2001 Toyota 4runner SR5 4X4 purchase??

Hi there I'm thinking of purchasing this 2001 Toyota 4runner SR5 4X4 recently posted near me...It looks cosmetically great for year!! BUT I'm concerned as it only has 119k miles on it!!?? Seems impossible to be actual miles...AND ONLY known problems is "It needs a new radiator and steering rack"?? Should I even consider checking this out...He's asking 6k price....please advise! Tu

 

Sounds like a deal. You have to make a judgement call based on what you see. A 119k miler should look really great inside and out. The rack shouldn't have gone bad...I'm wondering if they are mistaking a valve cover leak or something as the rack leaking.

Regardless a radiator or rack replacement is not that hard.

 

Any feedback as to why the steering rack needs replacement? Is it a hydraulic issue or something within the mechancs? I’d say as a quick looksie check for leakage around the hydraulic fittings m, get in and unlock the steering wheel and rack it left and right. Do you feel slop? If so how much (best guess estimation how much angular play exists.) As a point of reference, my 2021 at over 380K miles had approximately 5 degrees of angular play at the steering wheel but wasn’t an issue with steering.

 

welcome

 

Look for the usual things like rust, maintenance, pedal and other wear might help clue you in to true mileage and it’s a 25 year old truck so expect to feel a little nickel-and-dimed here and there as rubber and hoses need replacement.

Of course it won’t beat taking it to a mechanic.

 

Welcome

 

welcome. Agree with what @icebear said, best is a pre purchase inspection.