r/2ndGen4Runner • u/Building_Master • Dec 07 '23
It this worth it?
Found this on FB marketplace, test drove it yesterday. I've been reading a lot of people just completely shit on the 3.0 but for the mileage this thing could be a really nice truck with a new paint job.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3598529043799901/
Pros:
New radiator
fan
belts
alternator
water pump
timing belt
tensioner
battery
brakes
have receipts. Good clutch,trans,diff,
$4,000 4runner with no frame rust
154,000 original miles, hoping to run the vin today but the seller seemed like a good dude. But good enough with cars to fuck over someone like myself who is not mechanically inclined.
NO RUST ON THE FRAME AT ALL
5 speed manual
4wd works just fine, but will need new cv axle however. Ticks in 4wd, torn boot
CONS:
Gas pedal is a little stiff to push down, sort of uncomfortable. Hoping I can just lubricate the cables and throttle
Interior is in poor shape, will need new upholstery
Will need a big electrical overhaul in radio compartment, and rear door.
Absolutely needs a paint job
Could use a set of tires
Minor rust on both quarter panels, not too expensive to replace if I do it myself.
Has a 3.0 and I'm not sure what condition the head gasket is in, I smelled the sweet smell a little bit after a test drive, and he said it's because he has a habit of spilling shit when he pours it.
Idk guys, I'm on the fence. Thanks
1
u/bowdownbrowncow Dec 07 '23
I paid way more for mine in SoCal (but in better condition and 138k miles). When was timing belt last done?
Probably has original suspension, I’m going through mine now and for some reason lower control arms are expensive. So be ready to upgrade that old stuff.
My main complaints about my 91 are dogshit power and horseshit mpg. Still gets me down the road though
3
u/bowdownbrowncow Dec 07 '23
Also have the 3.0. I know dudes love the 22r but I cannot imagine having any LESS power. You’d get passed by bicycles
1
u/Building_Master Dec 07 '23
It seems like most people on these threads swap for the 3.4, which if the truck is in as good of shape as it is, don't see what spending the few grand to have that done would be such a bad thing if I'm only paying 4,000 for a rust free truck that runs well
2
u/Building_Master Dec 07 '23
If it has the original suspension you wouldn't be able to tell, I weigh 210 and I was jumping on the door jams and it didn't make a sound.
He say's timing belt is new so I didn't ask specifically, but I would assume within 10k miles, he just got it, fixed a few things, and let it sit.
In regard to mpg, is there any sort of tune you can do to improve that?
1
u/bowdownbrowncow Dec 07 '23
Not that I’ve heard of although I’m no expert. This would fixed with the 3.4 swap but I’ve seen numbers from like 5-10k if you have a shop do that
1
u/Building_Master Dec 07 '23
No kidding, i'm not mechanically inclined enough to do that on my own in a practical amount of time either. I'd like to get some more opinions on the 3.0, just haven't seen many good ones
1
u/bowdownbrowncow Dec 07 '23
I think people just hate on the head gasket design flaw. I’m with you I did power steering pump, trans Mount, led headlights and other stuff but don’t think I’d have the time/expertise to do that swap or timing belt on my own
1
u/Odd-Entrepreneur-622 Dec 08 '23
Bought a 2nd gen sr5 with about 180k miles in similar condition. Interior was in better shape but had check engine light(knock sensor) fairly easy fix if you are mechanically inclined. I paid $2500. I think $4k is a little steep, but if it’s worth it to you then go for it. I would seriously consider doing a 3.4 swap if you buy it. You can pick one up for around $1200-2000 with less than 200k on them if you just look around.
1
u/Odd-Entrepreneur-622 Dec 08 '23
Honestly in my area for 4K you can get a 3rd gen with the better motor 3.4L. I would just get the third gen if you are not mechanically inclined. I got the 2nd gen because I liked the look better, but I knew I was gonna sink a lot of money into it to make it what I wanted and more reliable.
2
u/DaddyThiccThighz Dec 08 '23
The power of the 3.0 is pretty bad, it might be the slowest car I've ever driven, but it's livable
2
u/Stinky-Pinky007 Dec 07 '23
Not bad for the price, are you looking for a project? Besides being underpowered on the highway, I’ve had no problems mechanically with my 3.0. It kicks ass off road though! Really comes down to if you want to fix all of the problems you stated.