Looking for buying advice, is this worth it?

Hey all,

currently just browsing/window shopping the online market for something that gets me from A to B and is manual so I can learn stick mainly. Prob one of the cheapest ones on the market in my area (BC, Canada) but after reading up, I've learned a lot about the things I might need to look out for problem-wise.

Looking to get some thoughts and further insights on something like this. I've read a lot about the preference for 3rd gens, and that they do make manuals up to the year 2000. Would be interested in some minor off-roading in the future, and maybe becoming a project car if time allows.

Appreciate all the help, thanks!

 

That's pretty cheap, I think that's roughly $2700 US Dollars. At that price, I'd be worried that it was eaten alive by rust. Check the frame and see how much rust it has. In the pictures you can clearly see rust has eaten away at the fenders in the rear.

If you're going to off road it, you don't want the frame snapping in half while driving or crawling rocks in the middle of nowhere.

 

Hey Borracho, first off, thanks for your reply!

agreed, been reading up about 4runners and older models having issues with body frame rusting, would definitely be a big worry if I do end up checking out the car. Would this be worth it in the long run in terms of maintenance given all the other possible issues (head gasket, etc.) assuming rust wasn't an issue? I'm not a huge car guy nor mechanic as of yet, but would be interested in learning the ropes in the future.

 

With that many miles (kilometers) and at the price point, I'd guess that the maintenance was deferred on a lot of major items. Gaskets, fluid changes, timing chain/belt, plugs, hoses, wiring... Go check it out in person and carefully inspect the engine bay. Listen to it running at idle, then rev it and listen to it. You may hear ticking or knocking.

For the price advertised, there's a 90-ish% chance you'll have ongoing issues with it. But that can be said for most older vehicles & high mileage vehicles. If you don't mind putting in the work (time, labor, cash), then get it. Fix it up right so it's a solid driving vehicle.

I have seen some ugly ass vehicles in my time, but the engines were solid and kept going and going and going. It takes effort to keep 'em running.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if you were spot on for all those things. Much appreciated, definitely things I'll keep in mind!

 

Without pics of the underside can't tell.

Those seats looks pretty damn nice still.

 

Yeah, the interior looks pretty damn nice indeed.

 

This could be a serious money pit. I recently bought a 94 for 4k with 187k miles and immaculate original paint, no damage ever to the body, no rust, perfect interior. So far so good. The bad news. Needed a clutch, front axle boots. rear axle seal, valve adjustment, timing belt, front diff seals and needle bearings, headlight switch etc etc etc, $$$. I'll get it all done diy but lots of work and $ for parts. I'm questioning if it was worth it. That's with perfect body, frame and interior. With that much rust, no way.