1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Help Buying 2001 4Runner

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by JuanMedel, Dec 15, 2021.

  1. Dec 15, 2021 at 11:04 AM
    #1
    JuanMedel

    JuanMedel [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2021
    Member:
    #24658
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Juan
    Hello I have the opportunity to buy a 2001 Toyota 4runner SR5 4x4 Sport. For $ 4300.

    344,000 Miles. I am scared for that number.

    Amazing Interiors.
    Locking Rear Differential.
    Mud Tires
    Time Belt Replaced.
    Owner says that all services were done but he is the 3rd owner I guess is difficult to claim that.
    He also claims that the mileage is because his son was commuting from EL Paso Texas to las cruces New Mexico daily. that's 92 daily miles.

    What you guys think about it.
    I Load pictures so you can see it.

    Thank you.

    toyo 1.jpg
    toyo 2.jpg
    toyo 3.jpg
    toyo 4.jpg
    toyo 5.jpg
    toyo 6.jpg
    toyo 7.jpg
    toyo 8.jpg
    toyo 9.jpg
     
  2. Dec 15, 2021 at 11:09 AM
    #2
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
    Member:
    #5853
    Messages:
    4,621
    Gender:
    Male
    I think the best advice you can get is from the pre-purchace inspection tech vs us on the forum. I think that $100 or so is more valuable than our comments.(maybe):):)

    Edit -
    I don't see locking rear diff as per pics. Is that locking center diff is for locking rear diff?
     
    JuanMedel[OP] likes this.
  3. Dec 15, 2021 at 1:02 PM
    #3
    Trekker

    Trekker Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15732
    Messages:
    853
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1997 3rz 5spd
    Thats a locking center diff, not rear. The rear diff was discontinued after 2000, and all 4x4 4runners after 2000 had a center differential (aka multi-mode).

    The this system is unique for offering 2wd, AWD, and 4wd (most vehicles only do 2 of those)
     
    JuanMedel[OP] likes this.
  4. Dec 15, 2021 at 3:17 PM
    #4
    JuanMedel

    JuanMedel [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2021
    Member:
    #24658
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Juan
    Thank you guys. I just bought it.
     
  5. Dec 15, 2021 at 3:19 PM
    #5
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2018
    Member:
    #7998
    Messages:
    2,687
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    KYle
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD OR
    Well its in the desert and you bought it.

    But hows the frame look.
     
  6. Dec 15, 2021 at 4:24 PM
    #6
    JuanMedel

    JuanMedel [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2021
    Member:
    #24658
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Juan
    Solid. No Rust. There was a little bit of rust on the hitch and the rear bumper. But I'm thinking that both are going to be removed in the near future.
     
  7. Dec 16, 2021 at 12:08 PM
    #7
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15120
    Messages:
    838
    Gender:
    Male
    559
    Vehicle:
    Multiple
    $3.5k would be ideal, especially at that mileage and the fact that you're going by the owner's word.

    Maintenance is one thing, and it's nice to know the timing belt has been done, but there are plenty of items that most don't consider as maintenence until it breaks or leaks -

    Radiator
    PCV valve
    Front diff breather
    Rear diff breather
    Upper ball joints
    Lower ball joints
    Tie rod ends
    Inner tie rods
    Upper control arm bushings
    Lower control arm bushings
    Front sway bar end links
    Steering rack bushings
    Rear upper control arm bushings
    Rear lower control arm bushings
    Rear panhard bar bushings
    Rear sway bar end links
    Transmission filter
    Valve cover gaskets

    And whatever else I'm forgetting off the top of my head
     
  8. Dec 16, 2021 at 4:16 PM
    #8
    Trekker

    Trekker Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15732
    Messages:
    853
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1997 3rz 5spd
    I would change all the fluids unless you have actual paper records of it being done within the recommended interval. That means front and rear differential, transfer case, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, coolant, engine oil, and power steering. Many people remember the engine oil, but they neglect to change all the other fluids and their usually disgusting when you get around to doing them.

    Also grease the zerks on the front and rear driveshafts. If you think its been off road, check the top of the rear shock mounts, there is a indentation that can collect dirt and mud and the small drainholes are inadequate, its typical for even clean frames to have rust start there since its way up out of sight and mind.
     
  9. Dec 17, 2021 at 12:02 PM
    #9
    PhantomTweak

    PhantomTweak New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2019
    Member:
    #12402
    Messages:
    1,200
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Patrick
    OREGON
    Vehicle:
    1999 4Runner, bone stock
    None. Bone Stock. EXCEPT: Brushguard, tow hitch, both welded to the frame. It's good to have friends and a fully equipped garage!
    I would also throw in to change out the brake fluid, unless it is the same color as what comes out of a new bottle. It absorbs moisture over time, and cause brake failure. Easy enough, just make absolutely certain the main reservoir never gets low enough during the whole process that the master cylinder sucks air in.

    Another thing to check, at least, are the diff breathers, especially the rear. If it gets clogged it can cause high pressure inside the diff, and it will force oil out the seals, and into the rear brakes. Messes the shoes up badly. Makes them swell and the brakes stick, pulsate, and so forth. They also don't slow the vehicle like they should. Look for oil coming out the rear brake drums. Dead give away. You need to change the rear axle oil seals, and the brake shoes. Not expensive, really, but drum brakes are a royal PITA.
    It saves a lot of expense, and aggravation, to keep the diff breather(s) clean and clear of dirt, mud, sand, whatever. If you plan on off roading, you might consider breather extensions. Very cheap and easy to install. Keeps them from getting clogged up when you go through mud holes, water crossings, etc.

    Just a couple more thoughts.
    Pat☺
     

Products Discussed in

To Top