What problems to look for on a 2nd gen?

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum because I'm basically trying to join the 4runner community !

I'm looking into buying my first 2nd gen, it is a salvage title 93 and the owner doesn't seem very savvy about the truck. There aren't major "crashed looking" parts from what I see in the pictures apart from a super rusty hood and front driver fender. I'm going to try to go look at the truck in person this weekend, and the owner said it drives but it has "a power issue" but he "doesn't have the ability to diagnose it".

I'm assuming he is NOT referring to electrical power, but a problem with the engine. I've read millions of references to blown head gaskets, but I don't know what else should I look for when I check out the car, especially when trying to have an idea for what the "power issue" can be.

The only clue the guy has given me is "if it's going out of town, it will need to be towed", which tells me it probably doesn't pick up enough speed for the highway .

Not sure what else to assume, but any heads-up you guys can give me is well appreciated!

Hopefully it will be something simple and I come back with a rusty runner but a shiny smile this wknd

Thanks!

 

Welcome.

 

Head gaskets probably.. how many miles? Look for rust wheel wells and frame. Check for seeping pinion leaks bushing rubber. Check coolant level. If it’s not red coolant don’t buy it..

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the reply!

Not sure exactly about the miles. Apparently the odometer stopped working at 74k, according to him, he got it like that.

 

Check and make sure everything functions with the rear tailgate

 

Welcome @warriorkenth!!

sorry I can’t add much in terms of buying problems but can say that the 3.0 liter had major head gasket problems. Personally love the 90s with the tire rack in the back but if I were to buy a 2nd gen I’d totally swap out a 5VZ-FE!! Anyways, best of luck!!

Edit: also remember reading about compression issues in #3 and #5 however, my memory alludes me all too often.

 

Thanks for the advice from all of you so far

 

Why is that? These vehicles came with green coolant from the factory. I have always had green in mine.

 

I think he might be referring to milkshake from blown head gasket or worn out coolant in general.

 

Watch for rust inside the rear tailgate. My dad's '95 had major rusting issues there. He also had to have the top end of his 3.0 rebuilt after the head gasket went. My '94 3.0 lost compression on the right side but I don't know if it was the same issue, I sold it without fixing it. Hope it works out for you!

 

Head gasket failures due to the crossover exhaust pipe that overheats the back 2 cylinders. When we bought ours, it had "power issues" too. Found out we had a dead cylinder. Engine came out and was rebuilt...still had power issues but they were less than before. had intermitting limp mode that would pop up after about 10 minutes of driving . Started replacing relays and sensors and a whole host of other shit . I have a thread on the entire nightmare.....but she is finally good now! Good luck!

 

Oh man.. this really scares me . The owner hasn't responded my msgs anymore so I'm not sure if he is really interested in selling it.

I appreciate the info from everyone anyways

 

Well, I thank you all one more time for your advice, but the seller never showed up. After a few days I got tired of waiting and looked around a bit more, I ended up buying a 4th gen with a pretty low price. It needs a good amount of TLC, but at least I'm not scared about the head gasket