DravisAR

But they're only giving my unemployed a$$ up to 80% of the NADA value up to 8000 bucks. So Ive got about 2500 saved up, which means around 10k for a truck. Ive got a couple options.

One, 1990 4runner with mods: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...threadid=23233

pic:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...lor=&cardist=7

Say probably about 6k, so my loan will only be for 4 or 5k depending on what I save from my downpayment. That leaves a bit left over for...more mods. This 4runner had the head gasket replaced under recall.

or the 96 with 133k miles and auto:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...or=&cardist=21

The auto tranny would hurt...I havent driven an automatic daily for quite a few years, and ive heard bad things about them and making the 4runner feel even slower. Id have to build the truck up (BL, suspension lift, and tires are first on my list) - of course if it has an E locker, and 4.88s (I wish) then youd think it wouldnt be bad. I can probably pick this one up for around 8k, which leaves me with little to no money, but still a small loan and easy payments. Equal amount of money saved monthly for mods.

Its a damn hard decision. If you guys want to throw some suggestions out there, id be totally stoked. Im pretty new to the community, and any criticism of either or pros will be taken into consideration in my buying choice.

Personally, id prefer the newer truck just for aesthetics, but the older for function. Its a hard choice.

Thanks again guys
Alex

rimpainter.com

Please dont take this the wrong way, but why are you getting yourself into a loan while you are unemployed?

Drive a gas saver like a Civic, which you can easily get in to for $2K, and get some interviews going.

Then, follow up on the loan if you must when you are in a better financial position.

DravisAR

Understandable question...none of your business, but if you must know

Ive got an application in to 2 colleges, and if that fails I have a Navy contract lined up. My unemployment (2k month) doesnt run out until April.

MTL_4runner

I would go for the 96 4runner just because I am a bit biased.

rimpainter.com

Personally, I would get a cheap Civic, wait till things lined up, sell the Civic, then go for a nice 4Runner.

Trust me on this one, I learned the hard way when I was younger.

rimpainter.com

Who in their right mind would want a 96 4Runner anyway?

MTL_4runner

Geez.....good question!

r854rnr

Me too! on both acounts of what 96 4runner said.
I tried to squeeze into exactly what I wanted when I bought my first 4runner. It had high miles and wasn't the best deal.
2 things I've learned since I've got my new 4runner:
(1) Be patient and find the truck/car that is exactly for you
(2) if all else fails, go with a cheap civic/corolla and save up until you can get what you want. (with gas to almost $2 those gas saver cars are sounding nice)

DravisAR

I think that if I got the 90 id be dissapointed. I think that if I went with the currently available 96 I wouldnt mind the automatic. That said, getting a 96 with 133k on it doesnt sound too shabby, if I can pick it up for significantly less than blue book. Ill have to get the VIN to carfax it.

So if it has a factory E locker its to the right of the dim switch and says...?

Thanks

Alex

rimpainter.com

"RR diff lock"

Another thing to look for is whether or not it had the HG recall done - or was eligible. Its "just" an external leak, but its always good to know what you are getting into. Toyota will cover it. I had mine done right after I bought it. They did the timing belt and found a broken exhaust stud at the same time. They gave me a Corolla S for a rental car, free.