Talk me out of buying this TR4

[Jg5280]

So I'm in the market for my first 4Runner and I've come across this 1997 sr5 with 153k miles. Dealer can't tell me when the timing belt was replaced and there seems to be a little rust underneath. Any advice or guidance is appreciated.

 

[krenaud33]

You can pull the timing cover and look at the belt to see what condition it is. I believe it is 6 bolts that have a 10mm head. Get some pictures of the rust and post them up, someone on here can tell you if its normal or something to stay away from.

 

[jgue467]

Give us more info like is it 4x4, price and just How much rust?

But to get your started on Not buying it I'd say go for a limited in the 00-02 range. You're in IL, cold, ltds have seat warmers, sunroof, leather seats, etc. 99's might have a rear locker. Luck! :cowboy:

 

[Jg5280]

there asking $5500, but I don't plan on paying that. I'm on my phone so I tried posting more pictures but didn't quite work. It's a part time 4x4

 

[ukrunner]

Thats a lot of rust! I'm in Michigan and have 192K miles on my '97 and it doesn't have 1/4 of the rust that one has.

 

[Jg5280]

Here's more

 

[THatfield]

that's more rust than i'd like to deal with, and I live in Ohio. A state that uses road salt for 6 months out of the year.

I say move on and I agree, Find a 99-02 with the optional AWD transfer case and other goodies.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Make sure you put it on a lift and look at the FRAME checking for rust frame rot.

It is a serious risk for some of these older 4Runners.

There are lots of horror story threads here on T4R.

 

[Jg5280]

Here is an 02 limited they have with 197k asking 6k timing belt was replaced at 113k seems like rust has been covered

 

[Jg5280]

....

 

[ToyotaBrah]

^ Is that another 4Runner you're looking into?

 

[Jg5280]

Yes that's a 02 limited. The picture above it is of its back undercarriage. With some more Info on it.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Surface rust isn't a huge deal. It's not good but won't ruin your 4Runner.

When it starts to flake though, that's when the warning bells go off. Frame damage comes to mind as well.