Potential Buyer... Help!

[bearcat]

Hello, new member here. I have been looking at buying my first 4Runner all over the place, and now that I'm close to pouncing on one I wanted to get some opinions if you don't mind.

Here are the details:

Price: $5,995
Mileage: 90,517 miles
Exterior: Green Engine: V6
3.4L V6
Interior: Tan Transmission: Automatic 4-Speed
Trim/Package: SR5 4dr SUV Fuel Type: Gasoline
MPG City/Hwy: 16 city / 19 hwy
Drive Train: RWD

Everything looks great overall....but I have a few questions/concerns:

- How will RWD perform in the snow? I'd be willing to purchase new tires if that will help any.
- There is rust on several spots, mainly the chrome back bumper and on the running boards. I would like to plastidip the chrome...how would that react to the rust? Should I sand it first?
- How easy it to remove the running boards, and will it look smooth afterward?

If anyone could give some insight on these concerns based on your own experiences that would be awesome. I'd also just love to know whether this is truly a good buy or not.

Thanks a ton!

 

[andy2008]

One if you get a lot of snow where your at in my opinion I'd look for a 4wd if budget allows. They do fine in two wheel drive all the way up to the point you wish you had a 4wd. The plasti dip will hide the rust will stick right on no problem. I plasti dipped my 08's rims a couple months ago and it's still holding strong. The 3rd gen's like you are looking at by design build up road grim and water sprayed from tires all across rear bumper and if you didn't stay on spraying it out from day it was new all rust. Doesn't cost much just to buy a replacement rear bumper and slap same bumper skin right back on top of it if you don't break the clips taking it off. As for running boards it's simple to take them off should 6 or 8 bolts and will drop right off. Happy hunting welcome to the sickness the website will get you in trouble haha:driving:

 

[bearcat]

Thanks for your reply, that helps a ton! I ended up buying for $5,000. Plenty of fun stuff to do now, looking forward to becoming a regular on this site!