Just pulled the trigger on a 3rd Gen!

First of all thanks for all the great information from everyone who contributes to this site!
I am a Tundra guy and we are a Toyota family. Recently joined this site and have been researching 4Runners for my 15year old son’s first vehicle. Had all intentions of traveling south for an older 4Runner in better condition than my rust belt area. And then it happened...
I found this 2002 SR5 with 161K for $4,900. Here is a few pics of my craigslist find. Was posted late Sunday night, I responded & took Monday off work because I thought it would not last a day. Frame is actually decent, body is excellent. Both bumpers replaced, hitch/running boards removed. New timing belt, Nittos, wheels off a 2015, shocks/springs and radiator all new!
After I got home and in the garage, I found some touch up above the windshield & kinda freaked out. I totally missed it & looks like they tried to fix a little rust & repainted the top area of the roof above the windshield. Oh well, I own it now & probably not a deal breaker. Also, had 7 owners which seemed like a lot, but it looks like it was pampered inside/out. Hope I did ok, time will tell.
BTW the look on my sons face...priceless!

 

It is a great looking 4Runner. The issues that you've noted are minor in my opinion and the fact that your son is loving it, tops it all. You're a great dad.

 

Looks like a great buy! Out here in California that car in that shape with the miles goes for a minimum of 6 to 7k

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

welcome

 

Welcome.

 

So check if the windshield is new. That may be the reason for the touch up you noticed.

Honestly though, that place is probably the last place for these cars to rust out on, so if it was repaired due to rust and they repaired it properly, you should be good for quite a while.

 

Well, funny you mention that because the windshield is new! But the new paint runs 4-6” back & is the length of the windshield. So, I’m gonna just chalk it up to a mediocre paint job. I ran a magnet over it to make sure no bondo & it’s all good.

 

Any variation to the geometry of the roof can pop a windshield. Most any autobody man can tell you a story where a car came that was hit in the rear corner and had a broken windshield too.

So it may still be related. I'll agree it's not probable.

 

nice ride....greetings from Memphis....here's my '97 Limited

 

Welcome from Texas, Very nice ride!