I'm about to buy a 2002 4Runner SE5 - 53K. I've read a few things on this forum and another about the headgaskets on the 2002. I'm not mechanical inclinded, so if there anything I need to know or can check about the headgasket before dropping my money on it? The guy selling it to me, is a very good friend from church and I'm sure would check anything out for me -- thanks for any suggestions or help.

 

I only heard of head gasket issues on 96 or earlier model 4runners.
Get a local mechanic or dealer shop to do a compression test and check out the vehicle in general (shouldn't cost much and could save you a lot down the road). Ask the owner to see maintainence records and run a Carfax report.
Good luck

 

The head gasket issue was only on 96 and very early 97 4Runners. No worrries!