On the hunt for a first gen...

[johnnywinks]

Heyy everyone, I am on the hunt for the classic first generation 4runner but I am in quite the interesting situation.

I currently live in St Johns, Newfoundland, aka The Rock, wayyy up North. So I'm essentially "online" shopping for a 4Runner and am planning on having it shipped up here if I find the right one. Clearly, there are many problems with this, as the status of a vehicle that is ~25 years old is unknown to the online shopper, especially one like me who is not too mechanically inclined (but I am motivated to become mechanically inclined and am very excited to learn on my 4runner)...

I recently came across a 1986, 208,000 miles, that is at a dealer in Georgia and was told of these recent modifications

Driveshaft removed and installed
Valve cover gasket replaced
Engine valves adjusted
A/C evaporator replaced
Brakes serviced
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Clutch master cylinder replaced

The photos look really nice as well. Does anyone have any suggestions of how I could buy a car online without viewing it and feel good about it?

I'd be really happy to hear some feedback and suggestions for questions to ask the seller.

Cheers

Oh and here's the link to the 4runner

1986 Toyota 4Runner $5,995 - Keller's Auto Sales - Savannah, GA 31419-8900 Dealer

 

[Pyroboy]

Used Runner

I would try to find one near a buddy so you could have someone you trust check it out. West coast and desert area vehicles are much less likely to have rust. $6k seems expensive for a stock truck with high miles.

I always thought that SR5 1st gen Runners were all V6s and that the 4 cylinders were non-SR5s.

 

[markfagus]

Welcome. I agree with Pyro, that is top $$$ for that mileage. That being said it does look clean.

I have personally used this service: http://sgs-ebay.sgsauto.comorder_inspection.htm to do an inspection for me on an out of state car. They were pretty good and I would use them again.
I also checked Craigs list for Savanah in the auto services section and found these guys
AUTOMEDICS MOBILE ON-SITE AUTO & TRUCK REPAIR SERVICE 912-507-4445

There is NO WAY I would spend that kinda cash without having it inspected. It will be the smartest $$$ you have ever spent.

Good luck

Mark

 

[fourwd1]

I always thought that SR5 1st gen Runners were all V6s and that the 4 cylinders were non-SR5s.

No, that's not true, both my 1st gens (84 + 89) are 4 cyl SR5's.
The V6 didn't even come out until 88 (the second to last year for 1st gens).

And $6K seems waay too much to me, even if it's as nice as it looks.
And personally, I'd never buy a vehicle I haven't seen and driven, especially from a couple thousand miles away. just my .02

 

[boldtu]

thats a nice looking truck
but that is a lot of money
I used this service to find mine

States

it is a craigslist states option where you can scan one state at a time instead of cities or countys. let me know if you find anything near Bend Oregon, I will be happy to go check it out for you.

good luck,
Chet