New to New to 4Runners; Potential Purchase -- need advice

[bopper0232]

Currently looking to purhase a 1999 4runner SR5, manual, 3.4L from an auction out in NY. 101K miles and the body looks good. Carfax is clean, indicates 2 owners and 1st owner had vehicle under corp lease for 10 yrs. I've been a diesel owner up until now, but at the current time, there is no need. Need a cheap, but reliable 4wd, and i've heard good things about the 4Runners. At $6,500 i feel it should be a good buy. I've heard about the timing belts and i'm not sure if i can figure out if it's been changed due to being in Minnesota. Thought of going to Toyota dealership and providing the VIN number?? Being that i do not know much about 4Runners, i'd appreciate any advice that can be provided. Also, it needs new tires and I'd like some decent AT's, perhaps BFG AT TA/KO's. Any advice on tire sizes, small lifts. Looking for an aggressive look, but nothing extreme. Thank you for your time and assistance.

 

[topdown4runner]

Without seeing it, it sounds like a good deal.

Vin at dealership will only tell if service was done at dealerships.

Look on the plastic cover for the water pump / timing belt. If it was changed at the dealership & some shops, there will be a sticker there showing when / milage belt was changed.

Service says to change at 90K miles, but these have been known to go 150 - 200K between changes. It's your choice to have it changed or not though
Even it you don't change it, and it "pops" at 150K, these are non-interference engines. It will just quit running. Change the belt, re-time it, and start it up.

Let us know if you get it

 

[4-Ripcord]

Just be sure to check on the undercarraige. Rust can be an issue for these vehicles.

And the most aggressive all terrain i know of is the cooper ST. My friend has them on his tacoma and they look mean and perform well on and off road. The STTs just look stupid though.

 

[drinknmolson]

If they changed the timing belt it would have the sticker like the last person said, if it was in the northeast or Minnesota I would definately look for rust. Sounds like a good price, is it a SR5, sport or limited? (EDIT: haha, should have read more completely) Either way a mild lift 3" OME is what I would recommend and not to hard to self install, just get coilspring compressors, you can run 285/75/16's (33's!) and BFG AT's are excellent, not the best for rain, but amazing street, off-road, and snow! If it is a sport you will be pleasantly surprised, the hood scoop looks cool (non-functional) and it will have a rear locker!

Keep us posted, and welcome to the community!

 

[Hepar]

Just be sure to check on the undercarraige. Rust can be an issue for these vehicles.

2nd that. The undercarraige of an East coast 4Runner will look night and day different from one from the West coast.