Needing Insight

[shep099]

Hey guys, I am looking at a 1988 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 with 22RE. I have not physically looked at it yet but talked with the guy selling it today. First, I was told the truck has 120,000 original miles. 4x4 works great. No dents or rust. The paint needs a little help and he said the heater works awesome but ac does not work. It has been sitting inside a shed and collecting dust. He said he cranked it and drove it around today for the first time since beginning of 2011. He said it has a small exhaust leak. He is asking $3500. My question is, what do I need to pay special attention to when I go look at it. Thank you any and all responses. Have blessed day!!!

[fourwd1]

1) Frame rust, a big problem in these trucks. Rusts from the inside out, so it's not noticeable until it's too late.

2) Timing Chain, it's over due for replacement if it hasn't been done.

3) Awesome heater is nice, but hardly a selling point, working AC is.

4) 120K orig miles is very low for that old a truck, if true.

5) For $3500, it should be in excellent shape all around.

6) Will it pass inspection and emissions tests?

just my $.02

[shep099]

Thank you fourwd1 for the response. Maybe an elementary question, but how can I check the frames for rust if they rust from inside out? Also, how can I be certain that the 120k miles are actually legit? Thanks again!

[fourwd1]

There's bound to be some surface rust that you can see, but the big problem is not so obvious.
Get under the truck and start tapping away with a small hammer or something, looking for weak spots.
Both sides and the bottom of both frame rails. Takes a good bit of time to do it proper.
Especially anywhere the frame turns upwards from horizontal, above the rear axle, and where the fuel tank sits against the frame. Also the cross-members, and the body mounts.

[shep099]

ok thanks alot! Also, since the truck has been sitting in a shed since feb of 2011, how many issues can that cause maintenance wise? seals, gaskets, fluids, etc?