$1500, should I buy?

[zerosoma33]

Friend of a friend wants to sell me a 4runner, 4x4, it's a '90 model, has around 170,000 miles, but he lives quite a ways out (6 hours away from me to be exact). Says he did a lot of mechanic work, changed oil on time and serviced electrical stuff like spark plugs and stuff. Rusted body a little and tranny was replaced at 145,000 miles. Gas filter replaced. Exhaust replaced due to rust. Loose gear shifter, but could be tightened with a couple turns of the screwdriver they say. Antenna is broke. Never been off-road. No other known problems and is one of his favorite vehicles but he has to get rid of it, he has too many vehicles and it doesn't get driven like it should.

I'm sorta taking a risk, not one that I'm real nervous about, in fact I'm quite excited about it. I'm wondering, since this thing has basically been babied (as he says) and if I baby it too, how many miles should I get out of it? Is there some common problems I should watch out for on these '90 4Runners? What can you tell me about the 1990 model year?

Looking for a vehicle for wintertime and I would like it to be as problem-free as possible.

Thanks!

[fourwd1]

The biggest thing to look out for is frame rust. It rust's from the inside out, so you don't see it until it's real bad.
Body rust is next, check where it mounts to the frame.
There is no "screw driver adjustment" for shifter play, but it may simply be the rubber seat for the shifter is shot, and new parts are only $15 or so.
Big thing is to make sure the 4wd system works and shifts properly from 2wd to 4wd Hi and 4wd Lo.