New SR5 - Some Pointers Please

[illin]

First post...been lurking for a while though!

I have been waiting an waiting for a clean (sub 200k) Runner to pop up locally and FINALLY one did.

It is a super clean 1994 SR5 V6 with a manual! Best part is...it has 99K!

So, the questions to all the 2nd Gen owners...what are some things to check for...any obvious issues I should check closely?

I know the clutch has been swapped out at 90K...so good there. The timing belt was also done at 80K...but I need to check it visually to see...any easy way to verify?

I am ultra excited. This wont be a daily driver...just my weekend play toy. I also need to get a truck to haul the kids around in so they quit messing up "the good cars".

My wife is concerned that buying a 15 year old truck with 100k is a dumb move. However, the 3.0L with a manual should give me 50-60k more reliable service right...or am I reaching?

Lastly, asking is $4250. Is that in the ballpark. If all is clean, I was thinking of starting with $3500 cash in hand. Realistic?

 

[Alabama4Runner]

Sounds about right price wise. My one and only criteria would be rust, or rather, lack thereof. Check everywhere. If you don't have to deal with rust then you can handle everything else.

I hate rust! I even built my barbeque grill out of aluminum and stainless.

 

[n8buddy]

i agree with Alabama4Runner, look really close for rust. Places to check are frame, under rear bumper (especially the pieces that wrap around the sides), edges of wheel wells (check under chrome trim if equipped), and rocker panels/bottom edge of doors. these seem to be the places the rust starts.

Also get the VIN number and have a toyota dealership check to see if the headgasket and relay rod recalls have been done. the best thing you could do is offer the seller to pay to have it taken to a toyota dealership to get checked out. A compression check will give you a good idea of how strong the engine is.

 

[illin]

So is rust just the kiss of death on these trucks? If you have some visible spot rust around the fenders..is that an inevitable time bomb?

I assume bad rust on the frame rails will be easy to spot. However, I expect to see lots of surface rust down there...isnt that pretty normal on a truck this vintage?

 

[n8buddy]

well it really depends on where you live. If you live in the rust belt it will spread alot quicker that if you live in utah. If there is only a few spots, its not something to worry about. Its all about preventative maintenance ie washing it often etc. and surface rust on the fram is normal, just look for pitting or holes.