticed much (if any) sag. Possible that it's there, but I've seen pics of 4Runners with *a lot* of sag; whereas mine is not noticeable at all. Unless I'm missing something?

When you put a load on it I mean. (And that's not ''what she said''... lol)


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[Kung]

When you put a load on it I mean. (And that's not ''what she said''... lol)

Seriously, though - it'll be a few weeks before I have a chance to do that. (Although the common sensical, logical part of me is thinking "Uh, if you put enough of a load on it of course they'll sag somewhat" but I get what you mean.)

 

[LakeTahoe94runner]

$90 and 2 hours of your time is significant? Firestone/Air Lift 1000 bags in the coils are by far the easiest/cheapest way to prevent sag.


**just realized you thought I meant a whole system, but I just meant the air bags that you put in the coils and fill when needed manually. They're awesome IMO.


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Yeah I find those air more of a cheap fix.

I find just getting stronger coils, like Landcruiser 80 series coils is the better way to address the problem.
Putting on lift bags on seems like a band-aid fix to me. if your coils are ****, them replace them with a more heavy duty pair. Putting on air bags only extends the life of worn out coils

 

[Kung]

I have to admit that I'm with LakeTahoe on this one; plus, considering my luck, one of 'em would get popped.

 

[stanleybb50]

Yeah I find those air more of a cheap fix.

I find just getting stronger coils, like Landcruiser 80 series coils is the better way to address the problem.
Putting on lift bags on seems like a band-aid fix to me. if your coils are ****, them replace them with a more heavy duty pair. Putting on air bags only extends the life of worn out coils

Ok, yeah I 100% hear you on ''worn out'' coils. I guess I was referring to I sagging with weight on the still good stock coils. This is not band aid fix, but a practical and good solution to prevent sag by airing up with load but having your soft ride with no load by airing down. That make sense?


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[LakeTahoe94runner]

Kung,

I suggest looking into heated side mirrors, it is an option I am sure wasn't available at all

I think the "Limited" series occurred in 3rd generation like yours but it isn't everyday you see heated mirrors, and it's an option that can be priceless

I prefer the 2nd Generation 4Runners because of the engine and the rear tailgate, on mine you bring down the rear window and it's like a standard tailgate, on 3rd gen the entire door lifts up and the window can be wound down, i like mine because it's friendliness for tailgating and I don't have to rely on those air shocks to keep it up.

Yes air boots do improve the ride while hauling/trailering. But improving from stock springs improves hauling ride height, suspension feel and overall stance

 

[Kung]

Kung,

I suggest looking into heated side mirrors, it is an option I am sure wasn't available at all

I believe mine has them, actually. Mine is one of the 2000 SR5 "Highlander" 4Runners, and I think that's the only option it came with (meaning above/beyond the Highlander package).

Yes air boots do improve the ride while hauling/trailering. But improving from stock springs improves hauling ride height, suspension feel and overall stance

That makes sense; I can see a good reason for both of them. I dunno that I'll be doing enough towing (initially) to justify doing either of those yet; but I plan on holding on to this vehicle long enough that if I end up towing more than occasionally I'll look into spring improvements first and then air boots.