Reliability - Current Reporting Please!

[KANO]

Thanks everyone for the helpful insight into your Rig's! I will be picking up the Runner tomorrow evening (SO EXCITED!!) and the above info really put me at ease.

The Runner will be my 10th vehicle ive owned, but only my 2nd SUV. My very first vehicle was a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero and it seems like it had a lasting impression on me :naughty:

Anyway best of luck to you guys and your Rigs and thanks again!

So here she is! I have yet to post in the Newcomer section. Thanks again for everyone who posted in here. I think it is very useful for those of us getting into the 3rd Gen's in today's market, where you see mostly 150k+ mile vehicles that are now 12+ yrs old.

(After 5 months of searching, searching, searching.....)
2002 4Runner SR5 SportEdition
Thunder Grey Metallic
124,000 miles
Brand new 265/70 tires
Rear hitch pretty rusty (shot with spray paint until I remove it completely)
Clean interior
Clean motor
TB/WP completed @ 100k miles
2 previous owners
$6,400 from private sale!
Plastidip rear emblems
AVS hood deflector on its way

....took me 2 days to realize I actually have a CD player hahahah!

Plans for it are getting all maintenance up to date and full tune up. Then looking for a small lift, 275/75 (32"?) terrain tires, roof rack, roof rack lights, black out stock wheels, and rear cargo storage system. Going for an overlanding/expedition "look".

Thanks again for your guys' insight!

 

[02SE]

Rear hitch pretty rusty

I would inspect the rear axle housing and frame (particularly the inner facing framerails) closely for rust.

 

[KANO]

I would inspect the rear axle housing and frame (particularly the inner facing framerails) closely for rust.

Yeah the undercarriage is pretty clean and free of rust. I expected much more rust based on the other vehicles I've inspected and looking at other members pics.

I'm pretty anal about rust and any other surface blemishes so I more or less just painted the hitch because it would otherwise drive me crazy everyday.

All the bolts on the rear axle housing are free of rust and no leaks so all is good. If I have the resources, I would love to get the undercarriage treated and sealed before another Chicago winter (Salt Fest). Hopefully I can make that happen soon.

Thanks for the insight!