So, I'm new to this forum... I am an avid member of a couple VW forums, so I know how ANNOYING it is to answer a question covered a bazillion times, BUT... in my defense I can't seem to find anything like this, and by all means If I'm being retarded (this place can't be as tough as the vwvortex) just aim me in the right direction.

Is there a list of things to look for, look out for, common issue wise when buying a used toyota (example: 1993, 4Cylinder, 4x4)

Your help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

 

Head gaskets seem to be a common issue when the engine overheats.

 

WELCOME!~

Do you have something in mind? Keep in mind this particular forum represents vehicles that are at LEAST 11 years old, in most cases older. If you give us an idea of what you're looking for, I'm certain we can steer you in the proper direction and give you a list of things to check/avoid.

 

3.0 V6's like to eat head gaskets. 2.4 I-4's like to eat timing chains.

 

Avoid the 3.0 like the plague.

 

I have 201k on my v6 with nary a problem; maybe some don't do HG's correctly!

 

Yes, toyota dosen't do head gaskets properly...

 

Yes toyota doesnt do head gasket properly...
It will burn valves
Throw a rod

If your over 200k consider yourself lucky and be prepared for the time when your going to have to pay 1600-3200 to get it fixed.

 

why pay to get it fixed when you can take a weekend and get it done youself??

 

ok.. this guy was not looking for a bunck of bickering. i love my truck. in your expample with the 93 4 banger. thats good. 22re is one of the best engines ever. my dad has owned his 86 4runner since the day it was new, 190000 miles. still tickin... and you dont have to run away from the 3.0 either(well you probably could cuz they aint very fast) but if you find one that was well taken care of and has had the HG recall done you will be ok. just remember these trucks are 10+ years old. look out for rust and other than that dont do anything different that you wouldnt normally do when looking at used trucks.

ps. go with a 85 4runner. thats where its at!!

 

1600 is the price of a rebuilt longblock 3.0 v6


In my opinion if you can get a 4cyl 4x4 get it, you wont be sorry.
The 3.0 are harder to work on and cost more to fix and tend to need fixed more often.

 

You might want to ask when and if the timing chain was replaced on a 22RE. If it has 120K+ miles and has not been done, then it should be done ASAP in my opinion. Also, the original timing chain guide rails are plastic. Many people opt to replace them with a steel rail kit when they replace the timing set. Once the guide(s) wear, the chain contacts the side of the timing cover and can wear through it over time. If the previous owner does not know if it has been done, you can remove the rocker cover and look down into the timing cover and inspect the guides.

Up here in the rust belt of New England, it is common to see frame rot, especially on the rear frame rails.

Otherwise, the rest is pretty common stuff.

Good luck.

 

Additionally, but not a deal breaker, with the 22re timing chain, try to get documentation that it was done, not just verbal. Several people here and at other forums have found out later that PO really hadn't had the chain replaced. Also, if you can get confirmation, find out if they cleaned out the oil pan to get the plastic out of it after the chain guides were chewed up.

Look to see if the check engine light comes on when you turn the key and turns off when it starts. If it isnt working on key turn, then it could be throwing codes and be deactivated.

 

As far as the timing chain goes its not real difficult to pull the valve cover off quickly and check the condition as it is only held on with 4 bolts.

 

You don't need an 85. 85s had the straight axle and efi (fuel injection). But if you want a straight axle, what you realy want is flex not just the straight axle. So your gona have to basicly do a SAS anyways. I personaly like my 3.slow, not for the engine though. the 3.0 has upgraded parts, bigger brakes and a different diff (not sure how different, but I know it's better). I'd say find almost any toyota that's in good shape. If it runs good and theres no rust and it's not too expensive, buy it. I would try and get an SR5 too. They have loads of features, and you probably wont have to pay too much more for it.

 

My timing chain on my 22re went out at 187xxx when the crankshaft bolt was removed, causing oil to spray everywhere to lose the pressure which holds the chain in place. BUT my dad bought the 85 new and took damn good care of it. i would look for rust on the frame and under the carpet if he will let you and completely under the truck. I would look for odd noises other than a slight tick in the engine area. and check for matching VIN #s too.

 

Things to check:
Power windows - especialy the rear window
Radio antener
Fan and AC
Hubs - make sure they turn easily
4wd - try putting it in 4wd, but don't drive it on the pavement in 4wd
Tire wear
Does it leak oil, other fluids?
Is there a maintenance log?
Locks - try using another matching key (like from another 4runner), both in the locks and ignition
Lights
Radio
Umm, anything else you can think of

 

Figure out what you want, and then be patient. Find exactly what you want and then jump on it. It may take time to find it, but its out there.

I have the 3.0, and it has a bit of a reputation (although mine went over 200,000 troublefree miles before bottom end work). In retrospect I personally would rather have the 22re for a couple of reasons: 1) fuel mileage 2) easier to work on

I would recommend the manual transmission as well. Reasons: 1) fuel mileage 2) the 3.0 w/auto is a bit of a dog 3) easier to maintain

my .02

 

oh put a piece of paper up to the exhaust, and if the paper gets sucked in walk away, burnt valves, but if the paper is CONSTANTLY pushed away your o.k. in that area. Drive in a circle w/ 4wd, it should lock up and start to skip or make noises, if it doesnt there is an issue with the front end. if the hubs dont turn easy, they were just put together wrong, and you can get a new set for 110 bux, but what you should do is try and if its hard get some pliers and make it turn if it wont it may be something more serious.

There is a faq on the web somewhere which tells you what to look for, thats were i got the paper and 4wd trick, i think it was 4x4wire or something though.