Possible purchase.

[97-4xFunner]

Thinking of checking out this 4Runner for purchase. Looks pretty good in the pics. Just wondering if there is anything I should be looking for when I go check it out. Already have my '97, buy I have always wanted a first Gen. Seller is asking $2500

 

[turboSR5]

Check with the owner or a local dealer to see if the head gasket recall work has been performed. Always check for rust, probably not a big issue where you live but give the frame a very good look over. Also ask about the timing belt, when was it last changed?

I'm not sure what the typical asking price is in your area but I really don't see anything special about this one, it does have a flashy paint job and the body looks to be in great shape though. I am not a huge fan of the 3VZ or automatic transmissions, this may not turn you off though.

 

[97-4xFunner]

more pics.

 

[Bad_Vision]

it sounds about right, make sure the gas gauge works 100% if not the fuel sending unit is like 200$ plus the pain of doing it wink wink you could knock it down a little for crap you will have to do.


FYI DO NOT put pictures with the license plate numbers on it!!!!
For your safety and the owners

 

[97-4xFunner]

There doesn't seem to be alot of these around here. So I will accept the auto. I'll ask the owner about the head gasket. If he doesn't know, do I just take the vin to a dealership? I would say that rust and straight frame and body are my biggest concerns as I am not a body guy, I can handle just about anything mechcanical on it though.

 

[turboSR5]

You can call a dealer and run the VIN# by them and they can tell you what recall work has been performed. I have been seeing where people have checked it out and the dealer would refuse to do the work if it hasn't been done already. You might be out of luck but you never know.

 

[Bad_Vision]

i paid 800 for a rust bucket 4cyl manual so it all depends, plus its not a show truck or a HIGHLY wanted one because it still has IFS.

Go to him with 1750$ cash in hand. the reason i say this is its been stripped down and parts are missing so who knows what was put on correctly. the paint might peel away if he didn't prep the body right and plus whats the new paint hiding?
the best way to tell how much bondo was used is to take a fridge magnet and a piece of paper so you don't scratch the paint just stick it in random spots along the fender well and corners by the tailight if it was hobbled to gather the magnet will not stick because of too much bondo

 

[97-4xFunner]

I am liking all this info. Thanks guys. Deff. keep it comin. I like the magnet idea as I was wondering the same thing(whats the paint hiding). Like I said, my concerns are a straight body and frame with minimal rust. All else can be replaced or fixed by me.

 

[Bad_Vision]

if you look at the angel photo from the back of the truck you can see how shotty the body work is it might be good paint but his prep work looks like a camels ballsack.
this is bad if its really wrong the paint will peel and if its just ****ty it will cause pockets of air to expand and have bubbles in the paint were rust will form and pop open 3 foot wide before you even know its there. "FROM EXPERIENCE!"

 

[the_dingman]

FYI DO NOT put pictures with the license plate numbers on it!!!!
For your safety and the owners

Why? Seeing as license plate numbers are available to anyone who sees the vehicle... What difference does it make?

 

[Bad_Vision]

its the new internet scam they take pictures from public forums and use them with there post and say its in cali and someone gets dumb and sends them money and there gone and the money funds terrorism.

 

[the_dingman]

its the new internet scam they take pictures from public forums and use them with there post and say its in cali and someone gets dumb and sends them money and there gone and the money funds terrorism.

Seeing as I don't have California plates, then I guess it doesn't apply to me?

And I'm sure that every internet scam artist sends their money to Al'qaeda.

/sarcasm

 

[Bad_Vision]

no they use pictures of the vehicle and depending on what state the plate is the post in that states craigslist.
see how that works?

 

[T?@\7]

its the new internet scam they take pictures from public forums and use them with there post and say its in cali and someone gets dumb and sends them money and there gone and the money funds terrorism.

hahaha. bs.

cc3dg
fl

come find me! oh no

 

[90 t4r]

no this really happens i had a guy try to sell me a truck one time on craigslist this way i almost sent him the money but something told me not to. i asked if i could come look at the truck... he was "4" hours away and he all but refused to let me come look at it i got to looking into it and this happens quite often.

 

[97-4xFunner]

Oh no, terrorists hijacked my thread!

Just kidding. Though I can't say I'm too worried about posting plate numbers. If someone gives up their cash, well, I don't know that the scammer is any more to blame. Perhaps ignorance has some value in that equation. If your willing to send someone a large sum of cash without meeting them or seeing the goods, it makes me wonder what the heck is going on inside your head. Or not going on inside your head.

 

[SCRunner12]

I saw that 4runner on craigslist and thought it was interesting. I don't think the HG recall will apply to this 4runner because they discontinued it on the 88-89. You can always check though. The 3.0 is kinda lame, but if you aren't DDing it then it could be cool. Looking forward if you get it.

 

[Dj Elite]

I saw that one on craigslist. It looks legit.

I just bought mine today in San Luis Obispo...I'm stoked. Check it out:

<img src=http://i52.tinypic.com/ax16rt.jpg>

 

[97-4xFunner]

SCRunner12
My thoughts exactly. I would eventually like to drop a 3.4 or a 289 into a First Gen. In any case head gaskets don't scare me. On top of that all the peeps I have spoke to that have had a 3.0 haven't had an issue. Except one guy that I know personally. He's sort of a lame duck. In other words he's the type that would expect to drive his 3.0 to hell and back without any maintenance, and expect to have zero issues.

Dj Elite
Looks like you scored a clean Runner. Whats your story? You plan on wheeling or is that thing two wheel?

 

[Bad_Vision]

looks like 2wd. no hubs