olharleyman

I have a line on a 88 4runner going to check it out sunday might get it for 800 just wondering if anyone has any ideas on what I should or should not look out for? Here's what I know about it for now
5 speed
120xxx miles
3.0
33's
very stright body no rust
All of this is hear say from a friends dad so not to sure about how acurate it all is.
Thanks all

phildelfino

For 800 if it started and passed a smog I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I don't know what to look for, goods and bads of this model. I check the oil, coolant, brakes (run hands over rotors to check smoothness). I'd say the usual, check around steering box for cracks, windshield and chrome strips (they leak alot around windshield). Mine makes alot of noise (whistling) with the windows partly down or sunroof open. when test driving the usual, tracks straight, brakes straight and no grinding, no smoke out the exhaust.

linuxrunner

$800 makes it pretty easy, just take a look over everything, check the oil/coolant and start it up, if it runs good/ok and shifts good/ok 4wd works good/ok you have a truck worth 800 easy. If any 1 or more of these do not work, it's up to you to decide what it might take to fix it and if it is still worth it.

iam_turner

I'd take a look at the frame to see how bad the cancer is - depending no your area it could be well corroded, if it's really bad you'll not be able to pass a safety. It'll then make a good paper weight.

CyMoN

ask about timing belt, starter, alt, brakes, clutch blower fan, rear window works.

if it has fender flares on it look behind them check the drivers side fender well where the clutch pedal is at for rust holes.

pop out the rear cargo doors and shine a light in to check for any bad rust.

if you buy the truck flush out the rocker panels and doors and rear panels with lot of water same as the frame.

when I bought my truck most things had been worked on but I did not check over a few spots and I had a little more rust then I had thought at first

but now the truck is going to under go an major over haul and I am cutting out the rust now that she sits there in the driveway just wanting to be driven.

for the asking price I think it is a really good deal as long as the body and frame are in good condition my 3.0 ran good most of the time only when it had rained out and when it was really cold did in have a slight problem but after it warmed up it ran like a top.

idanity

less than 1k for a 4x4 is awesome.

you could more or less part it out for more than 800 if it is a basket case.
but if it drives straight and is not a safety risk, (especially w/120k on it) its definately worth the look.

make sure the VIN # corresponds to the frame/body parts.
remember to check the

heat. (really old heater cores smell like wet fur)
horn
wipers
all lites (reverse/hazards , brake, etc.)
oil (look for burnt or black internals on the head (from the oil cap), this may indicate that it was overheated. should be golden brown cam and not too dark).

make sure the 4x4 works (i got my 86 for 1200 b/c one of the hubs was bad), easy fix if its the hub.

btw, the best cars ive ever owned were also the cheapest.

85toy

make sure it idles smoothly and doesnt go up and down in rpms

4runnerchevy

Heck if it drives decent to the smog shop and passes then buy it. Assuming you have smog laws where you live. $800 is a steal even if it has minor issues.

olharleyman

Well I talked to my buddie and he talked with the owner and he say's it's a 4 banger but even so I am going to check it out in the morning will get pics and post up tomorrow so ya all can check it out.

Issues

Heck if it runs & the fourweeldrive works buy it. You wouldnt find a running fourwheel drive no matter how the body & everything eles looks around my area for $800. If you did you proberly would need 5 gallons of bondo for the body. And sheet metal to cover up the holes in the floor board big enough to loose the family pet too, lol. Good luck, maybe it'll be a steal!

88wildrunner

800 for a 4runner with a 22re, how could you go wrong?

with only 120xxx miles i doubt it has any drivetrain problems and even if it has motor problems, you could drop in a new 22re for a grand that puts you back 1800 for a runner with a new engine, thats an awesome deal, and if the engine and drivetrain and overall condition is good i wouldnt hesitate for $800 bucks. seems like it would be a great start for a build.

notanymore

it has the 3.0 but either way 800 for a4runner is a pretty good deal, unless there is a serious issue with rust on the frame and such. being so cheap i would be sure there is some kind of problem with it, possibly the hg or blown motor. but either way its a pretty good deal.

ewong

Its kinda a catch 22 question.

If you had the "skills" and the need - $800 is worth it just for the usable parts
-- trans
-- xfer
-- block
-- interior bits and stuff that would kill ya in a swap project

Its in MD - so its not as bad as say MA, but RUST would be an suspected issue
-- rear wheel wells
-- frame at kick up

At $800 - one doesnt expect much...