Purchasing a 1998 4RUNNER

[ELUKE4]

I'm brand new to this site but looking for some guidance regarding the purchase of a 1998 limited 2WD 4RUNNER with 161xxx miles. I met with the seller yesterday we settled on a price of $2400 but I told him I needed a couple days to think it over. A couple red flags on this 4Runner is that it has been to auction 3 times in the past 5-7 years and the guy we're looking to purchase it from is a used car dealer. I took it to a mechanic to get a quick look over before settling a price.
Here's the couple of things the mechanic said needed done:
-2 new front tires by next inspection (January)
-Both rear axle seals are leaking
-needs new brake lines
-he isn't aware of when or if the timing belt has been replaced
-leak in the A/C (not necessary but definitely worth the fix)
-new wipers both back and front
-little rust on back bumper which is cosmetic

I love the 4Runner but i'm worried about putting in more for repairs then what I paid for it. Also I heard about a rare but costly problem nicknamed "PINK MILKSHAKE" how do I check for this and make sure it won't be a problem in the near future. Thanks in advance for any feedback!

 

[Dephcon]

If this 4runner has been passed around a lot you have to ask yourself why. Not saying there is a hidden issue with it, but the maintenance for this vehicle most likely is terrible. There is a full maintenance link here in the forum which I would suggest you look up.

I would ASSUME with 161K miles the timing belt should have been changed at least once by now, but with all the passing of ownership, who knows. That should be at the top of your list. The rear axle seals will need to done asap as well as a rear brake job (contaminated shoes). The "needs new brake lines" I'm going to assume this means the front rubber lines, which isn't that big of a job.

Most of what is listed is a fairly easy job and if you have any mechanical ability, can be accomplished in your driveway with the exception of pressing on and off the axle bearings to get at the seals.

The Pink Milkshake will show up in the rad overflow container. Look for residue especially under the cap. There are couple methods to be sure this doesnt happen. Replace the radiator ( at your mileage, this is a good idea) or\and install an aftermarket tranny cooler bypassing the stock cooler. I just replaced my rad due to the upper tank leaking, roughly 180k miles on my '96.

One think you really have to ask yourself, are you able to live with a 2wd? Usually when people get into the 4Runner they have plans of taking it off road in which case your going to want a 4wd model. Another thing to ask yourself, is this a price you can live with knowing that your going to have to put all this work into getting it back to a safe reliable running state. If your handy mechanically, this is not a big deal, but if you plan on having someone else do all the work for you, your looking at roughly another $1500-2000 to have it back to a "peace of mind" state.

Not trying to deter you from buying it, and chances are other members might suggest its a good deal, but from my stand point, I wouldn't touch it. Good 4Runners are still out there even with a slightly higher mileage they would be in better mechanical standing than this one.

 

[ELUKE4]

Thank you Dephcon really appreciate the feedback!

 

[KainDrag]

What are your plans for it? Dont buy 2wd if you have any plans of camping with it or going on trails...