2004 4Runner SR5

Hello. I have used this forum for research purposes and have found the information sharing very helpful. Approximately, one year ago I purchased a 2004 SR5 with 220,000 miles with the intent of making this my camping/exploring vehicle. Unfortunately, I have run into a brake line issue (rust) making the vehicle undriveable. I have been told this will be a $1,000 minimum fix. Like many gen 4s in the Midwest, the frame has significant rust as well. Additional issues I would need to resolve are the control arms, brakes, rotors, calipers, tires, and wheels. I am not currently in a situation where I could take the time and money to resolve these issues so I am considering two options. Store it for now with the intention of correcting the issue when I retire in a few years or sell it. The motor and transmission work well and just about everything I have not mentioned is in good working order. There is a dent on the driver side front panel and the interior is in remarkably good condition for a 20 year old vehicle.

I am looking for advice and experiences from those who may have sold an inoperable 4Runner. Would you go the typical route of advertising through Car Gurus (or similar) or would it be wiser to seek an audience of 4Runner enthusiasts who may want to commit to the necessary work or perhaps use the vehicle for parts. I look forward to the feedback and thank you in advance.

 

It depends on how much you trust your future self to invest the time and money. I've known a lot of people who held on to future project cars until they were unfixable and had limited parts value. I've known others who really followed through, but I have to say they're the exception.

 

You mentioned the frame has significant rust, like how much? Holes in it and chunks missing or just surface rust? To me everything else can be fixed over time but the frame is like a deal breaker from what I’ve seen throughout my years on Tacoma and 4Runner forums.