first thing i wanna say this site is awsome, good work to everyone who created this site.

now im looking at a 86 4runner that my nieghboor is selling me what i really need is expert advise and opinions about wheather or not i should buy this truck so any help would be great, heres what i can tell you about the truck:

*he s selling it to me for 1000

*it has been inspected, it needs a new parking brake, new back brake pads, something with the exaust system and needs a ding in the windshield filled in totaling 500 in repairs to pass inspection

*they said that the bottom was preety rusted i dont think it looks bad but see what you think

*it has 130k miles (original)

*it has new tires with only 100 miles on them

*a new muffler

*the seller is the origingal owner

*has not been taken off roading and has been maintained by one mechanic

*it has new speakers

now thats all i got so far but ill try to answer your questions thanks again for your opinions and advice one thing i would like to say is that this is my first car and i am a junior in highschool and i would like to have this truck last me through college and i dont have alot of money so i cant be shelling out money every weekend to keep it running. heres some pics to help you guys

 

here is some more pics

 

even more

 

well i must say, that is a significant amount of rust...i dont know if i would be willing to pay 1k for something with that much rust

first off im assuming that the new muffler isnt installed yet, cuz the one that is on there is beat...it does look like it has a somewhat new exhaust manifold on there tho...also it looks like its leaking something, im assuming engine oil, cuz the front diff is covered in something along with the back of the tranny...

if your willing to do a lot of work to combat the rust, replace some parts, and really get your hands dirty, then yes i would say buy it, but not for 1k...if your looking for something thats gonna be super reliable, then i dont think this vehicle is for you

 

First thing, how does it run?

Second, it does have some serious rust in some critical areas. It would take some work to clean it up. But, that could be done incrementally over time when you do have money. The diff's, the a-arms, the exhaust (that needs addressing real soon), the driveline. But, if the motor runs good, it'll get you down the road. And for $1k, it's not bad...if it runs good.

I bought mine for $2500 and it had/has rust issues that I'll be taking care of when I have time and money. The first things I addressed were a new radiator, a few sensors, exhaust, motor cleaning, fresh lubes all around, good tires, and a CD player. Over time, I've replaced and repaired a number of things, but it's been worth it. I do like my 4rnr!

See if you can haggle him on the price. If not it's still not a bad deal...if it runs good. lol!

Edit: I suppose I'm a bit of an optimist, too.

 

alright that helps alot thanks. can you tell me what i may be spending to fix these things?

 

I'd keep looking if I were you. That truck is very rusty and is going to take a LOT of work. If you're looking for a restoration/build project, fine. But I get the impression that what you're really looking for is a good reliable vehicle that you can have fun with and will provide you with reliable transportation for years to come. I don't think this is the one. Rust is one of the hardest thing to deal with on a vehicle. IMO you'd be better off getting one with more miles and lest rust.

edit: OTH, $1000 ain't bad......

 

well what about those rust converting/repairing paints? the ones that you just paint on and it stops rust. do they work?

 

temporally it will slow it down.

I got some rust on my 88.( under my flares)
But the frame and everything else is not. Repainted my frame, only took a weekend. I love it though. You can't beat the 1st gen look and the top comes off. That isnt' really that bad on the body. Is that the only panel? If so it's not bad at all. Toyotafiberglass makes whole new 1/4 panels for 500. Then no more rust problems.

 

If it runs good, buy it for what it is.

Don't try fixing up old rust buckets. You'll never win. Just run them.

Gotta go south if you want a rust free truck.

vmax84

 

i love my californian truck..zero rust! that thing is rusted out and i dont know if you should take the chance of it breaking down cause of all the rust plus leakin oil is never good..but if u can get it for 700~800 id say go for it

 

most likely it doesnt leak b/c there is no stains on the driveway where its been sitting for quite some time

 

it would be bad news if the frame was chewed like the steel on that bumper. hows the rest of the truck (inside etc?). keep your eyes on craigslist for a year, and you will get the truck you are looking for. you might try craigslist arizona etc. for better rust free luck. i check craigslist for about a year, every few days or a week, and finally found the one - and it has plenty other issues to keep me busy, but it was a better starting point than a rusted-through frame.

 

well thats great considering i live halfway round the us

 

if it doesnt leak, then i would really like to find out what is all over the front diff...i have a 3.0 and my oil cooler leaks, thus causing the same stain on the front diff and part of the tranny...no oil spots in the driveway at all cuz it only leaks when driving, not when sitting...

and if you do buy the 4runner, its time to get some sanding/sandblasting/or something equipment, cuz now you are gonna have to go into rust removal mode, which i dont mind, but most people despise...

and before i forget, i mentioned it before, but i dont think anyone noticed, again if you buy it, maybe sure to move the tailpipe off the spare tire!!!!

 

If it's in good mechanical condition, I would consider it. I would offer $500 for the truck since it's going to take at least $500 to get it legal ($1000 total).

 

well i am preety hard headed and alot of ppl told me not to get it but i worked it out yesterday with my nieghboor and im buying it now for 750 thanks for all the help

 

750 is a good deal if the engine and tranny are sound. I would just register it and drive the hell out of it until something breaks.

 

Cool! A real Yotahead for ya! Ha! Yeah, just get it running good and work on as you go. That's what I've done with my rusty wagon....and I'm glad to have it.

I wanted to add that my wife used to work in a garage back in the 70's around a bunch of guys who loved to restore old classics. She had a '55 Chevy she called "Rosie". She got it going and drove it all over the freakin' country. Some of the most favorite vehicles owned started out as rusty heaps. It's fortunate these 1st gen's are easy enough to work on (although, not without challenge) and plenty of parts around for them.

 

Just a warning. Up here in Saltland I spend on average 50-100 hours each summer sanding and painting the underbody of my truck. Only to find after winter I have rust again. I try everything but it seems that once the rust starts its impossiable to contain for long. Now this year I am going to address body rust. For those rusted wheel wells you might consider using after market fender flare and sanding and cutting out the rusted areas from undeneath. I am going to try that. Seems like it would make bondo'ing the rest easier.