Tips before buying

[axed existence]

Tips before buying *update: purchased w/ pics*

hello there. first post here.

wondering if i could get some insight from you guys on a 1st gen 4runner that im looking into purchasing. so to keep it simple, here are the details:

1987 4x4 sr5 with 103k on original 22re engine
tow kit, roof rack, inclinometer, side step rails, manual tranny.
2nd owner

it used to be the owners daily but 6 years ago it stopped being that and its been driven roughly 5k within the last 6 years. the vehicle appears to have no rea issues but the obvious things (tires, break flush, fluid flush) have to be replace/repaired.

what else should i look for in a car that has been sitting for so long. the owner says theres fuel stabalizer in the tank but the last fill up was 1 year ago. the tires arent bald but the age is a concern.

its a manual and the limited driving i did in it seemed fine (no major noticable issues) but im no expert. the gentleman selling me the vehicle is actually mechanically educated (used to be a lexus technitian) so im confident the vehicle has been properly maintained in the times that it was driven regularly.

also, anything to pay attention to in regards to general 1st gen purchases?

the original owner has added a leaf spring in the rear for the sag, though its still noticable (but that may be my unfamiliartiy with the rear fenders sitting naturally lower than front). what should i look for/listen for concerning the 4x4 drive stystem?

kelly lists this car as being ~2800. the owner is asking a lot more currently (though ive worked the price down significantly). my ultimate question is how much is too much for a 1st gen. of course i dont expect a quote.

the vehicle will be my only car and i need a reliable way to go to school and work. roughly 15-20 miles a day average driving. i understand i would be safer with a newer car, but my budget is low and i really like 1st gen runners

thanks for reading, any help is greatly appreciated. i plan to get the vehicle inspected sometimes this week and finalize an offer based on some education and inspection results.

 

[the_dingman]

That's a nice buy, as it sounds, good low miles, nice add-ons...

Most of the problems that these had were pretty obvious.

 

[fourwd1]

1) 103K is incredibly low mileage for an 87, especially for the 2nd owner. I'd verify it thru Carfax or MVA/DMV records.

2) From your statement the tires are old, and regardless of the wear on them probably need replacing, consider that in your offer.

3) If it's been sitting so long (w/fuel stabilizer) does it start right up ? It should assuming the battery/ignition/etc is in good shape.
And anyone trying to sell it would make sure it did, so if it doesn't beware.

4) Depending on where you are, 1st gens were extremly prone to serious frame rust. It rusts from the inside out, so if it looks OK it means nothing, and if you can see it it's probably real bad.

5) Rear sag is a problem on many 4Runners, and a AAL is a cheap band aid, and if it is not working, new spring packs are the real fix. Not cheap.

6) The 4WD system, it should go in/out of 4WD smoothly, when stopped. If you're used to it you can even do it on the fly (moving). But if you're at a a dead stop and it grinds or won't go. Think twice. But give it a chance if you're new to 4WDs, there's a learning curve.

Not trying to scare you away, just educate you.

Good luck.

And if he's asking so much, why? Is it that cherry? maybe it really is (or not).

 

[axed existence]

Thanks for the info guys.

to get into some more detail....

103k is very low, i agree. its legit. carfax supports the #s and thats where i disocvered that from 2001 to now it had only been driven about 5,000 miles

the vehicle has been in southern california for all of the 2nd owners' ownership. im not sure where the 1st owner lived... but no doubt it was around here. im oging to assume the rusting issues are related to driving in the snow? or do the 1st gens just rust for the heck of it?

ive already spoken to him regarding the tires, and some other items due to age, and managed to bring the asking price down considerably. im currently in the mid 3ks in terms of negotiatoins for price.

it starts up fine... considering the battery is dead and needs to be assisted with one of those temporary home charging battery jumpers (forgot what they are called)

i havnt had the opportunity to check the 4wd system. i will be a newbie to it (my current car is all time all wheel drive). but ill give it a go the next chance i get and listen for noises.

it seems hes asking high ( in fact will only sell for over blue book) because he really likes the car but has to get rid of it. the vehicle isnt listed anywher. i heard of it luckily through a random conversation/word of mouth.

its safe to say i can talk the vehicle down to low 3k price range and nothing lower than that. i will be asking to get it inspected at a shop and see where it goes fromt here.

thanks for all the tips. this will be 2nd vehicle purchase for me and its 1 year older than my current car (thers something about 80s cars).

 

[the_dingman]

or do the 1st gens just rust for the heck of it?
[/B]

Yes, they do. Around the rear wheels, inside the door frames (esp with a sunroof), and the top of the tailgate are the most common.

 

[axed existence]

well

did a compression test and a thorough visual inspection on top of getting a mechanic to drive the vehicle. after about 1 hour of work everything checked out. mechanically the car is fit. no rust, nothing to fear ( so far, who knows what bugs might pop up in a month or two)...

sealed the deal, will be making purchase in a couple of days... ill try to get some pictures for you guys. shes not mint but has aged gracefully, in a very rugged fashion.

 

[Denio]

I sold my 87 last March for $3200. Had 255k on it. Otherwise in good condition. They are worth more than what KBB says

 

[axed existence]

as promised, here are a few quick shots i took before my cameras batteries ran out:

final price 3 flat.

also, would like to thank you guys for the input and replies. ill get here cleaned up a bit more and get some more shots for the picture thread when i can.