What are the best options? Suggestions/Advice Please!

[AmaRu]

Hey guys im new to the community

Ive never owned a truck so maybe someone on here could help me. The more I read the more I like these trucks.

Im giving my vwcorrado the winter off this year so I wanted to grab a reliable 4runner for around $2k-$5k but I have no idea what ill be getting myself into (kind of like when I bought my vw )
I dont even know what to look for.
Any suggestions and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.


These are 2 possibilities that kind of struck my attention.
Also, why are they all green with tan interior? Or is that a Canadian thing. :bash:

1
2

 

[ovrrdrive]

Be very cautious buying a high mileage V6 truck like both of those you posted links to. The V6 motors have head gasket issues and it seems like all of them will fail eventually. And unless you're handy enough with a wrench, it's about a $2k job to get them done.

Also, the first link states it's a Sequoia. It might be an SR5, but it ain't no Sequoia. I'd be hesitant to by from someone that doesn't even know what they're selling...


Personally, I'd try looking for one that either has had a recent engine swap, head gasket replacement, or possibly an older model that has a 22RE in it. I just don't trust the V6's...

Or you could buy a truck the same year with the 22RE. There are a bunch of them out there and they should be even a little cheaper than the runners. The main issue with the 22RE's is the timing chain so be sure it's either in great shape or recently changed. It's also about an $800-1200 repair.

Don't let me discourage you too bad though, they are great trucks. If, that is, you get yourself a good one.

 

[AmaRu]

thanks, that helps me out alot.. to be honest with you all that I could find for sale in the last month were sr5's. I read something somewhere about a recall done on the v6's, is this true?
Also this ad came out today.

3

 

[ovrrdrive]

There was a recall on the head gaskets but most have been done by now. If you happen to find one that hasn't been done yet I think some people are still getting them to do it, but keep in mind all they do is the head gasket and not necessarily fix what causes them to blow. I've seen several people have it blow again a few thousand miles later and then they won't fix it for free.

There are a bunch of trucks out there that have never had any problems at all though, it's just that the ones that do have problems are much more vocal. It's definitely a known problem with them though and I'd advise getting a mechanic to test the motor for you to check the condition of the head gaskets before you buy one. A simple compression test should give you an idea what condition they're in, but its still a crapshoot.

That truck looks promising, but it appears to be a 2WD model if that's important to you. Also, I'd check to see if a warranty comes with that rebuilt motor or if it was done by Joe Blow in his garage...

 

[ovrrdrive]

Read this thread that's on the front page still...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31350

 

[gotmud?13]

i wouldnt say that is a candian thing, as i am proudly canadian, and i have a grey 87 runner with a grey interior. and also, to avoid pissing people off, try to avoid bashing canadians. half of this forum is your friends up north. i personally laugh at and think that candain jokes are hilarious, but i know that others wont find it so amusing. just a heads up. and for the truck, make sure that it doesnt have crazy sagging rear suspension. also, check the engine oil. if it looks regular engine oil, then you are fine. if it looks like a milkshake, then BE WARY on buying. it means that there is coolant in your oil. also, check the heads to see if they are warped at all. but indeed, they are very good trucks, and will run damn near past a million miles if you treat them right. good luck...

 

[AmaRu]

thanks alot guys that was a big help I think im going to look at one tomorrow ill keep what you guys told me in mind.

I am Canadian

 

[gotmud?13]

oooooooooh. **** move on my part then. sorry. where aboots do you live? you could always search craigs list in your area, or resort to the trusty bargain finder or auto trader. again, **** move on my part, sorry..

 

[AmaRu]

I live in North York Toronto, I have been checking craigslist but nothing has really caught my eye.
I maybe going to take a look at this one over the weekend, if I like it ill probably have a compression test done and go from there. What else should I be looking for?

4

 

[gotmud?13]

make sure that it doesnt have crazy sagging rear suspension. also, check the engine oil. if it looks regular engine oil, then you are fine. if it looks like a milkshake, then BE WARY on buying. it means that there is coolant in your oil. also, check the heads to see if they are warped at all. the stock water pumps has a tendancy to go soon after the truck was first bought, but if it hasnt been an issue, then no worries. the rear suspension is also an issue, but dont be fooled. yota cut the fenders in the rear lower than the front, giving it a slight optical illusion. crawl under it and see how much space is between the bumpstops. no joke, i have about an inch of space between mine. thats why i am replacing them. oil, leafs, heads, t-belt/chain, and your fine. thats all i can think of now. so you are into VW's, i have some MK1 parts off an old rabbit that im trying to get rid of. interested?


in the fourth link you posted, it looks ok, except for the auto tranny, and it doesnt say if its 4wheel or not. but looks ok, body is in decent condition

 

[ovrrdrive]

I don't think I'd worry about the rear suspension at all. For one thing, they can't hide it as you can easily see if the truck has the famous 4runner sag. And two, it's such a simple and cheap fix it's no big deal at all.

You could use it as a bargaining chip though by telling them it was going to cost you a grand or more to put it in the shop, and then just fix it yourself.

The engine I absolutely wouldn't compromise on. You have to make sure it's a good one or you'll end up paying a few more thousand bucks right off the bat for a new one.

Personally, I'd also insist on a 4wd truck. Even if you think you won't need it it will come in handy for you...