Purchasing a 3rd Gen 4Runner
I've been looking to get into a capable vehicle as a winter daily, and have only ever heard great things about the 3rd generation of the 4Runner.
One just so happened to pop up on the market locally, and i've messaged the seller and will be checking it out tomorrow! Listed at $5,500 CAD ($4,000 USD), and being open to offers.
It is a 1999 Toyota 4Runner in Imperial Jade Mica. Pretty high milage having been highway drive plenty, and sits at 380,000 kilometers (236,000 miles). Exterior as seen in the attached photo looks to be in pretty good condition and the seller states there is minimal rust- will be checking the frame underneath thoroughly regardless. One thing the seller has mentioned is that there is an oil leak.
The car was originally from Ontario Canada and has now been brought locally to Manitoba.
On top of having done some research regarding the platform, I've been fortunate enough to be able to ask friends with the same generation about things to look for, some which being; the infamous pink milkshake found on the radiator, the oil leak found on the valve cover from a lack of RTV when replacing the gasket, the lower ball joint rusting out, and of course severe frame corrosion from rust.
I'd love to hear any other tips on what to look for when buying, possible cost of fixing/replacing components, if the car is a seemingly good deal (Other similar listings on the market are closer to $8,000 CAD), and will definitely be following up on the thread tomorrow (32-33hr from posting this) updating with anything I've come across and any questions that might pop up.
Thank you!