Things to look out for on 2002 purchase

[Kennysmoke]

I'm going tomorrow to test drive and most likely purchase a 2002 Limited tomorrow. Is there anything specific to this year that are known issues? Any tips on what to look out for are greatly appreciated.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Bring a piece of cardboard to lay on, gloves and a flashlight. Crawl under it and check for leaks. Ensure 4WD is functioning. Google how to check.

How's its maintenance history? Timing belt done? Regular fluid changes?

Good luck and keep us posted.


Eddie

 

[Kennysmoke]

It's super clean inside and out... I'm told the frame is solid. 143,000 miles he wanted $6,500 talked him down to $6,000. New tires, exhaust, battery and he is replacing the whole sunroof with new not used one on Monday. If I do decide to buy it tomorrow he said he will deliver it to me Monday night after work. The dealership is about 45 mins from me and I was hoping to drive it home tomorrow.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Looks pretty good in the pix. Given your state, ensure it does not have rust issues. Most mechanical issues can be fixed for reasonable money, but hard to fix rust problems.

Also, make sure if he delivers it, your purchase is contingent on a satisfactory test drive and inspection. Any major problems (4WD, rust, engine knock/ping, etc.) at all, tell him thanks and send him on his way and you keep looking.


Good luck,

Eddie

 

[PRG3K]

Not speaking to the price bc I live in another state, but if that thing is rust free, I wouldn't let it get away. Run the vin through carfax obviously. That's what helped me narrow down the truck with the best maintenance record.

 

[Billxdm]

Being a New York truck it would be a miracle to be rust free. Be careful they didn't just paint over the rust. Reach your hand up behind where the lower control arm mount meets the frame. The last "rust free" truck I looked at that was from NY I was able to literally put my fingers through the backside of the frame. The owner said it was just some surface rust, then I handed him a large rusty chunk of the frame from behind that area, and said thank you very much for showing me the truck and have a good night as I walked away.

 

[Kennysmoke]

Being a New York truck it would be a miracle to be rust free. Be careful they didn't just paint over the rust. Reach your hand up behind where the lower control arm mount meets the frame. The last "rust free" truck I looked at that was from NY I was able to literally put my fingers through the backside of the frame. The owner said it was just some surface rust, then I handed him a large rusty chunk of the frame from behind that area, and said thank you very much for showing me the truck and have a good night as I walked away.

Truck is from Mass

 

[TheLincolnGreen]

That's a nice looking 4runner.

Frame rust
Oil leaks - valve covers, rear main, rear axle seals
4wd fully functional - no knocks or pops

 

[HiLife]

Pink milkshake comes to mind. I'm NOT stating the 4r had one. But it would be one of those things to check for to be an informed buyer.
It would be hard to check for as those parts could be change out for "maintenance" reasons.

 

[Kennysmoke]

Well unfortunately I decided to pass on this rig... The frame was good, no leaks, and the motor ran excellent... but taking off from a cold start the transmission seemed to slip before engaging and the AC did not blow cold. Once warmed up the tranny seemed to shift good, but still had to pass. Too bad the truck was in really nice shape.... the search continues...