jonnydclark

I'm looking at buying a '95 4Runner with "low" miles (139,000). I'm familiar with Toyotas and am very mechanically inclined but don't have a lot of diagnostic experience.

a few pics http://www.flickr.com/photos/59744815@N07/

3.0 4x4 SR5.
College student bought it from a "shady" dealer 500 miles away only 1 month ago. After changing the oil it gurgles while running and diesels after shut off. He had the stealership look at it and they told him it could be a snipe hunt and they might have to change a lot of things to find the problem. (no quote given) He asked them why it didn't do that before changing the oil and they suggested a thicker oil might have been put in to mask the problem. Since he doesn't have the money and doesn't want the distraction he'll take $1,500. I know I can go on snipe hunts a lot cheaper than the dealership but to me it doesn't sound that scary. I've know about the 22R dieseling and running a few seconds after shut off but not the fuel injected ones. The thicker oil connection might suggest a bearing issue but it seems like a good deal even if I had to do a rebuild. I'm going to look at it tomorrow morning and I can certainly evaluate better in person. Should I take cash and my trailer?

BTW, I'm looking at it for profit, not to keep. I prefer the 3.4 V6 and have a 97 already. I would think it should be worth near the $3,500 mark if working properly and new tires put on it.

P.S. no I'm not giving you his phone number until after I've seen it.

85toyman

iTrader: (2)

depending on condition, rust ect. It is easily worth $1200. Rebuilds tend to be rather expensive for the 3.0. If you find out that the motor is indeed shot, I would do the 3.4 swap.

How much you get is dependent on your area. In my neck of the woods a good running 4Runner of that age is going from $3000 upto $6000. Either way even at $1500 your getting a descent deal. I would take my trailer and cash with me if I was you.

Good luck

jonnydclark

Thanks Toyman. I've been intrigued by the 3.4 swap for a little while now. It seems that the 3.4 swap is "straight forward" but still has a lot of headaches and downtime compared to just R&R of an engine. I'm thinking it would only be worth it if I was going to keep the truck.

Since we are in the south rust isn't usually an issue but I'll climb under it to see.

Anybody have an idea what a 3.4 swap does to resale value? I can imagine it would help it if I was selling it on yotatech more than if I was selling on craigslist. ; )

bobby_duce

seems like a fair deal.(could be better, could be worse) worst case the engine is shot and you have to swap in a used 3.0... if you feel you can get a used engine and swap for cheap you could have a fast turn around and make some money.

WetDogSmell

I would assume you would have to DO everything you THINK you would have to do and then $500 more. Then ask your self what's the difference between what you can sell if for?
Still worth it? Keep us up to date if you go for it. Oh, and don't forget to offer less! Good luck!

bobby_duce

thread jack ^^^ i love your avatar! strangebrew is a classic!

WetDogSmell

Not to steer this fine post off topic, but your avatar is pretty good as well!
PS: I really wanted to name my dog Hose Head, but the girlfriend wasn't a big strange brew fan and didn't see the humor in it!

jonnydclark

Thanks guys. I went ahead and got it for $1250. Its not very clean for the mileage but ok for the year. I figured I could part it out and do a-ok if I have to. It actually runs good but has a strange chirchirchir sound near the back of the engine that I fear is a bearing. I'm going to buy a stethescope and try to pinpoint it better. Then maybe post a video and let everyone play "guess that sound."

WetDogSmell

jonnydclark

It looks better here than in real life.

85toyman

iTrader: (2)

Pics didn't post. Try using photobucket as the host rather than thru the email. Just load the pics in photobucket and copy the img text and post. The pic will pop right up.

jonnydclark

This was me bringing it in yesterday.

I bought a $10 stethescope today and climbed underneath. The noise isn't coming from the engine at all. It is coming from the back of the bellhousing - centered left to right. That made my day because I assume it will be cheaper than an engine rebuild. Still not sure what it is. I was going to record a video with my phone but it was pouring rain and I was in a metal building so I figured it would be a waste of time.

Cheers!

WetDogSmell

Man that thing looks pretty nice, it looks like you got some nice fig lights out of the deal as well! I hope your diagnosis goes well, and keep us up to date! (with lots o' pics too!)