Questions For Buying Potential 3rd Gen

Hi, folks. I've been on the hunt for a good-condition 4Runner in my area for a few years now. I love the look of them and they're an ideal daily driver for my needs. I've owned a 2019 TRD Pro Tacoma but lost it in my divorce this year, so I'm hoping to finally get the 4Runner I want.

I'm meeting up with a guy this Friday to look at his 1999 3rd gen. Can y'all help me prepare some questions to ask him? This will also be my first time potentially buying private party.

Here are the details he's provided so far:
1999 3rd gen 4 Runner
- Solid and reliable
- 3” ToyTec suspension with 1” diff drop
- Total chaos UCAs - Upgraded TRD off-road wheels
- 33” tires - High angle CVs from CVJ - Kickers speakers all around
- Double din stereo - Dynamat underlayment to reduce road noise
- Polyurethane bushings for UCAs and rack and pinion.
- Timing belt and water pump replacement.
- New spark plugs and wires.
- New LBJs
- Many more upgrades in just spacing at the moment…. I did notice a new tear in a CV inner boot during inspection. Sun roof is not working. Superficial rust starting under moldings, inevitable with the age, usage, and location of vehicle.

 

Toytec suspension is very basic and adds 0 value

Diff drops are useless

Not to mention 3" of lift is pushing it on these IFS rigs

Timing belt and water pump, I would only trust with valid receipts of parts and/or labor. Can see the components to verify if actually new so bring a flashlight

Tires are basically required to drive so unless they're brand new, also aren't adding value

LBJs are only worth noting if they're OEM; just ask what they are instead of asking "did you use OEM" as anyone can just lie and say yes

Sounds like a basic 4R really with mall crawl looks

Frame is what you need to inspect, fully. Take a ball peen hammer and check areas especially around the rear lower control arms.

Some live data monitoring to ensure vehicle runs at proper operating temps (interior temp gauges are not accurate on these vehicles)

Steering rack play, leaking, and checking the boots to ensure seals are good and no build up of fluid in there.

Brake fluid, check the reservoir. This will tell you if it's been maintained.

Don't get caught up on the "cheap upgrades" as that's what sellers love to emphasize on. Unless it's high quality suspension parts, write it off as basic stuff

 

agree with kwikvette. look for rust and keep on mind rust is actually worse than what you can see. also check the transmission fluid. if it's blank and burnt that's a no go.