So newbie here need some advice. I am looking at buy a 1988 4runner. It runs fine, 4wd works, heat works, ac was removed. It needs some attention no doubt. Interior needs some work. Clutch shudder in reverse, needs new ball joints and tie rod ends. Also needs some paint. My plans are a weekend camp/hunting vehicle. See photo and give me your opinion. 161k on odo, 22re 5 spd. Think it's worth $5k?





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Truck/SUV prices are very regional. You don't give your location, but scan Craigslist/want ads/Penny Saver or where ever you shop for used vehicles. I see a few folks in Texarkana think old 4runners are really valuable! Compare https://easttexas.craigslist.org/ctd...574891651.html and https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ct...574988581.html

Still, look around. https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/ct...575315896.html

 

I'm in Louisiana I have been looking. Everyone thinks they are way valuable. Just trying to figure out if I should buy this one or wait and get a nicer one?

 

The $5,000 isn't the issue. It's how much work you can do on your own after you buy it. And you already know about some.If you have to pay a shop for everything than it'll get very expensive fast.
But if it's got a straight frame that's not rust away and a decent body the price seems in the ballpark.

If you do buy the 4Runner get oem ball joints. They'll cost a lot more than ones off eBay, but they'll last years longer.

 

Appreciate the reply. I can do all the work myself. I just rebuilt a 98 Wrangler TJ last year. Replaced all the suspension, brakes, steering box. Repaired the tub, replaced the interior. Also all new ball joints and tie rods and shocks. Did all the engine sensors and a tune up. It was in poor shape but the paint was good. So would do something similar to the 4 runner. Would probably sand and spray raptor liner and call it good. It's going to be a camp/ hunting vehicle so want it to looking somewhat decent. I'm selling my Jeep any rides too rough and not enough cargo room.

 

Here is a photo of the frame looks okOwner stated frame is solid

 

Around New England, you’d have a very difficult time finding one that good for $5k. If you don’t have to put a bunch of money into it, the miles are relatively low, so I’d go $5k.

 

That rust doesn't look bad.
That oil leak is most likely a common one that's easy to fix

 

So yesterday I drove 4 hours to go look at the 4runner. Based on the seller's photo and messages. Well it was a complete waste of my time. The seller stated only surface rust here and there. More like rust on every surface. He stated it runs, well lied again barely got it started ran like ˟˟˟˟, oil leaks all over. It was a total piece a ˟˟˟˟. Wasted 12 hrs of my time and $80 gas and 600 miles on my Tacoma. I will keep looking. Why are people dirt bags and lie so much?