Newbie needs opinions on 1988 4runner

[gohawks444]

Newbie here who is looking to purchase an '88 4Runner. I know, I know I need pics. But here is the info: SR5, 200,000 miles, imaculate, 1 owner, all service records, grey in color, all options, automatic. What is a reasonable price? It has the 6 cylinder. What should I be aware of? Is the 6 or the 4 a better option in terms of reliability? How leery of a vehicle with 200,000 miles should I be? Thanks guys.

 

[mikes4runner]

Look for rust near the rear wheel fenders.
The 3.0L V6 is a good engine for 200K+ if well taken care of, there was a headgasket recall for the V6 make sure that was done.
Kellybluebook.com says about $2,500 in excellent condition

Just remember it is not new and things go wrong on older trucks but if you are a DIY kind of person then I say go for it.


Now:worthless

sorry had to do it

Mike

 

[gohawks444]

Go ahead a zing me for the pic...i'll post pics when I get my "new"...(just sold my truck and am in the market........woooooooohoooooooo).

Why is there such a large difference in the price between the Kelly Blue Book ($2,600) and Edmund's TMV (says its worth $1,600)?

I'd gladly drop the $1,600.

The guy just told me that the 4runner need a "neutral safety switch". What would this cost? My understanding is that when the switch fails that it will not start, so he must have it "MacGyver'd"

Thanks again.

 

[mikes4runner]

I am not sure why there is such a price difference go there and put your info in and check it out for yourself.

Kellybluebook.com

Not sure of the cost to fix, DIY or call Toyota to see what they would charge.

 

[fourwd1]

Check the NADA price, that's the reference dealers use

NADA

Also used car prices vary greatly with location. Here in MD I'd pay more like 1500, where in WA state, where prices seem to be much higher, they might pay 3600+.

The 3.0 with an auto will be pretty anemic.

Make sure the recall has been done. Also when was the timing belt last replaced ?!

The Neutral Safety Switch is a switch mounted to the clutch pedal assembly which ensures you have the clutch pedal depressed, so you will be in Neutral when starting.

With a 16 yr old vehicle w/200K mi, things will begin wearing out and need replacing: starter, water pump, etc, etc.

 

[gohawks444]

well I am driving 6 hours tomorrow to complete the purchase of an '88 4 runner sight unseen. I asked the owner about the recall on the 3.0 V6 and he didn't seem to know anything about it. After my own research I found it was a "special service campaign". I got the VIN from the seller and called Toyota coporate about this model. The guy at Toyota told me that this particular VIN didn't have any recalls, service campaigns, or service bulletins associated with it. Were all 88 V6's involved in the head gasket fiasco?

I guess if the guy has driven it 200,000 miles and hasn't had a problem then I'm taking a chance that it will be okay. (God I hope it makes the 6 hour drive home or my wife will kick my ass!)

 

[mikes4runner]

I know it had to do with the Head gaskets warping and leaking, Maybe the used different head gaskets then and did not apply to your year.

Good luck and post some pic's when you get her home.

 

[Sidney]

22 Toyota headgasket & oil sludge recall sites:

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic110028.htm
http://www.the-summit-group.com/rec/4x4/toyota.html (3.0L,V6,headgasket recall)
http://home.att.net/~ccatanese/ford/toyota_warranx.htm (3.0L,V6,headgasket recall)
http://home.off-road.com/~kemanuel/V6-HG.htm
http://www.geocities.com/brian894x4/v6headgasketrecall.html (3.0L,V6,headgasket recall)
http://www.showmesome.info/hilux/info/recall.htm
http://www.off-road.com/toyota/4runner/topqs.html
http://www.alldata.com/recall/make/Toyota_Truck.html
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/60/94601650.html
http://www.yotarepair.com/Campaigns.html (3.4L,V6,headgasket recall)
http://home.off-road.com/~bibelheimer/3.4v6_headgasket.html (3.4L,V6,headgasket recall)
http://www.jasperengines.com/pdf/5SFECoolantLeaksTB.pdf
http://www.lemonaidcars.com/secret_warranties.htm
http://www.nordicgroup.us/oil.htm#Toyota Sludge
http://www.toyota.com/about/news/product/2002/04/03-1-consumer.html
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/04/04/toyota-sludge.htm
http://www.petitiononline.com/TMC2003/petition.html
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/TSBScans/sb621323.pdf
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/TSBScans/sb628694.pdf
http://groups.msn.com/ToyotaOwnersUniteforResolution/headgaskettsb.msnw
http://groups.msn.com/ToyotaOwnersUniteforResolution/headgaskets.msnw
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic100052.htm

Sidney
Repair tv's,vcr's,home/car audio out of my home
E-mail:sidneybek(at)yahoo.com
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia
Canada
1985 Toyota 4-Runner,22R-E,W56,RN60LV-MSEK,rusted rear step/towing chrome bumper with 243 000 KM

 

[Sympletruth316]

Newbie here who is looking to purchase an '88 4Runner. I know, I know I need pics. But here is the info: SR5, 200,000 miles, imaculate, 1 owner, all service records, grey in color, all options, automatic. What is a reasonable price? It has the 6 cylinder. What should I be aware of? Is the 6 or the 4 a better option in terms of reliability? How leery of a vehicle with 200,000 miles should I be? Thanks guys.

That sounds like what I just bought. I paid $500 for mine.

 

[Gryphon]

Ya find another one of those killer deals, let me know!

A friend of mine just got a turbo 22RE 1st gen for $1800...gorgeous truck, looks new!

I found only an 86 for $2k, 22RE, but the body is beat to hell. Runs great tho.

 

[gohawks444]

Here is a link to mine....I think its purdy dang nice for $2100

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/gohawks444/19884Runner.jpg

 

[Sympletruth316]

dang, that is nice. I hope mine looks like that when I clean it.

 

[gohawks444]

thank you. I bought the vehicle over the phone without ever seeing so much as a picture of it. I didn't even drive it before I bought it. The guy was 6 hours away and I was scared somebody would get to it before I had a chance to look at it so I air mailed the guy a $500 deposit and drove the 6 hours 3 days later to give him the rest. Drove it home a 12 hour round trip

 

[CDUFF7]

Super truck! I think you got a good deal. Looks like my 88 Hilux Surf (4Runner). Mine is a limited too - I think your is? All the options? I wish I was stateside so I could do a real build-up.

Thanks for sharing that pic.


Chris