Colonel Moutarde

Found in Switzerland (where I live) a 1990 4Runner V6 3.0 with only 65000km (about 40000 miles). Seems to be a good deal as it is sold by a car dealer with 3 month warranty. What are the loosy points to check when I will go to see and test drive the car ? Thanks for your advises. (I already owned several 4WD cars as Samurai, Subaru or Syncro Vanagon but it will be my first Toy !)

az4x4runner

I have a '95 with the 3.0 V6, some will say it's underpowered but I like it. They're good trucks.
One thing to check for, assuming the 3.0 V6s had the same recall there as in the US, see if the headgasket has been replaced.

Some others may have more suggestions though.

Good luck with your purchase.

-Bryan

ohio

A little underpowered, and BAD gas mileage (expect about 16mpg... don't know what that is in km/l)... but other than that, great truck.

Things to look for:
- head gasket recall done (dealer can run the VIN and confirm)
- front brakes rotors. they have a tendency to warp
- front CV joints and boots. The boots can tear over time, and this is an expensive repair.
- rear springs. these sag from fatigue on all 2nd gen 4runners. It's a cheap fix, but it would be nice if they were already replaced.

That sounds like REALLY low mileage, so make sure it's not a salvage vehicle. It also may havce been a work vehicle or only city driven which would substantially increase the wear per km/mi.

Chances are it's a great deal on a great truck, just make sure you've double checked everything... when buying a used vehicle that old, it pays to be thorough.

Paul H.

Since you are in switzerland, is that a diesel or gas 3.0. If diesel then I believe that the head gasket recall does not apply as does the poor gas milage. Have it checked out thoughly by a good mechanic and if its good, buy it. Great find with very low miles. If you buy it, change the shocks, steering stabilzer, and rear springs and the ride will greatly improve.

4Paws

TO...
a bi ped finger..!

YO...
a hood hello...!

TA...
I give up. I need help with this one!

Robinhood150

If this is a gas engine, the manual calls for a timing belt change at 60k miles.

Also make sure the 4wd system works (vacuum lines are intact).

Colonel Moutarde

Can I apply for a head gasket change even if it is a 14 years old model (gas engine) ? Does the recall is time limited ? And thanks for the advises !

Robinhood150

Maybe, maybe not. I've heard there's a 10 year limit, but I've never seen anybody confirm this. In the US we just give the VIN to the dealer or toyota corporate and they'll tell us if it's eligible. I'd suggest you try that.

Colonel Moutarde

Head gasket changed but the guy doesn't want to sell it anymore (even thru a car dealer). It is an old guy who use it once a year and cannot climb into his Toy anymore but he want to keep it for a while !!! :cry:

Colonel Moutarde

Found another Toyota. Same age, 85000km, head gasket not changed but 3000$ less ! Very good condition. I just have to wait two more weeks and I will drive it !!!