price 200 bucks
Vehicle 1991 v6 4x4 SR5 auto
199,000 miles

known problems:
a/c is not working (when last driven)
water pump
dash cut up
driver seat needs recovering
slight crease in drivers door
front bumper has small damage (like they hit a very short post at a low low speed)
the vehicle has not ran in about a year, but it has a clear title and I see no reason for it to be totalled or deemed unrepairable.

Also when the oil was checked there was hardly any oil residue on the dipstick, just a small amount on the very end.
So I may be looking at an engine overhaul or replace.
plus with 199,000 miles I am expecting it to need front end work, brakes, suspension components.... etc.

If I buy it my end goal is a good looking rig that looks new on the inside and out and is dependable, and in like new shape, but I want to be able to do sme mild offroading, I like slinging mud but I'm not going to do any hardcore trails or rock crawling.

So should I accept the challenge and save a 4runner and rebuild it or just buy a used one thats newer. Ofcourse then I have to finance and I am stuck with car payments.


What do you experts think?

 

for 200 bucks why wouldn't you buy it! Thats a hellova deal...if you dont let me know how i can get it

 

$200 what are you? Buh duh...yeah you have to by that. It's a reasonable deal for $2000.

 

put a couple of bucks and a few hours in it and see if it'll start and run. if it does, buy it. an operating toyota for 200 is a no brainer.

 

Trail rig, I would buy it too!

 

buy it

 

Thats kind of what I was thinking. I figured at 200 bucks I would be able to get my money back anyway.

I can have a rebuilt v6 installed with a 3 yr. 36,000 mile warranty for 2300 bucks. I think I may just spring for it and then adress the other issues in my garage. Except for bodywork, I'm no good there.

 

If anything you could part it out for more than $200

 

How hard would it be to change out the front end where it looks more like a late 90's model?

 

Dunno if its that easy, given the mounting points are different, etc. But I've seen fiberglass front ends that could achieve a different result...


But for $200 I'd buy it as a parts donor for my 1990!

 

So it wouldn't be too easy to swap things out huh? I like the headlights on the later models better, but I can live with it.

 

You mean the later 2nd gen bumper/headlights? IIRC, its a new bumper, lights setup, and possibly a core support? (i think, been a while since I've searched around here for that.) Sorry I can't remember off hand. Personally, I kinda like my 90's front end. Still says "Toyota" instead of that stupid curvy circle T.

I'm sure someone out there has it done, but try searching the forums to see.

 

I got to right there and my answer is hell yes. The parts alone are worth that even if you just put it in the backyard and scavenge it.

Then I got tot right here in your post:


If that is your goal with this truck don't waste your time.

In my opinion, this truck will never be that truck unless you spend about $8k on it, and in that case you could buy a newer model in better shape and spend less.

However, I would still buy that truck as a parts truck for whatever you end up with. One blown 3rd member, transfer case, LCA etc. on the new truck and you will have your $200 back.

 

nothing special about that body style, I'd pass. it's not worth the time to get it running and then modding it. find a 1st gen to play with.

 

I say buy it man, and just part it out on ebay.. Or craigslist... Well worth it..

 

Thats what has me hesitating. I am figuring between 6-7 grand to get it where I want it. On one hand like you say, I could just buy a much nicer vehicle for 7 grand or so, but on the other if I restore this one I think at the end it would be in better condition than what I could buy now.

I'm going to drive over and get a closer look today and try to make up my mind.

 

If it were me I would buy it in an instant.

I'd then;
spend some time trying to get the 3.0 running which it likely will with a little r&r.
Do a full fluid change on the complete drivetrain
inspect the suspension, likely just needs an idler arm and shocks and maybe rear coils. Address as needed.
Clean up the interior.

Voila you're in for around $4-600 and have a good base. I would then drive the crap out of it until the HG goes and I would then swap in a 3.4.

 

I'm a newb so excuse my ignorance but what is HG?

 

head gasket

 

BUY IT.
Can't beat that price.
Like said if you decide not to run it you'll get MORE then that back parting it out.
Heck the tailgate alone if in good shape could bring $200.