Hi

I'm 19 and looking to get a first car, and could use the advice of some of you folks.
There is a 4Runner down the street that is being advertised for sale. I'd like to know your thoughts on it.
It's a 1992 V-6 Automatic Transmission. The fellow said that he had a new engine and transmission put into it. The 4Runner has 212K miles on it but the new Transmission and Engine only have 62k miles on them. It has a CD player (not stock) power windows, power locks, spotless interior, spotless/dent free exterior. It looks like it could use some new tires though.
He is asking 4200 for it. Is this a good price/steal? Are there any questions I should ask/things I should find out?

Thanks
Bummer

 

Where do you live? The price varies accross the US. Does it have rust? Check the frame. Have you driven it? 4x4? I paid about 5000 for my 91 last year. Was worth every penny imho.

 

that sounds pretty good. auto= i paid 4800 for mine new engine with like 1000 miles on it and 5 speed manual. after owning a 5 speed i would never get an auto. but some people like them. yea, make sure you check for rust and if its a 4wd. if its good on rust and is a 4wd that sounds like a good deal.

 

There isn't any rust on the undercarriage, nor on the body/frame. Excellent condition there. I am in central NC.

Bummer

 

I'd ask him for the paperwork on the new engine and tranny to be on the safe side with that part. All in all check for rust and get the vin to run a check on that....make sure the title is clean. All that being said....I'd talk him down. I bought my 91 running great, no major problems, 23x,xxx miles....only thing it didn't have was a new engine, but I got it for $2800. Just letting you know..not saying you shouldn't buy it or that it's not a great price...just letting you know what I paid for mine....I don't know what everyone else with think on here, but I'm sure someone will chime in soon.

 

I know, that is the one MAJOR downside to this vehicle. I am currently driving an '86 Toyota pickup that is a manual and I love it. I guess I could get used to an automatic, but I'd really prefer a manual. Is it easy to find manual 4Runners in the price range of under 4k?

Bummer

 

Good point, I appreciate the reference price. That's what I need, prices paid for comparable models. He was asking 4800 and I got him down to 4250, I might be able to get him down lower. The condition is the thing that has be excited, it's in perfect condition, interior and exterior. The only red flag that comes up to me is the mileage.
I appreciate the suggestions about checking the VIN.

Bummer

 

no problem...just check all that stuff and work on him a little....should be good. I wouldn't think the prices would vary that much from AR to NC. I would also think you shouldn't have to big of a deal with rust either because you're down south. The guys up north have problems with it, but down here it seems like almost all the trucks I see for sell have very little rust. hope all that helps...get pics up if you get it...I'd love to see the runner..

 

from im experience looking there is not really a price difference. really only a preference. im letting you know now that if you are going from an 86 toyota 5speed to a 3.0sloow auto you will probably feel like you are losing power. test drive it though. doesnt hurt.

 

You ought to be able to get it for under $4,000. I'd look at the engine/tranny rebuild paperwork very closely. Make SURE the mechanic who did the work used the slipper plate steel type head gaskets. (NOT Felpro).

I happen to like my 92 3.0 auto tranny 4Runner. The auto prolly hurts gas mileage by 1 - 2 mpg. However it's pretty nice in drive-time traffic.

Mike in AR

 

I would'nt worry too much about the mileage that really is nothing for a toyota, especially if it has a newer engine/tranny but like others have said try to get the paperwork on them before you buy.
Cheers aviator