1999 4Runner New Buyer Assessment

Hey 4runner friends,

In my search for a south Florida 4x4/general tool around town vehicle, this 1999 4runner (CL link) came up.

I ran it by my 4runner friends and they gave me the go-ahead based off the ad. The biggest warning I've found from prowling threads is to mind the rust. According to the buyer, he's repaired rust spots and blasted/treated the frame.

I'm hoping you can give me a gutcheck on inspecting/purchasing this specimen. What should I be looking for during inspection? What price should I be targeting? Any other miscellaneous look-outs you'd recommend to a 4runner first-timer?

 

A month ago I just purchased one of this beast. As 1st time buyer, I was inexperienced.
What I learned so far, 99 4runner 4wd sr5 is a beast, for me, I got a bad rust spot after the deal was done. Pretty disappointed to discovered it later on.
I should've check it thoroughly.
Its on the muffler side chassis but only visible when you lift the whole car.
I think its a well known spot.

 

Woah, that's a gnarly one. I'll be sure to look out for it! What did the repair look like?

 

If you search on youtube, how to repair rust 3rd gen 4runner. There is one guy who did it all by himself with some welding. Mine will be the same but I have to find a good welding shop to do it.
It was all not visible to me unless you reachout with your hand deep inside the chassis and check it inch by inch.

 

I'll definitely check it out. I admire your solution: buy a second M/T 4runner while your 99 is getting repaired.

 

That opportunity came to me out of nowhere, I think God sent me that M/T with such a beautiful condition and well documented maintenance with such a good price. and most importantly, no rust issues.
Its hard to find M/T 3rd gen in the Northeast.

 

It looks fine to me, but get any receipts related to the repair. There are a bunch of round holes in the frame where you can peak inside, while a lot of people will make sure the frame looks nice they rarely go to the trouble of doing stuff to the inside of the frame. If you see something similar to what is in the photo below, you'll get some idea of how the car was used and how well it was taken care of.


Also newer tires should always be a red flag. Ask the owner if the car is aligned and balanced. A way to check alignment is to see if the tires are worn evenly, sellers know this and sometimes they will put new tires on to hide this issue.