Possible Purchase 88 Runner

Thinking of buying this 88. Asking is $4200. Going to look at it tomorrow. New to the runner world other than having a 14' as a company car. Supposedly has 250K on the V6 auto trans. Older woman owned since new and sold to a guy last year who probably got a god deal. He's got and RV shop and several trucks laying around he wants to get rid of. It's supposed to have no rust though its been at the coast its whole life. No idea on what kind of work has been to it in the past. I was really looking for the 22RE with manual but beggars can't be choosers. Does anyone here have experience with the motor? I've been told that V6 with the auto trans and that many miles is a bad combo. Any guidance is much appreciated

 

It looks really clean. Check the frame for rust. These box frames rust from the inside out. The 3.0/auto is a real turd in the performance dept. It's infamous for blown head gaskets. Definitely check on that. Any service records for it? Price seems about right if it's as clean as it looks. It would be a great candidate for a 3.4 swap. GL

 

thanks for the info. how can I check for head gasket? also realistically what's ballpark price to swap to a 3.4L, and would It require a trans too?

 

Have u fired it up? Does it smoke? Do a compression check. As far as costs involved to do a swap, there's a lot of variables. Mainly what u can get the 3.4 for. There are a couple swap kits out that ease installation. You can keep the trans.

 

gong to drive by it tomorrow. Owner will be back Tuesday so I can test drive.