1992 4runner

I am looking to buy this 4runner http://elpaso.craigslist.org/cto/5340982191.html.. will go to look at it tomorrow. Any tips on what to look for ?

 

I'm sure others more knowledgeable will chime in, but I'd say to look underneath for any serious rust issues. Check out the seat mounting hardware for any signs of rust (helps determine if this could have been a flood vehicle). Always try to take it a reputable mechanic and have them look it over. That never hurts. If you drive it, feel the shift points for any unusual jerks or slips... Make sure the 4x4 will engage/disengage and work properly.

That's just some I can think of real quick.

 

Since it has the 3.slow...and the ad says that the oil and coolant have recently been replaced, I think that there may be a leaking head gasket they are trying to cover up. See if you can start it cold to keep an eye out for a blue tint(oil) to the exhaust, it would give a hint that's what's going on. I've owned the 1994 version of that same vehicle, and the head gasket was my most expensive repair.

 

Thank you for the advise! I will be definitely be on the look out for that!

 

If you want to be really tricky and there isn't a huge demand for the truck, you could overnight an oil sample to Blackstone Labs for a check of the HG.

I don't know if it's still active, but there was a courtesy HG repair by Toyota for those trucks. They'd repair it once, but not again. I don't know if it's original owners only or what the deal is, but you might want to call a local dealer and see what still exists, if anything.

 

Sweet smell from exhaust can mean a HG
Sometimes you can pull the radiator cap and look for a constant stream of small bubbles.
Rent a pressure gauge for radiator, and see how fast it rises, if it builds pressure REALLY fast, from a cold start, chances are HG is gone.

These are obviously not 100% accurate, just old school quick methods of checking.

Also if an emissions place is near, you can see if any Hydrocarbons are in the cooling system. That's a for sure way to tell.