Hey guys, I'm new here and about to buy my first 4Runner. I could really use some help on what things I should be listening for/Looking at/Testing while I am on a test drive and looking under the hood and chassis.

I plan on getting a 2001 SR5 4WD with the Sport Package. It has 59k miles and was owned in Virginia for 2 years before being owned here in southern Cali. First owner.

Any and all info and help would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS in advance!

 

See if it had the 60k tune up. That will cost you several hundred dollars. Obviously ask if he has the service records. Other then that just check on the other standard issues when buying a used car.

 

Cool thanks man...

So its pretty standard that all 4Runners have a 60k mile tune up? What all gets fixed?

Should I get dirty and get underneith it and check for dirt and crud build-up?

 

Well if it were dirty underneath would that prevent you from buying the truck?

Yes 60k tune up is a must and is standard. Search the forums to see what is replaced and fixed.

The most important thing you haven't told is the price. How much are they asking?

 

One specific area I asked about was the timing belt. Find out if it has been replaced yet. I only say that because usually 60K is the reccommended interval on those and you would hate to start out on a new to you truck with a $250+ repair out the gate. Check for any brake vibrations during hard braking, make sure your 4WD engages when its supposed to engage. Those were the 3 major things, outside of all of the other normal stuff (CV boots, fluid colors, body rust, stereo works, etc, etc.) I checked before I bought my 4Runner used.

Service records are a definite must to ask about.

 

The interval for changing the timing belt on the 01 is 90K and $400+. But yes, like everyone else has said - check all the major things on it. Plus do some reading here so that you know where the usual problem areas are and what to look for.

 

"SHE" is asking $17,5 I'm hoping to get it closer to 16... does that sound reasonable? She took over the 4Runner from her dad.

Well if there was lots of mud buildup underneith the truck wouldn't it mean it was taken off-road alot and had abuse? If anyone is going to abuse it I would want it to be me

thanks for your feedback guys

 

Genius-
That price sounds about right. I picked up my 01 (same specs as yours, but not sport) this January for $14k, but it had 98k miles on it and I had to have the timing belt done. Just do your homework and you'll make a more informed decision.

 

My bad...60K was what Toyota told me for the Camry...too many Toyota's - not enough memory.

 

Geez....4Runners in CO are way cheaper than that!! Or maybe I only have seen a few cheap ones...but good choice, and good luck!!
Brett