To buy, or not to buy? Seeking opinions.

[Kasbien]

Hi everyone! I'm considering purchasing this 2nd Gen that I recently found on craigslist (hopefully you all can view the link) but want to hear from you guys as well.

It's going to be a bush truck essentially that I'll only be insuring for days when I want to go off-roading, not a daily driver. I'm also on a budget so I'm hoping to pick something up that's already got a lift and some decent rubber, giving me a little extra left over for misc. parts/maintenance (~$3000 for the truck, $5000 total spending cap essentially).

At first glance it's got quite a few bells and whistles but it looks like it will need a head gasket right away. I've never swapped an engine before so I don't feel very comfortable doing a 3.4L swap so I think I'll stick with the 3.Slow if I decide to get it. My buddy just did the head gasket on his 3.Slow and he's offered to help me thankfully.

Let me know if the link works!
1995 Toyota 4Runner manual trans lockers OME

Kasbien

 

[KidVermicious]

Considering his mod list, and assuming that they're done right and the rest of the truck is in decent shape, that's a very very good price. If the truck is as described and there's no surprises waiting for you when you see it, I wouldn't even try to haggle him down.

I've never heard of a 4Runner Sequoia. Was that an options package?

 

[Kasbien]

Considering his mod list, and assuming that they're done right and the rest of the truck is in decent shape, that's a very very good price. If the truck is as described and there's no surprises waiting for you when you see it, I wouldn't even try to haggle him down.

I've never heard of a 4Runner Sequoia. Was that an options package?

I agree, the price seems like it'll sell fast. I may even pay to get a mechanic to look it over so there isn't any goodies like a blown this, snapped that, etc.

I believe it's got plastic fender flares and a nicer interior?

 

[mistersnowman97]

Oh man! hop on that!!

 

[thatoneguy]

Everyone noticed the bad head gasket on that ad, right?

 

[4runnerBrett]

That's what I was wondering. 287k and blown headgasket. The truck is clean though.

 

[airdreams1]

Id go for it considering all the mods..... you would still have plenty of $$$$ to rebuild the motor if it needs it.

 

[3rzrunner]

Hi everyone! I'm considering purchasing this 2nd Gen that I recently found on craigslist (hopefully you all can view the link) but want to hear from you guys as well.

It's going to be a bush truck essentially that I'll only be insuring for days when I want to go off-roading, not a daily driver. I'm also on a budget so I'm hoping to pick something up that's already got a lift and some decent rubber, giving me a little extra left over for misc. parts/maintenance (~$3000 for the truck, $5000 total spending cap essentially).

At first glance it's got quite a few bells and whistles but it looks like it will need a head gasket right away. I've never swapped an engine before so I don't feel very comfortable doing a 3.4L swap so I think I'll stick with the 3.Slow if I decide to get it. My buddy just did the head gasket on his 3.Slow and he's offered to help me thankfully.

Let me know if the link works!
1995 Toyota 4Runner manual trans lockers OME

Kasbien

LOL my buddy just went to look at that! im in Vancouver as well!
he didn't buy it but according to him the interior is in great shape.
I have had a few 2nd gens also a sequoia edition
the difference is a nicer leather interior, Body cladding and fender flares, A OEM Toyota spoiler that looks like the JAOS one, also some got an 8 speaker stereo.
For the 2500 I would jump on it... see if you can haggle him down a bit.
Considering the interior is almost 20yrs old and still looks new that says something about the amount of care that was put into the truck.

 

[Kasbien]

LOL my buddy just went to look at that! im in Vancouver as well!
he didn't buy it but according to him the interior is in great shape.
I have had a few 2nd gens also a sequoia edition
the difference is a nicer leather interior, Body cladding and fender flares, A OEM Toyota spoiler that looks like the JAOS one, also some got an 8 speaker stereo.
For the 2500 I would jump on it... see if you can haggle him down a bit.
Considering the interior is almost 20yrs old and still looks new that says something about the amount of care that was put into the truck.

Small world! The interior isn't very important to me but it's certainly a bonus if it's taken care of though.
Is he not interested in it? I'm trying to get a hold of the seller but I haven't heard from him yet.
If it can't be limped home then I may ask for compensation on the towing department but that's about it.

 

[3rzrunner]

Small world! The interior isn't very important to me but it's certainly a bonus if it's taken care of though.
Is he not interested in it? I'm trying to get a hold of the seller but I haven't heard from him yet.
If it can't be limped home then I may ask for compensation on the towing department but that's about it.

Yes indeed! Nope he wants a 3rd gen so decided against a broken 2nd.
Hey if you don't care much about the interior since it's your bush-truck I have a green 3rd gen that has the upgraded sr5 seats in decent condition. I WOULD LOVE to trade you my cloth seats for your leather plus some compensation from my end, If you do get the truck!
Yeah I would try getting a better price but 2500$ is a pretty sweet price!

 

[Kasbien]

Yes indeed! Nope he wants a 3rd gen so decided against a broken 2nd.
Hey if you don't care much about the interior since it's your bush-truck I have a green 3rd gen that has the upgraded sr5 seats in decent condition. I WOULD LOVE to trade you my cloth seats for your leather plus some compensation from my end, If you do get the truck!
Yeah I would try getting a better price but 2500$ is a pretty sweet price!

Yeah sure, if I end up getting it we'll talk. Do you know when/how your buddy got a hold of him? Maybe he's out for the weekend cuz I haven't heard back yet.

 

[mistersnowman97]

Id go for it considering all the mods..... you would still have plenty of $$$$ to rebuild the motor if it needs it.

Exactly. and judging by the condition of the rest of the truck, it was taken care of. I doubt a complete rebuild would even be a possibility. A head problem is not a hard job.

 

[Kasbien]

Finally got a reply:
"The truck is conditionally sold for buyer pickup on May 20th."

Even though I said I'd come with cash in hand if everything checked out.

Bummer. All I can do now is hope the deal falls through...

I'm kicking myself for not ringing him up sooner.

 

[Kasbien]

I found another potential 2nd Gen today. Not as good (or as good looking for that matter) as the previous one but still decent.

1990 Toyota 4Runner

Pros:
- Bumpers front and back
- Tire rack + Roof rack
- 33" Procomp Xterrain's + Studded winter tire set
- Fender flares

Cons:
- Headgasket (same as the last one)
- Body lift (?)
- Says Salvage title (I'm sure there's a story to it), but I don't think that's a problem as a bush truck

I could do with either transmission I suppose. Definitely needs some TLC but for the price that's not a problem. Thoughts?

 

[3rzrunner]

I found another potential 2nd Gen today. Not as good (or as good looking for that matter) as the previous one but still decent.

1990 Toyota 4Runner

Pros:
- Bumpers front and back
- Tire rack + Roof rack
- 33" Procomp Xterrain's + Studded winter tire set
- Fender flares

Cons:
- Headgasket (same as the last one)
- Body lift (?)
- Says Salvage title (I'm sure there's a story to it), but I don't think that's a problem as a bush truck

I could do with either transmission I suppose. Definitely needs some TLC but for the price that's not a problem. Thoughts?

meh. not too much that catches my eye one that one....... other than the price.
there is a few better ones if you can wait.
Here is a few!

1991 4Runner lifted

1992 Toyota 4runner Lifted 4x4

I like this one
1993 4runner no rust
or this one
1992 Toyota 4Runner
or this one
92 4Runner