dbcx

Well i think i final;y sold one of my trucks so i may be getting a 4runer soon.I have been looking a while,my latest find i may go look at is a 96 with 200k miles,cloth interior,nice factory wheels,looks really clean it has a few dings and scuffs on it for 3900.oo. It will be a hunting,trail riding,drive to work rig.I will have some money left over after i sell my truck if i get this one , if i find one for 6k i wont have any spending money, what do yall think?

cackalak han

Not bad. I found a 96 Limited locally here for $4500OBO. It prob. has a locker, too.

http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/car/545212631.html

dbcx

wel that one is gone i foud a 96 i can get for 5k that is really clean and local,somebody told the guy it needed 1000.oo worth of brake work. I asked about that he was told he needed drums, shoes,rotors and pads go figure he went to a brake shop i can do all of that for around 250 if it really needs it. Im getting closer to finding one i think. 1000.oo dollar brake job blew me away that somebody will actually pay that. And it need the rear seal replaced from what i have read that is easy also

blarchitect

I'd be wary, if the brakes are totally shagged and were allowed to get in this shape what other maintenance/servicing items were ignored?

dbcx

he has toyota maint records he had the Tbelt relaced and water pump at 120k miles. The chances of the brakes being that bad are slim he went to a brake shop thats what they do scare you into thinking your brakes are worse than they are.

blarchitect

Fair enough. Use the higher repair cost to beat down the price.
The outer axle seal is a pain in the erse. Do a search for procedure and likely costs.

dbcx

arent all the SR5 4runners 4x4 or can they be 2wd

TFJ-4runner

they can be 2wd

Mr.Dabadina

I would be worried that the previous owner let the oil change intervals go over the recommended.

Ritzy4Runner

iTrader: (1)

Money is always the issue when it comes to our vehicles. Keep up the search, there are many more out there and they can be had at a reasonable cost. don't settle for something that may be more then you really want to deal with. There is something to say about sweat equity when it comes to vehicles. As for the one you are considering with the brake issue, ask if you can take it to a mechanic. If he says sure then take it home pull the wheels yourself and check it out. If you are knowledgable enough to do the job, you should be able to determine the real extent of the repair. Also check the engine oil, pull the dip stick and check it for discoloration, sludge on the indent marks for full add, etc. If he has been changing the oil regularly then there will be no dirty look to the dip stick. Look under the oil filler cap for any residue under it or discoloration. Peak down the opening and see what the color/condition of the rockers are near the opening. Pull the auto trans dip stick if it has one and look and smell the fluid, what color is it? Does it smell burnt? Check the front tire wear for out of alignment or worn out shocks. You sound like you know what to look for so just take your time. there are some real creme puffs out there, you just gotta keep an eye open. I found my first gen 4Runner on a repair parking lot. I kept looking for almost 2 1/2 years after that until I found my 2nd gen 95' on my way home after a business trip at a Subaru dealer and got it for $2000 under book. My 98' 3rd gen I found a year later because of a studious sales guy who knew I wanted a 3rd gen at my local Toyota dealership and had been looking for me for over 16 months when my present ride showed as a trade in! It had 120K and was perfect in body and soul! I paid $10,200 for it. Keep looking till you find what you really want or are satisfied that the truck is the one for you. Don't settle for a cheap quick find. Just because it may seem like the deal of a life time doesn't mean there won't be another ... there will always be another!

kmcaprice14

yeah..... no need to settle. I saw plenty of deals like this, but I waited till I got exactly what I wanted. I got my Black 98 4x4 SR5 V6 MANUAL with only a bit over 100k on it, in perfect body and interior shape with the timing belt and water pump changed, new tires, a sunroof, and cd player for only $7k. Don't "get close" just because you saw one deal you thought was good. Keep alert, but don't settle for one truck because you got your heart set on another.

dbcx

thanx for the info,it ended up being 2WD. I have been looking for about three months i have found quite a few i like most of them are really clean. I am going to look at a 1997, 197k miles , leather,sunroof new BFG all terrains. Drivers seat has a small tear,no dents other than a few door dings.I can get it for 5k. the timing belt and water pump has been changed , he said the trans. has been flushed and serviced along with new plugs and wires. He has alot of pictures for me to look at but i am ging to see it inperson tonight, its what i am looking for minus the E-locker, i can get that later.

kmcaprice14

good luck...just make sure to ask when the pump and belt were changed.... with that kind of mileage, they are almost ready to be changed again

dbcx

I finally found what i was loking for, I will try and post some pics after i get it cleaned up some,it has been sitting for a month the PO moved and was not driving it anymore at all. I checked it frint to back inside and out i couldnt find anything to suspect wrong, fluids looked good no leaks,one dent on front bumper and in the rear where a buggy hit the tail gate. Everything worked a parking light bulb is out,drivers seat has one smal tear,it has brand new BFG all terrain 265s the tits are still on them, nice stereo w remote.I think i have a good starting platform for a well rounded rig. I towed my VW all the way home with it last night with no problems,seemed to have plenty of power,oh by the way it ended up being a 1997 w/196k miles. I have receipts for all the maint and when he had the Tbelt and water pump changed also.

MTL_4runner

Any trim on a 3rd gen could be 2WD, including SR5 and Limiteds.