Should I buy a non running 97 4wd?

[SCRunner12]

So I found a 97 4wd 5 speed that runs but the guys says the engine smokes. It has 208,000 miles on it and is banged up a little but looks in good overall shape. He wants 1,100 for it. Would it be wise to purchase this and try to find a donor engine and fix it up or part it out? I'm not very experienced with fixing cars and I'm on a budget, but would it be a good potential investment? I don't know all the details of the 4runner and the guy is real short on his emails. Any advice would be great and if I don't follow through with it I will give the contact info for the guy if anyone wants it.

 

[jsmarine]

I would pass on it. Unless you are a confident mechanic, its easier to just increase your budget and get a running 3rd gen than to tackle one that doesn't run. For me, I would rather buy a running 3rd gen with cosmetic issues for $1100 than one that doesn't run.

EDIT: parting out could be profitable, that's what junkyards do and they must make a profit. it just depends on how long you want a crappy 3rd gen parked behind your house.

 

[Pikeman]

I would have no problem buying it but I have done several engine rebuilds and swaps in other vehicles. Since you have mentioned that you are limited on mechanical ability I would pass.

 

[SCRunner12]

Yeah I'm going to pass on it, but here is the link if anyone wants to contact the guy about the 4runner. ARTING OUT 97' TOYOTA 4 RUNNER 4X4:

 

[denvertoyota]

I know you can part it out and make some money for sure.

 

[SCRunner12]

Yeah I figured I could but I'm moving in three weeks. Plus I ran the idea by the fiancé and she said "Are you crazy! You already have one 4runner and you want to buy one that doesn't even run." Somehow the great ideas I think of just don't seem to make sense to her.