Hello all, Been lurking for a few years now when i owned a 87 pick up. Now family has grown and i am looking at a 2000 runner this weekend. Here a few of my questions. I apologize if they have been asked but i never could find a confident answer.

00 runner 117k
no rust
perfect interior
3 owners
black over tan leather

Have spoke to the owner a few times stating he needs to sell for hardship reasons

Things he has replaced with receipts

-trans filter. When questioned why he stated his father is a tech and he did as maintenance? This doesn't seem common to me to replace at this mileage. Is there known trans issue he may be trying to fix with fluid and filter?

-replaced valve cover, plenum and cam seals. My search provided me with an inherent issue with leaking valve covers so no concern there. He did not do timing belt and/or water pump while in there. Just seems off. Is there an overheating issue with the 3.4 or was someone being cheap?

-I am aware of the 3.4 rod failure and seems kinda to be a lot of hype. Yes some people have had engine failure but not as many as the interwebs make it out to be. Also seems to happen around 80k +/-. Don't feel like i should be worried about that know.

Thats all now
Cheers and thanks

 

I'm also in the market, and some users gave me some good tips here: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/c...ration-276652/


Biggest thing is to make sure the radiator fluid doesn't show any sign of "strawberry milkshake", mixing of the transmission fluid and coolant.

 

Do answer your question about the PO changing the transmission filter. I'm guessing you've never had an automatic trans? The fluid is the life of automatic, keep it clean and cool.
X2 about the engine coolant and transmission fluid mixing in the radiator, that is a known problem.

 

It seems that unless the timing belt was done by the second owner your about due.

Something to factor into the price.

 

Thanks i will read though it today. First thing i will check when i get to the runner in person.

You are correct, always been a three pedal guy. I own 4 vehicles and she can only drive one. Time to get something wifey friendly.

Good point, thanks.

 

Other thank milk shake issues is than a cooling/overheating issue with these. Being that he has replaced the top end gaskets makes me think it may have been overheated at some point. Is there any tall tale signs this could have happen or will running condition being the only clue?

 

Sure one can have a hose fail or a belt most any time if you don`t keep after that stuff.

Really no way to tell if you had a overheat condition after the fact but I am still learning .

 

Look for precipitate on the inside of the oil filler cap.

 

117k is suspiciously low for a 14 year old truck. It should be more like 140k. I'd do a Carfax to make sure it did not lose miles between owners. Even though it "doesn't have rust" take a blanket and get under to look at the frame rails. It needs a new timing belt. Mine cost about $700 done by an independent shop. The dealer charges much more. I have a 2000 and it is my favorite of my three 4Runners. It's at 185k now and I still drive it anywhere. Good luck.

 

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