To Buy or Not to Buy

[jstim]

I know there is a buyers guide, I also have a 1999, but it is time to pick up a 4Runner for my lady. I have been searching and here is something that I have found, and as seasoned as I am. I would like everyone elses input, and what your suggested buying price is.

So the good, 221k on the body, solid body, and solid frame, really minor surface rust on the frame. It was hard to even find any. The interior is good and the steering is tight.

The bad, the owner bought it from a dealer, and the previous owner dropped a 3.4 in it out of a T100 for unknown reasons, and will not respond to any phone calls, the shifter inside the truck is a little wobbly. NONE of the maintenance is done, needs a tranny cooler, upper and lower ball joints, and inner and outer tie rods, and suspension.

He is asking 4900.

Thoughts, and feelings about this. I want it, but I am not sure how I feel about it.

 

[99Runnr]

Next

 

[UnderFire]

Not for 49, not for anywhere even close to 49.

 

[jstim]

Not for 49, not for anywhere even close to 49.

I was thinking 35?

 

[UnderFire]

I was thinking 35?

As long as whoever did the motor swap was competent and didn't butcher anything together, that would be a decent price.

 

[kiana]

I'd rather find a stock one... Not much reason to engine swapping it...

 

[jstim]

Here is another question to pose to you all in this scenario. Since it's a limited and has the transfer case shifter on the floor with the push button 4wd, are there any concerns I should have when it comes to that tranny?

The shifter in the truck seemed a little wobbly, possible ways to tighten it up?

 

[Slowgoat]

You've got to moderate your will to buy with some caution.

Maybe picture major repairs and how much it could cost.

Split the difference between what it is worth with the motor swap and what potential repairs could be.

Just the pain in the ass of having to go to the parts store and figure out what parts were for the new motor and what parts were for the stock set up would piss me off enough to never consider a Frankenstein like this for myself, but that's just me.

I wouldn't go higher than 2500 myself. Just not worth it.

There are lots of cool runners like this around. You'll find something nice.

 

[eddie_93]

Agree. Pass!

 

[white_n_slow]

Without documentation for the swap (donor vehicle details, preferably a VIN, and mileage), I would pass. You also want a reputable mechanic shop receipt--a mechanic who will answer the phone and at least tell you "yeah, we do stuff like that."

I have bought a swapped truck before and taken the owner's word on some details of the swap, and it didn't turn out as great as I had liked. By the time I sold the vehicle, I had to tell potential buyers "I really have no clue what vehicle or mileage the engine is, PO told me XXX, but take that with a grain of salt."

Better to have documentation unless you're getting a screaming deal on the whole thing. Lots of old T100's have high miles too. Possible that engine has significantly more miles than the body.

 

[LookAtThatDog]

I'd say if the truck was for you, I wouldn't worry about it. But for the wife, I'd want a truck that doesn't have any eyebrow raising history. I still think you're safe at 3000-3500 though.

 

[jstim]

Without documentation for the swap (donor vehicle details, preferably a VIN, and mileage), I would pass. You also want a reputable mechanic shop receipt--a mechanic who will answer the phone and at least tell you "yeah, we do stuff like that."

I have bought a swapped truck before and taken the owner's word on some details of the swap, and it didn't turn out as great as I had liked. By the time I sold the vehicle, I had to tell potential buyers "I really have no clue what vehicle or mileage the engine is, PO told me XXX, but take that with a grain of salt."

Better to have documentation unless you're getting a screaming deal on the whole thing. Lots of old T100's have high miles too. Possible that engine has significantly more miles than the body.

I had thought if I can get it cheap enough, just dropping a 3.4 out of a low mile wrecked one, or maybe a JDM. I don't have the [MENTION=59542]Singtoe[/MENTION] skills or I would just put the 4.7 in it.

 

[SnowLizard]

I'd pass with the info you have presented...

the picture of wires hang'n loose, says the job was quick and cheap, and no pride was given to that part. sure it 'works' but you can do better with your money.