To buy it or not to buy it....

Hello all. I'm new here and have found myself in quite the conundrum. I've always wanted a 1st get 4runner (1987) and I finally found one. It has 140,000 miles on it, has no rust whatsoever, is in immaculate condition and it's a turbo model which I've heard is rare. The turbo has gone out on it and it may need a new head gasket/other stuff repaired or replaced. I've done some research and found that the turbo alone is $2500 not including labor. The guy was asking $5900 for it and I talked him down to $4000. But having never owned one of these, I'm hesitant to buy not knowing much about them. But...let's be honest, they're pretty dang awesome and I don't mind putting some money into but I don't want to buy a major money pit. At the moment, I've got possession of the 4runner and I have it at a mechanic. For those of you that know this car, are there specifics I should ask the mechanic about? Anything specific with the turbo engine in general? Thoughts on whether or not $4000 is a fair deal for the vehicle? Many many thanks in advance.

 

@ajohnson know anything about turbo first gens?

you should check out this build though,

if you had any questions, the OP on that thread is the guy to ask

 

Buy it!!!!!

 

I bought it and it was a wise decision. Thanks!

 

That thing looks great for the age. I love the gauge cluster, it's so 80's in an awesome way.

 

Congrats, its in great condition from what I can see! Very good buy.

 

Looks like it needs a good wet sanding from the orange peel but looks really nice man. I like it