Requesting advice on used 4runner

[brownr]

I would appreciate any and all advice on a potential purchase of a used 97 4runner. I love the style of the older 4runners (not so much the new ones) and have found what I consider a decent purchase. A reputable dealership is selling a 97 4runner sr5 for 4995. The only downside that I see is that it has 211,000 miles on it. The vehicle looks VERY clean and was a 1 owner corporate lease (per carfax). Below is a link to the dealers website, and as previous mentioned, any and all advice is appreciated. If purchased, what should I look for, what should I pay, what are the known issues, etc.

Thanks,

RB

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 | Used 4Runner | Akron, OH | JT3HN86R0V0097298

 

[Deceptiwave]

A little love and a few mods and that thing is good to go. Dont worry about the miles, just know that some money may need to be spent on a major component in the near future.

 

[Pikeman]

1-timing belt every 90k so should have been done at 180k or so.
2. common issue is rear axle seals.
3. Strawberry milkshake from coolant and antifreeze mixing. one of the not so common but common issues. Can destroy transmission and engine.

Other then that 211k isnt that much on these vehicles IMO. Mine has 217k and still going strong and I know of at least two guys on here that are over 300k. 4995 from a dealer is good pricing but I would always try to get them down. If they cant prove TB was done tell them you will pay the asking price if they do TB and water pump.

 

[brownr]

1-timing belt every 90k so should have been done at 180k or so.
2. common issue is rear axle seals.
3. Strawberry milkshake from coolant and antifreeze mixing. one of the not so common but common issues. Can destroy transmission and engine.

Other then that 211k isnt that much on these vehicles IMO. Mine has 217k and still going strong and I know of at least two guys on here that are over 300k. 4995 from a dealer is good pricing but I would always try to get them down. If they cant prove TB was done tell them you will pay the asking price if they do TB and water pump.

Thanks for the heads up.

I agree with the TB comment. One of the line items on the Carfax report was Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed at approx. 120,000. Makes one wonder what that means. I am going to go talk to the dealership later this week to see what wiggle room they have.

What and where should I look for on the rear seals to determine if there are issues?

 

[rjaudi]

According to the timing belt cover, the belt was done at 176k miles. From the looks of the tow hitch that is going to have a fair amount of undercarraige rust.