Potential '97 Buy

[rainintogravity]

I'm looking at a 1997 SR5 4WD. I'm new to the forum, want to nitpick it apart with me? All I have is a link to my stepdad's lot where it's posted. They haven't done their safety check on it yet, though I've driven it, and hope to take my more mechanically inclined boyfriend with me to scope it out again.
:help:

Here are the details though:

I could probably get it for around $2k
Natural white, grey interior.
NO rear locker ):
3.4L V6
WA state local rig, 3 owners
High miles - 273k
timing belt/water pump was last done (according to the sticker and carfax) in 2000

Quite clean for the miles.
Ran really hot when I drove it, coolant's low.

I don't really have any service records for it, what is on the carfax is old, except a computer check this last January.

The driver's side front tire tread wear is uneven and both fronts are probably needing replacement, though would that suggest it's out of alignment or slightly out of balance? It stayed true and straight letting go of the wheel, driving it.

Link to photos and potentially more info!
1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr 4WD SUV In Puyallup WA - Maxx Autos Plus

Think that about covers it for now. Thanks all!!

 

[GHARP57]

Timing Belt, Water Pump, Cam and Crank seals, Spark Plugs, Spark Plugs tube seals, Valve cover gaskets, Cam plug re-seal, Trans fluid flush with OEM fluid (type t-4), new Diff fluid put in front and rear diffs as well as transfer case. Thats stuff I would do if you get it for under 2k or at 2k if it had not all been done recently. Also get it on a lift and check for rust

 

[azcat90]

Front tire wear

Steering rack could be shot.

 

[LookAtThatDog]

Looks clean as hell. Perfect project assuming the underside looks as nice as everything else.

 

[SnowLizard]

Timing Belt, Water Pump, Cam and Crank seals, Spark Plugs, Spark Plugs tube seals, Valve cover gaskets, Cam plug re-seal, Trans fluid flush with OEM fluid (type t-4), new Diff fluid put in front and rear diffs as well as transfer case. Thats stuff I would do if you get it for under 2k or at 2k if it had not all been done recently. Also get it on a lift and check for rust

^^^ what he said... add brakes and rear axle seals, chances are one is bad.

looks clean, make sure to check roof rails, I bought a 97 and there was rust under the rail, didn't find out until it rained... maybe pore some water down the rails and look for showers inside.

 

[gamefreakgc]

For $2,000 who cares! It's high mileage so you're going to need to replace some suspension/steering parts if you want it to drive nice but that's a good deal. That's assuming though, it does not have any major engine issues. When you say it runs hot, do you mean it has a coolant leak and it's not holding pressure, or did you see the temp gauge raise past halfway? That could be signs of a serious issue since our 4Runners do NOT overheat under any circumstance.

P.S. take it up to highway speeds, I bet the steering wheel will shake real bad if you've got uneven tread wear like you're describing.

 

[scrapper]

For $2,000 who cares! It's high mileage so you're going to need to replace some suspension/steering parts if you want it to drive nice but that's a good deal. That's assuming though, it does not have any major engine issues. When you say it runs hot, do you mean it has a coolant leak and it's not holding pressure, or did you see the temp gauge raise past halfway? That could be signs of a serious issue since our 4Runners do NOT overheat under any circumstance.

P.S. take it up to highway speeds, I bet the steering wheel will shake real bad if you've got uneven tread wear like you're describing.

I concur. If this could be verified I'd be all over it.

 

[pluton]

Be prepared to install a new radiator, the old one could be clogged and, in any case, if the age of the old one is unknown, replace it as a preventative measure. Google the term : Pink Milkshake

 

[absalom]

How is this even up for debate? Buy it now! Post back with pics once you take delivery.

 

[fblainen11]

Be prepared to install a new radiator, the old one could be clogged and, in any case, if the age of the old one is unknown, replace it as a preventative measure. Google the term : Pink Milkshake

If the coolant is low the first thing I'd do is replace the radiator.