To buy or not to buy?

C

CreatureofLight

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Hey guys, I recently went and looked at a '98 4Runner SR5 4X2 with 146k on it. Looked good, drove good, everything about it said 'winner', except that there was a slight ticking noise coming from the engine area. It didn't leak oil or anything, and the salesman said everything was good with it after I had their technicians check it out. Do you guys know if these trucks are common to make this kind of valve tick type noise? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks..
 
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Um NO!

Ticking is not common for the 3.4, now with that said squeaking is. I'm dealing with that issue still and it is about to make me crazy. Other than that they are solid truck and will go forever if taken care of. Good luck with your search and hope you find what you are looking for.

Blue
 
audiness said:
Take it to a trusted mechanic, any reputable dealer should allow you to do a pre-purchase inspection
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Thing is, I live an hour away so I don't have a trusted mechanic around those parts. They are a Chevy/Ford dealership with their own mechanics (not sure how trustworthy). I figured these V6's were common to have a slight tick. I guess I could see if they'd sell me a warranty just in case, or I may just leave it alone.
 
I have had three 5vz's, two with 155k and my current one with 209k. I dont remember if the first one ticked, but my most recent and my current one made a slight tick on the bottom end of the engine though. Both very well maintained. I figure this is somewhat normal.
 
I've owned at least 15 3RD gen 4Runners. They all have a slight ticking
That I attribute to the injectors noise. These are smooth running engines but they are not the most quiet. My opinion.
 
Oh well I stand corrected. The two I own (180k and 294k) have no ticking. In fact, the higher mileage one drives better than the lower mileage!
 
Maybe the problem is it's a 4x2. Those are worthless anyway :)

It could be an exhaust leak? But if your asking questions because you are unsure about it, maybe the best thing is to keep looking. There are lots of these vehicles out there. Be patient.
 
Ticking sound here and through online research before buying, I remember reading somewhere that it is normal.
That being said, not all ticking is normal and some is bad. I can't tell you if yours is normal or bad by a post on the internet.

What are they trying to sell it to you for?
 
Buying from a dealer? I would walk away or have them fix anything wrong with it.

Just remember this, no deal is so great that you can't just walk away
 
Are you sure it's coming from the motor? My carbon canister has a decent tick. Mistook it for valve tick at first. My motor doesn't tick. It just knocks like hell. :/
 
The guy said they could do $5300 out the door, taxes and all included, but they wouldn't be able to go in and figure out/fix the problem. And they couldn't even sell me a warranty to go with it.
 
CreatureofLight said:
The guy said they could do $5300 out the door, taxes and all included, but they wouldn't be able to go in and figure out/fix the problem. And they couldn't even sell me a warranty to go with it.
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There may not be a problem but in my opinion that is too much for a 2wd even from a a dealership. If you are not in a rush, you can find a 4x4 for the same price or cheaper. I paid $4350 for my 1999 Limited 4x4 with 170k miles and that 3 weeks ago.
I think I got a good deal but I saw similar ones for under $5500 asking all day long. If you are paying cash, would recommend hitting up things like Craigslist and buying from a private party.

They are correct though, there are usually no warranties available on vehicles over 100k miles.

Oh yeah, and check out KBB and NADA online to help you out with pricing.
 
Millerad1651 said:
Oh well I stand corrected. The two I own (180k and 294k) have no ticking. In fact, the higher mileage one drives better than the lower mileage!
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Well maybe that is because GiGi gets treated a little differently than Tom (thats the other ones name right)

Anyway, I dont normally hear any ticking from mine either, maybe im not listening enough.
 
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