buying a new runner, what should i look out for?
 

i am looking to buy a newer 4runner soon, i believe third gen? 96 body style. anyhow is there anything i should look out for when inspecting the vehicle? anything known to go wrong or leak that i could see when i check the truck out?

any help would be greatly appreciated, i really dont want to sink a few grand into something and then have problems a few months down the road that i could have avoided

Dont get the 1996 model, look for a 1997 or newer. The 96 model had some issues but i guess not that big a deal. It had head gasket problem but should have been fixed under recall.
If the rig has more then 100k mile see if the water pump/timing belt have been replaced. Look for any leaks in engine from head gasket or other areas. check oil. Drive it and feel for vibration issues and how the transmittion stifts.
Overall yotas are strong trucks and there should be no issues

The 96 tru 98 also had a recall for rear springs, make sure that has been done.

if i buy a runner that may have these issues that were recalled can i just take the truck to a local yota dealer and have them fix the issues?

thanks for the info so far