Looking to '90 4Runner 3 QUESTIONS!!!

[imroc]

I'm a huge fan of both Honda and Toyota. Currently, my wife and I do not own a honda, but she drives an '02 Camry. I, myself drive a little Kia Sportage. I've always liked Toyota Pickups and SUV's, but never owned either. I'm looking at a 1990 4Runner SR5 V6. It's got quite a few miles (195,000), but seems to be running like a champ. I took it out on dry highway and snow and mud covered back roads, 4wheel drive seems to be pretty good.
1. I plan to have my wifes cousin, who owns his own auto mechanic shop, take a look at it. Are there any concerns that I should be aware of for this particular model and year?
2. I priced it at kbb.com, and the value they suggest is at $6000, I can take it for $4400, is this a fair price? Tires are brand new (very big, very beefy), some dings and dents (no big deal). 3. Can this vehicle be equipped w/ a hitch to tow a 4 wheeler or small camper?

[signu]

I have an 89 toyota 4x4 v6 pickup and it runs great. I got it for a lot less but it was in a lot worse condition. The 85 was the last year of the solid front axle so that kinda detracts from the later models off-road capabilities. Also, the valve clearance is done with shims so that makes adjusting your own valve clearance more annoying but shims are more reliable. Otherwise it sounds like a great buy, mine has 210k and it's still running strong.

[jesuitchristie]

manual or automatic transmission?

[MenaceSQL]

There was a BIG recall on the head gasket. Check to see if the head gasket has been replaced if that year 4Runner was affected by the head gasket recall. I guess it may be alright since it has almost 200,000 miles on it?

I got almost 300,000 miles on my engine before it went out.

[robinhood150]

3. Yes, it is rated to tow 3500lbs.

[justin22]

rust beware of that evil villian, those box frames are a haven

[imroc]

Automatic

Not worried about rust because it's not much of an issue here in southern colorado. BTW, that's one thing i do NOT miss about being back home in the chi-town area. Old cars here in s. colorado, look GREAT!!!

[alltrac165]

I've got a 90 Runner. Love it. Like mentioned on the head gasket, check the vin with a Toyota dealer to see if it's under the service campaign for the head gasket and if it's been done or not. Mine was not covered and just blew at 210K miles. I just ordered a 5VZ from the local wrecker to swap in. You can do a leak down test on it and check the oil and water for signs of a slightly blown gasket, but no way to know for sure if it's going to go soon or not. No other bugs that I am aware of. I'm in the bay area of CA and got mine at about 180K miles for $6500 in excellent condition, so 4K is pretty good I think. Oh yeah, if the sun roof cable goes, it's not going to be fun to replace it. I almost never use mine so I leave it shut and didn't replace the cables. With good shocks, it rides great, handles good, does pretty well offroad. Good all around family car.