VTToy

I might be looking at a 1996 4runner im not sure yet what the motor is but tranny is auto . I have been trying to get a hold of the guy but haven't had luck yet . the body looks very good the mileage is around 220,000 is there anything if I get the chance to look at it , I should look for ? im in Vermont so of course rust is bad around here. any thing on the 4cyl or 6cyl motors I should look for ? any help would be great , thanks a lot !

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Pretty much comes down to what engine ??

3.4 time for timing belt service??

Some transmission work was this maintained ??

Then the normal things brakes suspension.

Knowing Vermont it does not take long to run the mileage up

Why is it being sold ??

habanero

When were the especially lower ball joints changed?
Head gasket failures were a minor thing for the early 3.4, don't know about the 2.7
Pink Milkshake signs...or did he put in an external oil cooler or new radiator to prevent?
Timing belt intervals for the '96 3.4 is every 60,000 miles
How are the bolts holding the seats in holding up, especially front ones?
Steering rack leaks?
All the bushings, front and rear
Warped rotors?
Rear axle seal leaks (could be as simple as clogged breather)
Valve cover leaks (could be as simple as retorquing the bolts)
Pinhole leaks in the rear diff

We could do this all day but I have to go to work. Above are some commons, do your research for more info.
I LOVE my 96 3.4, prefer it to the 99, but at this age the old thing requires some work. That's okay, I've found it relatively easy to work on, love to tinker with it, and it's often not too expensive. Post 2 of my build thread shows a lot of what I've done for mine, some maintenance, some extraneous.

VTToy

well got more info . the guy at first didn't want to say much then he told me it has had body work done to it which wasn't a real big thing as it looked good but he came clean that the frame had a hole in it then pushing him more he said the right side of frame was rusty,pretty ruff . I hate it when people do this I was planning on driving close to 2 hrs to look at it as by pics it looks pretty good . but by 3rd time I talked to him a came clean and is saying its better as a parts rig. the one thing I should have asked him was were he got it inspected ! with the hole in frame and one side pretty tender it shouldn't have passed in vt. oh well still got my wives 92 pickup to work on ! thank you guys for the help !

habanero

More and better will come along, patience grasshopper.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Frames are easy to fix.

Looking for a 4runner people say the 1999 2000 years are the best who can say.

VTToy

ya frames aren't to bad but up here in vt its just the wrong time of year for that ! the funny thing is what is wrong with people now a day ? they cant do anything but lie they advertise no rust on body , frame good etc. then after talking a couple of times you find out body is rusty [ pics taken a year or 2 ago] frame has a lot of rust and has cracks or holes its terrible . im not in a big rush but theres that one if you don't email or call about you'll wish you did ! I have more then enough rigs [ ask my wife ! lol ] my wifes 92 plus I have a 79 3/4T GMC a 79 1/2T shortbed chevy both 4wd a mutt as I call it its a 84 or6 blazer frame and a 82 chevy cab [bought it like this] so enough stuff it keeps me busy now if spring would just get here ! thanks guys