2000 4Runner SR5 Purchase?

We are looking at purchasing a 2000 4Runner SR5. It has 318,000 miles on it. Has a salvaged title. Doing a Carfax showed it only had minor damage. The owners say that it has shake/vibration over 60 miles per hour. They’ve replaced the alternator, starter, and cv joints. It also has rust; on back bumper and where minor damage occurred. I am looking to hear experiences with your 4Runners with 300,000 miles on them. Also, have any of you experienced the shake/vibration at 60 miles per hour? What did you find to be the fix? If we decide to purchase it, what do you suggest I do to it to ensure it runs well! Any insights are very much welcomed!

 

Any particular reason to buy such an old, high mileage 4runner? There are enough newer clean examples with maintenance history for decent money available.
Almost every 4runner owner has experienced the 60 mph shimmy. Could be anything from a wrong alignment, wheel balance, worn of components, damaged parts etc etc.
I would avoid this one and look elsewhere.

 

We need a third car for a bit. We only need it to last several months, but obviously we hope it last longer. We are getting it from a friend and I believe it’s a good deal, $2,300. We’ve just never bought a car with this many miles and do not want to get it and have to immediately spend 1000s. I know nobody can tell me if this will happen or not, but just looking for more info.

 

At that milage, pretty much every moving part would need a replacement if it hasn't already been done. It is dirt cheap for a reason.
Ask the seller about maintenance and when was the last oil change. How bad is the rust. Amy visible leaks in the bay.
A used Camry/corolla from 2004-2008 are a better buy. Maybe a little expensive but will last longer.

 

I wouldn't buy it without getting a professional diagnosis on the shake. Then I would try and talk them down.

I have one with 310,000 miles. I just replaced the stabilizer bar links, clutch, timing belt, water pump, cam seals, crank seal, rear main seal and it still needs new rear wheel bearings and seals, valve cover gaskets and probably ball joints. And probably more. I bought it in near perfect condition in 2008 for 4800 with 180k on it. Now its a rust bucket with an endless to-do list.

Mind you, I don't plan to get rid of it but I'm under no delusions. Yours might be a good buy for a few months, and something expensive could go wrong tomorrow.

Get underneath it to make sure the frame isn't rusted. Get the shake diagnosed and loosen the top bolts on the timing belt cover and take a peek at the belt. It takes 2 minutes. If you see this




You need a new timing belt. This is a 3.4l, not sure what a 3.0 is like

 

I’d pay 1k max, salvage title + high miles. Make sure the vibrations aren’t caused by damage to the frame from the accident, you cant fix that.

When was the accident that got it the salvage title?

The 5vz is good, but 300k is where you see the difference between well maintained and poorly maintained.

Ask if it has coolant loss and check compression.

On top of the timing belt, you should adjust the valves. And from then on be on top of coolant changes.

Reasons for vibration can be poor alignment, poor wheel balance, worn suspension, imbalanced drive shaft, etc.

 

Does the front end always shake?
Does it only shake at certain speed ranges?
Is the whole front end shaking? Or just feel the vibration thru the steering wheel?

Have it inspected before purchase.

I'd figure at a minimum the ball joints need to be replaced, maybe the control arms...

HIGH HIGH miles AND a salvage title AND known problems should be cheaper than $2300

do you have tool/skills to work on it yourself? If not, I think it would cost more to fix than price of vehicle

Some other general tips to look at
-has the radiator been replaced?
-check the coolant and the oil...
if the radiator goes, the anti freeze gets it in the transmission and $$$
if the oil has water in it, or looks milky...keep looking

Finally, CARFAX is worthless...
I had a car with $33K of damage, and carfax showed it was a perfect one owner car