Preventive Maintenance when looking at used 3rd gens

[jpeaslee]

So as I'm looking at a used 3rd gen, I'm finding VERY few with maintenance records. Some people do know about when some things happened but many don't. Most sellers can attest to oil changes and fluid flushes, but often not much more than that (Water pump, timing belt, LBJ, etc.) On these things, how big a deal is it if they haven't caused problems yet? I realize they still need to be done, but how much of a difference does it make if the timing belt and water pump get replaced at 200k instead of 150k?

I've found one about 5 hours away (greenville, sc) that's right at 200k, looks like it's been reasonably cared for, no current issues, but not much in the way of current maintenance records. Asking $5k. It's really exactly what I'm looking for, 99 sr5, 4X4, Sunroof, only thing missin is the E-Locker, and it's about what I'm looking to spend (or a little more for lower mileage ones, but there aren't many).

 

[weekendclimber]

If the timing belt was done it should be marked on the timing belt cover. Since they are supposed to be done every 90k, according to Toyota, then plan on doing that soon even if it was done once. Toyota has an online system where you can put in Vin number and it'll bring up the maintenance records if it was done at the dealership. If...

Take a flashlight and open the oil cap and look in the cam cover to see if there's any sludge. There's a buyers guide thread in the FAQ too.

 

[SURF RUNNER]

Buying a 3rd Gen 4Runner

I realize they still need to be done, but how much of a difference does it make if the timing belt and water pump get replaced at 200k instead of 150k?

I believe that the timing belt is supposed to be done at 90,000 miles. My 4Runner has over 173,000 miles and the timing belt hasn't been changed yet as far as I know. Yes, it is on my to do list. If the timing belt/water pump hasn't been changed I would still buy it (if everything else checks out). This just means that you will have to get it done soon. Don't spend the money to do this at a dealer - you can buy an OEM kit and get a qualified mechanic to do it for a lot less. These engines are non-interference, so if the timing belt breaks down on you on the road you will be stranded, but it won't harm anything.

If past maintenance has been done at a Toyota dealer you might be able to check into that with a VIN#, but it might be helpful to know someone at Toyota who can look that up for you.

In my opinion the most important thing is to drive it and then get under the vehicle (preferably on a lift at a garage) and check out the frame and other components underneath. Don't just look at the frame - get a screw driver and poke it everywhere to make sure there is no rust that has been painted over. If it drives good and is rust free underneath you probably should consider getting it.

 

[aeroneer1]

First, timing belt is non-interference so it won't junk the motor if it does go. I bought mine at 130k with no knowledge of it being done from a used car salesman. Still have not done it, but it's on my list.

I mostly just go off that the majority of people know it needs to be changed around the 100k mark, and hopefully it was! But if it wasn't, not the end of the world.

The LBJs I would say are a similar idea. Yes they could cause major problems if they go on the highway, but 95% of the time they probably would never go. There are plenty of high mileage 4runners that have never had them done. If you wheel it much, it would be smart to do them, just for piece of mind.

Keep in mind however, that you can check the play in these to give you an idea of how bad they are.

Finally, maintenance (or lack there of) mainly just gives you a bargaining chip as a buyer of a high mileage vehicle. Use the fact that they don't have any maintenance records to talk them down.

However, the 4Runners hold their value well and there is still a strong demand for 3rd gens. The guy I bought mine from wouldn't' budge a bit because he had 4 calls the morning I came to look at it. At least that's here in CO for a black 2001 SR5 with 130k on it.

 

[168981]

So along the lines of replacing the LBJs, should I also replace the tie rods and whatnot? I have a lift and wheel as much as I can. I don't think anything was replaced before I bought the car @ 217k miles. I figure since I am down there, I might as well make my time worthwhile.