Going to look at a 96 4Runner today

[DustyFJ]

My younger son has been saving for his first car for a while now. We’re going this afternoon to look a what looks like a clean 96 4Runner 235,000 mi for $1500

What kind of things should I look for on that truck? Regular stuff? Oil color, accidents? Door fitment etc??

 

[76FJ40]

Timing belt replacement.

 

[DustyFJ]

Timing belt done at 210,000. It had a glove box full of receipts and this is the third owner he seemed legit. He didn’t have the title so we’re going to complete the transaction tomorrow. I told him how my kid saved up the money asked 1350, he said 1200 was enough. Seemed like a nice guy, said he was a cop.

It had the 3.4 and new shocks but needs rotors, tires, and the trans makes a whine when you let off the gas, especially around 60 mph

My boys pretty happy, I’m probably even more excited for him

 

[Tikicruiser]

Sounds like a class act of a seller, lowering the price to pay it forward on a kid who has been saving up.

 

[bkfj40]

That whine could be a diff as well, couldn’t it? Once you get it home, baseline it with your son and take a look at the fluids. Congrats to him for saving up - I think it really means more than being given a car.

 

[dbug]

Check if the po replaced the lower ball joints, and the radiator. Do a search on ‘3rd gen 4Runner pink milkshake’.
Other than that, They’re solid trucks.
Built in Japan like the land cruiser.

 

[Von Hayek]

Whine could be the transfer case too. Truck looks shiny! Pat your son on the back.

 

[shmukster]

Good luck with the new addition!!!!

 

[Chocolate]

Nice price, nice 1st car.