Thinking of buying an '87 4Runner... Any tips or suggestions?

[KISSfan]

I am thinking of buying a 1987 4Runner from someone I know... It has a new engine with 65,000 miles in it, he has done the clutch, driveshaft, brakes, and a few other things... I haven't looked at it yet, but he says the cosmetics suck! (I don't care about cosmetics... Nothing a weekend won't fix!) This is my first 4runner, so I am blind as to what to watch out for... He says it is very reliable, and dependable.. The power steering pump leaks too... Nothing I'm worried about either.. So, I guess I'm just trying to ask... Are there any tips or suggestions as to what I should watch out for? It is $900 by the way..

 

[SV_Dude]

Same 4runner you want to bypass the ecu on? What is cosmetically wrong with it? If it doesn't drive right now and it's fugly as heck then it's not worth $900.

Look around and shop some more, you can find a decent running 4runner that will need some cosmetic attention for that same price. Just make sure you're buying something that is mechanically sound.

 

[KISSfan]

Same 4runner you want to bypass the ecu on? What is cosmetically wrong with it? If it doesn't drive right now and it's fugly as heck then it's not worth $900.

Look around and shop some more, you can find a decent running 4runner that will need some cosmetic attention for that same price. Just make sure you're buying something that is mechanically sound.

It is the same 4Runner, but the ecu is not bad.. It runs and drives just fine.. I was just wondering if it was possible to bypass it in an emergency situation, and it be able to run.. Cosmetically: It needs paint (no biggie to me, I just painted my oldsmobile myself).. He said the previous owner left the top off, and it rained, so the seat covers need replacing, little stuff like that.. I am actually not in the market for a 4runner, but he mentioned something about it, he said it is very dependable, and like I said, it has 65,000 on a new engine.. Every 4runner in Austin, tx that I have seen for that price either needs a motor or has 200,000+ on them and are cosmetically trashed as well..