Looking at a 2002 Sr5 4runner

Hey all,

I’m going to look at a 2002 Sr5 4runner as a beater car. I’ve always wanted one, my 2nd gen Tacoma only has 105k mileage so I’m not letting that go.

Is there anything specific to know about looking at a 4runner? I know to look at the frame and make sure the transfer case works. Is there anything specific to the 4runner, I.e. rear window, that I should know?

Thanks in advance!

 

They're a lot smaller than they seem to be.

Other than that if you buy one replace the lower ball joints with OEM immediately then every 75k there after or every 50k if you wheel it.

Otherwise like you stated; check frame and anything else you'd normal check when buying a car.

Carfax if you can get it, any records the owner may have, fluid conditions, tires, brakes, see if the brake pedal pad is worn through that can indicate hard brake use and an abused vehicle that kind if thing.

 

I've owned 5 4runners. Just know that the 3rd gen 4runner has really increased in value. At least the 2wd versions. Used to be able to pick one up for $2-4k. People are asking outrageous prices for them these days.

 

I have a '99 and owned an '02. The '01-'02 electric power brake booster seems to be a common failure point and it's stupid expensive to replace. Auto climate controls seem to all fail, there's a guy on the t4r dot com forum that has a legitimate repair business to rebuild the control units.