RPS99SHO
New member
First a little background from my introduction in the New Member's Playpen.
Well, I found one! Well, I found a few actually. I scoured Craigslist, ebay, and as many used car dealers I could find. I found one that really stood out to me. This Runner had just been listed a few hours before I found it. A 99 Limited with 193k miles in very decent condition for $2,900 - at a dealership. That sounded odd to me, as that is about a grand cheaper than I would expect to find at a dealership. KBB on this truck is $3,300 in beat-up condition. I drove the 3 hours to State College, PA and checked it out. I put a deposit down on it to hold my first-in-line spot. Apparently there were 7 others in line behind me. I drove it and went over it with a fine-tooth comb, thanks to what I learned here. After a few minutes, the salesman stopped trying to sell me on the Runner, since it was obvious I knew what I was looking for. I drove it, tested out all systems, and everything checked out. Here she is pictured next to my other toy.
The timing belt was replaced at 122k. No pink milkshake. The first two owners kept maintenance records from 0 miles until 125k miles. The third owner did not. There are 65k miles worth of missing maintenance records, so I intend to do the following immediately:
- Spark plugs, wires, coils
- PCV (need some guidance whether this is necessary)
- New radiator for peace of mind
- Coolant flush
- ATF flush
- Diffs and TC fluid change
- Inspect ball joints, endlinks, tie rods, rear axle seals
- Inspect brakes
- Inspect all other fluids, replace/flush if necessary
- Fuel filter
- Am I missing anything?
Known/discovered issues:
- No remotes were included in sale, will buy from Toyota
- HVAC control on the fritz (I hate auto! Give me knobs and levers!!)
- Hatch keyhole seized. Hopefully a healthy dose of WD-40 should loosen things up
- Driver seat bottom is a hot mess (see photos above)
- Windshield wiper fluid sensor broken. Light on dash stays on even when reservoir is full. I'll just remove the bulb
I don't think I'll do any heavy modding. I'll likely remove the running boards, but at this point not interested in a lift or bigger tires. 31" is plenty for the way I'll be driving this.
I love this truck and am looking forward to many fun years with it!
Well, I found one! Well, I found a few actually. I scoured Craigslist, ebay, and as many used car dealers I could find. I found one that really stood out to me. This Runner had just been listed a few hours before I found it. A 99 Limited with 193k miles in very decent condition for $2,900 - at a dealership. That sounded odd to me, as that is about a grand cheaper than I would expect to find at a dealership. KBB on this truck is $3,300 in beat-up condition. I drove the 3 hours to State College, PA and checked it out. I put a deposit down on it to hold my first-in-line spot. Apparently there were 7 others in line behind me. I drove it and went over it with a fine-tooth comb, thanks to what I learned here. After a few minutes, the salesman stopped trying to sell me on the Runner, since it was obvious I knew what I was looking for. I drove it, tested out all systems, and everything checked out. Here she is pictured next to my other toy.
The timing belt was replaced at 122k. No pink milkshake. The first two owners kept maintenance records from 0 miles until 125k miles. The third owner did not. There are 65k miles worth of missing maintenance records, so I intend to do the following immediately:
- Spark plugs, wires, coils
- PCV (need some guidance whether this is necessary)
- New radiator for peace of mind
- Coolant flush
- ATF flush
- Diffs and TC fluid change
- Inspect ball joints, endlinks, tie rods, rear axle seals
- Inspect brakes
- Inspect all other fluids, replace/flush if necessary
- Fuel filter
- Am I missing anything?
Known/discovered issues:
- No remotes were included in sale, will buy from Toyota
- HVAC control on the fritz (I hate auto! Give me knobs and levers!!)
- Hatch keyhole seized. Hopefully a healthy dose of WD-40 should loosen things up
- Driver seat bottom is a hot mess (see photos above)
- Windshield wiper fluid sensor broken. Light on dash stays on even when reservoir is full. I'll just remove the bulb
I don't think I'll do any heavy modding. I'll likely remove the running boards, but at this point not interested in a lift or bigger tires. 31" is plenty for the way I'll be driving this.
I love this truck and am looking forward to many fun years with it!
ainkiller:
