'87 4Runner - should I buy?

[Ausvego]

So, I found a '87 4Runner for sale for $3500 in my town, and I've been needing a car, especially one with 4 wheel drive. It's got 246,500 miles on it already, and there's something wrong with the starter. Also, there was no water in the radiator or resevoir. I know the 22-RE engine that it has can have problems with the head gasket and timing belt, and neither of those have been replaced recently. Otherwise, it seems to be in wonderful condition, and I'm wondering if I should buy, and if so, if I should offer less. I'm pretty sure that the owners are willing to go for less, it's been on craigslist for a month now with no takers.

Thanks!

 

[jynx]

87, 246k miles, bad starter and empty radiator.... this does not sound like a $3500 rig. If you can't hear it run then in my opinion you are looking at $1k or less. A starter and fluid change is not terribly expensive, but a top end rebuild and new radiator will set you back a grand or more.

I would give the guy a call, maybe go take a look, but if you can't drive it home, you should not pay that much for it. If you are mechanically inclined and can get it for a good price (less than a grand) then it could be a nice find.

 

[bryan89]

^this X 2.....billion

 

[Thundra]

You could get a newer one for that money. We have tons of them here.

 

[dtrailtaco]

That is way to much money, you could get one ready to dd for that price in NICE condition.