Hey folks. I just purchased a '99 SR5 4Runner 4WD w/ manual transmission a couple days ago. I've been lurking here (and searching), but still have a few unresolved questions I'm hoping I can find some help with.
First, I'd like to know if I got a good deal. I paid $4200. Exterior is clean with some rust on the tow bar and hitch, and a little bit of rot under the battery tray in the engine compartment. The paint is white and has no scratches. The undercarriage shows no signs of having been wheeled or abused (no scratches). No leaks of any sort of fluid. Mileage is at 199,500. The timing belt was replaced at 180,000. Engine compression check passes on all 6 cylinders. The former owner's husband was a shadetree mechanic who appears to have done good work but did not keep very good records. The truck has almost all the options available-- power windows, luggage rack, rear spoiler thing (for all the good it does), rear heat, factory tint, 16" alloy wheels, and a few I'm sure I'm missing-- with the exception of leather seats and a moonroof. Safety & emissions passed without any trouble, and other than an almost unnoticeable wavering in the idle when it's cold, the car runs and handles like a champ. The engine is the 3.4L V-6. So-- good deal or no?
Second, the clock in this truck is dead. From what I've read, this is not an uncommon problem. Is there a drop-in aftermarket replacement? If not, any recommendations on fixing the dead clock?
Third, the blower motor for the climate control system, when on its higher/highest settings, sounds like a jet engine. Is this normal?
Fourth, it looks like the front bumper has brackets and holes to take fog lights. Any recommended bolt-on solutions for fog lights here?
Finally, my SOP when purchasing a new-to-me used vehicle is to replace the plugs, change the oil, change the air filter, and change the cabin filter. Is there anything else I should be doing as a new owner? I've read that the rear main seal can potentially be an issue, but mine doesn't appear to be leaking.
The plugs I'm using are NGK Iridiums. I don't buy into the idea that they generate more power; I'm just not interested in changing them as frequently as I would have to for copper or platinum plugs. I ran these on my other car (a BMW 740iL with two plugs in hard-to-reach places) with great success. Has anyone had any problems specifically with NGK Iridium plugs in these vehicles?
Autozone was having a deal on Mobil 1 products (5-qt. jug of 5W-30 and an oil filter) for $30. I doubt I'll have any issues with their oil, but has anyone experienced any trouble with the Mobil 1 filters? I'm planning on running an oil change interval of 10,000 miles with filter changes every 5,000.
This is the third SUV I've owned, though it'll be the first Toyota; the other two were an 87 Isuzu Trooper II w/2.3L and stick and a 95 Isuzu Trooper w/3.5 and an auto. I'm fairly mechanically inclined; I did a full engine rebuild on the 87 during my young-and-poor college days, though I'm hoping not to have to repeat that experience anytime soon.
Again, my thanks in advance for any information proffered here.
First, I'd like to know if I got a good deal. I paid $4200. Exterior is clean with some rust on the tow bar and hitch, and a little bit of rot under the battery tray in the engine compartment. The paint is white and has no scratches. The undercarriage shows no signs of having been wheeled or abused (no scratches). No leaks of any sort of fluid. Mileage is at 199,500. The timing belt was replaced at 180,000. Engine compression check passes on all 6 cylinders. The former owner's husband was a shadetree mechanic who appears to have done good work but did not keep very good records. The truck has almost all the options available-- power windows, luggage rack, rear spoiler thing (for all the good it does), rear heat, factory tint, 16" alloy wheels, and a few I'm sure I'm missing-- with the exception of leather seats and a moonroof. Safety & emissions passed without any trouble, and other than an almost unnoticeable wavering in the idle when it's cold, the car runs and handles like a champ. The engine is the 3.4L V-6. So-- good deal or no?
Second, the clock in this truck is dead. From what I've read, this is not an uncommon problem. Is there a drop-in aftermarket replacement? If not, any recommendations on fixing the dead clock?
Third, the blower motor for the climate control system, when on its higher/highest settings, sounds like a jet engine. Is this normal?
Fourth, it looks like the front bumper has brackets and holes to take fog lights. Any recommended bolt-on solutions for fog lights here?
Finally, my SOP when purchasing a new-to-me used vehicle is to replace the plugs, change the oil, change the air filter, and change the cabin filter. Is there anything else I should be doing as a new owner? I've read that the rear main seal can potentially be an issue, but mine doesn't appear to be leaking.
The plugs I'm using are NGK Iridiums. I don't buy into the idea that they generate more power; I'm just not interested in changing them as frequently as I would have to for copper or platinum plugs. I ran these on my other car (a BMW 740iL with two plugs in hard-to-reach places) with great success. Has anyone had any problems specifically with NGK Iridium plugs in these vehicles?
Autozone was having a deal on Mobil 1 products (5-qt. jug of 5W-30 and an oil filter) for $30. I doubt I'll have any issues with their oil, but has anyone experienced any trouble with the Mobil 1 filters? I'm planning on running an oil change interval of 10,000 miles with filter changes every 5,000.
This is the third SUV I've owned, though it'll be the first Toyota; the other two were an 87 Isuzu Trooper II w/2.3L and stick and a 95 Isuzu Trooper w/3.5 and an auto. I'm fairly mechanically inclined; I did a full engine rebuild on the 87 during my young-and-poor college days, though I'm hoping not to have to repeat that experience anytime soon.
Again, my thanks in advance for any information proffered here.
