I'm a hundy owner and a one banana guy. One of my sons will be spending this and possibly more winters in mountain environments and potentially doing a lot of winter driving, and sleeping in his rig sometimes. I've been shopping for a Tacoma or 4Runner on something of a budget (under $10k, tough to find). 4 cylinder, manual trans being optimal. Kid's not a wrench himself and obviously needs something that won't let him down on a snowy mountain road in the middle of nowhere.
I looked yesterday at a '95 4Runner with a rebuilt 22RE, 5 speed. It appears to have been bought by the current owner from the original owner (via a dealer) with 265k+ on the clock with the intention of fixing it and selling it for a small profit. He had the engine rebuilt plus a new clutch at a shop which is documented. The rebuild has a 1 year transferable warranty provided maintenance is down at that shop. He's asking just under $6000. CARFAX is clean and confirms the chain of ownership, though the records end 80k miles or so ago except recent change of ownership.
It drives nicely, no rattles, smooth running, easy shifting though the suspension feels a little spongy - not terrible and I'm used the firmness of an OME setup in my LC - and he acknowledges there was no suspension work done. The body is decent with a few dings and scratches commensurate with its age. Rear window switch in the console not working but does work with a key in the tailgate. All 4WD gears go in easily and without any noise. Crawling underneath I could see no signs of rust and it has spent its entire life in the PNW.
I think the seller does a few of these flips as he acknowledges a relationship with the dealer he bought it from as well as the shop that did the work. On the other hand he is encouraging a PPI at a dealership and offers to introduce me to the mechanic that did the work. I've seen what he paid for both the car and the repairs.
I'm seriously considering having a PPI done and possibly making the buy, and wonder if any of you experts see any holes in this story, have any advice for things I should be on the lookout for, or can offer me either encouragement or discouragement.
Your thoughts appreciated! Thank you.
I looked yesterday at a '95 4Runner with a rebuilt 22RE, 5 speed. It appears to have been bought by the current owner from the original owner (via a dealer) with 265k+ on the clock with the intention of fixing it and selling it for a small profit. He had the engine rebuilt plus a new clutch at a shop which is documented. The rebuild has a 1 year transferable warranty provided maintenance is down at that shop. He's asking just under $6000. CARFAX is clean and confirms the chain of ownership, though the records end 80k miles or so ago except recent change of ownership.
It drives nicely, no rattles, smooth running, easy shifting though the suspension feels a little spongy - not terrible and I'm used the firmness of an OME setup in my LC - and he acknowledges there was no suspension work done. The body is decent with a few dings and scratches commensurate with its age. Rear window switch in the console not working but does work with a key in the tailgate. All 4WD gears go in easily and without any noise. Crawling underneath I could see no signs of rust and it has spent its entire life in the PNW.
I think the seller does a few of these flips as he acknowledges a relationship with the dealer he bought it from as well as the shop that did the work. On the other hand he is encouraging a PPI at a dealership and offers to introduce me to the mechanic that did the work. I've seen what he paid for both the car and the repairs.
I'm seriously considering having a PPI done and possibly making the buy, and wonder if any of you experts see any holes in this story, have any advice for things I should be on the lookout for, or can offer me either encouragement or discouragement.
Your thoughts appreciated! Thank you.
the old 22RE is a good motor, not a powerhouse as mudder said, but solid and dependable with oodles of aftermarket support amd is easy to work on. That is a decent price if the motor was rebuilt properly and the truck is in good shape.
