Purchase Question

[Crazed710]

I'm looking at a potential 4runner in the Sacramento area, here is the link . 1999 Toyota 4Runner for sale in Roseville CA JT3HN87R2X0197971

At first glance the Runner seems in good shape, I particularly liked it because they just replaced the timing belt and water pump which saves me about $800. On my test drive I noticed two issues; the first was the heater didn't work and there was a slight burning smell after I left the vehicle. The heater seems like it could be a quick fix from reading other posts from this forum; either an out of place wire/flap or a clogged heater core. I'm more concerned about the burning smell. Is it possible this is a sign of a larger issue or is could it be a side effect of driving a car that has been sitting in a dealer's lot for three weeks.

Also sorry if this isn't the proper place to post this, I'm new here. Would also like to give thanks to all those who contributed posts, especially the sticked resources, it has been a huge help when looking at Runners.

 

[HiLife]

Was the burning smell more of a burning oil or burning plastic?
The burning oil smell could be oil somewhere on top of the exhaust pipe, or the engine could be burning oil through the rings.
It could be a oil leak somewhere around the engine or residual oil from the dealer cleaning the engine, transmission or rear axle.
The burning plastic smell could be something plastic that's laying on top of the exhaust pipe.
Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Crazed710]

Hard to say, I would say more like burning oil than plastic. I'm comforted by the fact it could have been residual oil from the dealer cleaning the engine. How expensive are oil leaks to fix generally?

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I'm looking at a potential 4runner in the Sacramento area, here is the link . 1999 Toyota 4Runner for sale in Roseville CA JT3HN87R2X0197971

At first glance the Runner seems in good shape, I particularly liked it because they just replaced the timing belt and water pump which saves me about $800. On my test drive I noticed two issues; the first was the heater didn't work and there was a slight burning smell after I left the vehicle. The heater seems like it could be a quick fix from reading other posts from this forum; either an out of place wire/flap or a clogged heater core. I'm more concerned about the burning smell. Is it possible this is a sign of a larger issue or is could it be a side effect of driving a car that has been sitting in a dealer's lot for three weeks.

Also sorry if this isn't the proper place to post this, I'm new here. Would also like to give thanks to all those who contributed posts, especially the sticked resources, it has been a huge help when looking at Runners.

I would be inclined to think the opposite. I'll bet the burning smell is valve cover gaskets leaking a little. Crawl underneath with a flashlight an try to look up around the back of the motor. May be tough with the skid plates though.
The heater not working could be much more complicated. The two things you mentioned would require a bit of work. Getting to and working on the heater core/ servo unit requires a bit of dash disassembly. Of course, we're assuming that to be the problem. You really need to look much closer at the truck because for almost $9000 you really should be getting a problem free truck. Good luck!

 

[poleclimber63]

I would be inclined to think the opposite. I'll bet the burning smell is valve cover gaskets leaking a little. Crawl underneath with a flashlight an try to look up around the back of the motor. May be tough with the skid plates though.
The heater not working could be much more complicated. The two things you mentioned would require a bit of work. Getting to and working on the heater core/ servo unit requires a bit of dash disassembly. Of course, we're assuming that to be the problem. You really need to look much closer at the truck because for almost $9000 you really should be getting a problem free truck. Good luck!

Totally agree! For $9000 it should be close to perfect! As far as burning, check for oil drips underneath. Could be several things.... The VC's are liable to leak but thats easy to recify. Leaking main seals can be expensive so you should have it checked out by a mechanic if you don't have the experience with vehicles. With this said, I would expect for $9K all these issues shouldn't exist as they are maintenance items. Does the seller have any records, invoices etc? If the vehicle has been "buffed" but not maintained, keep looking. I bought a near perfect looking truck 2.5 yrs ago, the seller had no history, so I took a chance and lost. I had a engine failure last Winter. As I do my own work, I took it in stride--- I do love my truck. Since I've owned it, its become appearent to me it wasnt maintained--- I've recified this to a greater extent but I do keep a close eye on it and wont be suprised if I have the odd issue due to that. Lesson learned.

 

[Crazed710]

Yeah, I think I might move on. Thanks for the advice.