Would anyone mind looking at some photos for me of a 4Runner I'm considering?

'99 SR5 5-speed 4x4. No E-locker, unfortunately.

It has a slight amount of rust on the underside, but I'd like someone who knows these trucks to check it out and tell me what you think.

Here:








The exterior (top side - the paint etc) and the interior look great. I am concerned with the underside / frame.

What do you think? Does it look bad?

 

My $.00002: Doesn't look too bad, especially given your location- bound to have a bit of rust...

But it would be very helpful to know more details about this vehicle- e.g. how many miles on it? What is ownership and repair history? How does it drive? Clean Car-Fax RE accidents? Are the tires and brakes good? Any issues with the transmission or motor?

Most importantly by far: HOW MUCH ARE LOOKING AT PAYING FOR IT???

 

Find out if the timing belt/water pump has been changed.

 

Depending on how many miles it has on it, definitely find out if belts and water pump has been changed and see if he has any receipts or records of the maintenance done. I got mine around 118K and I knew the 120K factory service was coming up but the owner had already done it and showed me the receipts. No point in getting the price knocked down a bit but you have to pay for the maintenance later. Also check the transfer case because I looked at a 4Runner and his t-case was leaking, but you will be able to tell.
The cosmetic stuff looks minor but then again its personal taste.

 

Doesn't look like there is a leak from the x-fer case from the picture. If there was a leak, you'd see it dripping from the little skid plate.

Also, the swaybar bushings need to be changed out. Change it with some poly urethane bushings (Wheeler's off-road or I think WabFab sells them, too).

How much are they asking? Mileage?

 

Thanks for the responses!

This is a 126k-mile Toyota, owned by a guy who has been pretty diligent with maintenance.

No accidents, although obviously it has the crease there below the driver's side rear door. Drives very well, starts great, runs smoothly, etc. All in all, it appears to be very mechanically sound.

I am most concerned with the condition of the body / frame, and from your accounts, it looks to be pretty good, right... ?

I do wish it had an E-locker...

... but I haven't been able to find a 4Runner yet for sale with a Manual transmission AND an E-locker. I don't want an automatic.

 

dont worry so much about an elocker, theyre great if you can get one that has it, if it doesnt then you can always throw a true-trac posi in there and youll be set.
Main things to check when looking at 3rd gens: Do a compression test on the motor, see if the timing belt/wat pump has been changed, coolant, general items... All in all, if the runner generally looks good, then your probably ok as these things are solid - i know cause i have 4 of em. Good luck.

 

What is the normal rear-end ratio for a '99 SR5 4WD?

Is it 4.10? 4.30?

 

yeah, the belly of that best isnt bad, my 91 p/u looks about the same, just that one doesnt have so much dirt
I say go for it, as stated above an e locker would be nice, but one later on the road wont be bad