That truck must have come from up north. I have heard of them rusting and even rumors of a future recall like Tacomas. Nothing for sure yet though. 3rd gen 4runners are kinda hard to come buy. Sometimes you can find a 4th gen for similar money. Axle seals are kind of a weak spot. Ive had to replace both of mine, but mine has 200k on it now. Always look at the rear backing plates on 3rd gens for signs of gear oil. And if the bearing was replaced a lot of people get it back together wrong and a new seal will never fix it until you get the bearing retainer properly installed. I have only seen 1 trans cooler leak on a 4runner and heard of one a T100, but still a very good idea to check.
Thanks Jackie. I did just that and looked over the rear brake area for oily residues. Didn't find any.
If all goes to plan I'll seal the deal for the black 2000 shown above on Monday. I drove it, it behaved itself and worked despite 20 degree temps, gave me some confidence it might get me home even in the dead of winters here. All the important stuff worked, some minor issues on the interior, but nothing I can't try to fix or can live with if I can't. I got it to run around in not to be some luxury vehicle, although I think for it's age I could have done worse.
I don't think I got the deal of the month or anything, but they came down some on the price so I don't think I got hosed either. Unless it blows up on the way home.....Crossing my fingers, wish me luck, perhaps I'll be driving it home Monday.
Thanks for everyone's input. Hoping this vehicle lives up to the reputation of it's model. It seems to be a fun backup vehicle, I think I'll enjoy mixing up my routine driving it. I love to drive with the windows down anyway when it's warm, silly as it is, I think the sun roof and back glass opening will be my favorite things about it.
