Questions From WA

[blumrs26]

So, I'm currently trying to sell my Acura or trade it for a 4x4, preferably a 4Runner or other 4x4 Toyota. I got a text a few minutes ago from a guy in the Seattle area who wants to trade his 98 T4R for my car. He's going to text me again in the morning with some pictures and some more information about his rig. What I know is that it's stock, a 5 speed, and it's his daily driver. I'm really only looking for a 4wd, because I need something that can get me around in the snow in Spokane and up on the mountains this winter, so I definitely have a bunch of questions to ask.

So, I guess I'm here to ask what are the best questions I should be asking about this 4Runner? I'm going to find out mileage, 2wd or 4wd, and the other basic questions. Are there any different questions I should be asking specific to the 4Runner? Any advice you guys could throw my way would be much appreciated.

 

[driffter33]

Has the timing belt and water pump been changed? Recommended at 90,000 mil.
Dose it have the E-locker rear end? This adds alot of off road capability.

I recommend that you re-post this in the 3rd gen section of the forum you will get much more feed back I'm sure. You will be very happy with a 3rd gen 4runner, 96-2002. I grew up in the Spokane, Kettle Falls area so I knew what winter is like with a good set of tires you will be very impressed.

PS we do have some Seattle area members on here that may be willing to check this 98 out for you. Before you make the drive over to look at it. As they are users of this board they would have good knowledge as to what to look for.

 

[StreetKill831]

This is something you should check out for yourself rather than ask him: Get underneath the rear of the t4r and check for leaking of the rear axle. If it is leaking it will be noticeable by grease streaking down the inner side of the tire.

I wouldn't call it a deal breaker but it is a problem with third gens. It causes your rear brakes to stick or notwork at all and there have even been cases where the oil that has leaked into the rear brakes heats up and catches fire.
It can cost anywhere between $500 and $1200 depending on whether you do most of the work yourself.

Other than that:
Rear locker?(Does it work?)

 

[K2Runner]

I'd ask about the maintenance records, timing belt, water pump, mileage, how it's driven, how many owners and a good inspection underneath/under the hood. Like what driffter said, PM me if you need some reconnaissance work done, i'm in the seattle area.

 

[blumrs26]

Well... After a day filled with exchanging pictures and texting back and forth, I was ready to have one of you guys check it out, but apparently the guy is a moron and didn't read my craigslist ad, or my texts very well. I specifically mentioned that I had some front end damage from a very low speed collision this summer, and he said that he didn't care, but 4 hours later, when i sent him a close up of the front end, he asked, "What happened to the hood?" Now, I'm not getting another response from him and it sounds like a day wasted. Personally, I tend to read posts in their entirety before spending a whole day of my own time and someone else's time, but apparently that isn't a universal skill... :shrug:

Now to continue the hunt, maybe something else will pop up... Thanks for your answers guys, I'm hoping to find a good T4R, so if you guys know of anyone in Washington selling one (or wanting to buy/trade an Integra), send them my way.

 

[K2Runner]

Well that's a crappy deal! I'm always on craigslist looking for 4runners, i can keep an eye out for one for you. What color and year? And your looking for a 4wd right?