vegasrunner

looking to buy a 4x4 3.4 4runner a/t or m/t. what do i look for to tell if its had its use or its been taken care of? i sold my 92 3.slo and looking to upgrade to the 3.4 when i bought my 92 the tcase was worn and tranny slipped and low compression on the engine. all info will help if im gonna put 5 to 6k down to buy one

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Look to see if the timing belt has been changed if the mileage calls for it, that could be a bargaining point. Mine has 170k and I believe it's original. Just look for normal things, odd noises, etc.

vegasrunner

anything to look for like the 3.0? head gasket ,compression etc? when i buy most my cars i change timing belt anyways even if they say they did. odd noises like lifters and pings and rod knock or piston slap? i have a friend who has an obd2 program for his laptop looking to taking it with us and possible having the vehicle inspected at a shop

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

The later 3.4's didn't have head gasket problems. After about 96 or so. Yes if the check engine light is on hook up the OBD2 to see what it is.

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Compression test would be a good idea also if the seller would let you do one.

vegasrunner

if seller says no then i walk away knowing theres something wrong

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Or they just don't want somebody tearing into their vehicle to check something.

TheDurk

I would never buy a used vehicle without hooking up an OBDII even if the MIL was off. Too many people have been nailed buying cars that had their codes cleared and then needed new cats when the P0420 popped up a few days later.

I hope it's OK to post this--there is good info in here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ers-guide.html

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

^^ Good point. We don't have emissions testing where I'm at

94 Newbie

One thing I forgot to check was the radiator as mine was pretty nasty looking inside. I wound up replacing it to avoid any possibility of strawberry milkshake, but I flushed the system a few times 1st.

And, 1 thing my dealer showed me was that all the body panels had stickers w/ the vin numbers on them. It is an easy way to spot a wreck repair.

Service records - the Carfax showed some, I signed up online with Toyota after I bought the truck and found out a little more. Only works if the dealer did the work, however.


My P.S. rear axle shaft leaked - it may have been doing that even when I bought it - who knows. Dunno if that buyers guide mentions that - it might be a good idea if allowed to pull the drums off and see if the shoes are wet w/ 90 W.

Other than that, basic fluid checks, sounds, smells, and feels while driving - same as any used car.

Good Luck !

Britt

vegasrunner

we have emissions here in nv. does anyone know where to download or get the f.s.m for the 96+ models? was thinking best to save extra and have a shop inspect it if seller is willing to do that bought my 92 for 2gs put almost that into just to keep it going to work 5 or 6 gs should get me a decent one i know to look under the body and chassis to look for major dings and bends just to see if it was used often 4x4ing. but good point seller might not like that me tearing into it to see if its good or not but 5 or 6 gs is alot of money that people will rip you off saying runs great 6 months later tcase or tranny or head gasket etc are out. just dont wanna get ripped off thats all. and in nv we dont have vehicle inspection like most states

vegasrunner

this helps alot thank you!

wii_tarded

While looking at the engine, look for obviously new clamps, hoses, or areas that are clean compared to the rest of the engine. If the seller says that they just finished replacing blah blah blah, as why they are selling if they just put that much into it. This is a little harder at a dealership as they tend to detail the engine bay as well; so look for hose clamps that look out of place or what looks to be freshly removed labels. I recently looked at a '97 that felt like it had overspray paint on the doors and top, but the hood and fenders were smooth as silk. Under the hood, new radiator, hoses clamps and greasy finger marks on the intake. I looked closer and found new head gaskets. The dealer stated that the truck had been in a minor collision.

vegasrunner

so look for a "cover up" and i prefer drive train to be at best working order and cosmetics issues dont bother as much sun baked paint is not that bad it will be a 4wheeler for me

JohnVH

Im looking into a 98 3.4, auto, rather have a manual but they are pretty rare to see around here.... It has 198K on it, I still have my 90 with a billion miles on it, that's why I want another.. Are they doggy with an auto? would I be able to tow a 12' enclosed trailer? (I do it now with my 3.0)

donomite49

3.4 has fifty more HP than the 3.0.

JohnVH

Well, that's a good thing, anyone know about swapping a 5 speed from a 3.0L into one of these? (I have a spare) or is the automatic they come with a good unit? Looking at one tomorrow.
Thanks!