Bit of advice please

[alrob]

Gday guys,

i'm in the process of looking at buying my first 4WD, and i'm looking at a diesel 86-88 4 Runner. now, i want something in pretty good nick, and have seen some around the 6-7k mark in the trading post. but these seem to be few and farr between. i've also seen some at around 2k, petrol, and thought about the possibility of getting a diesel engine and dropping it in. i'm more interested in is long term performance, with no real plans in turning it into a 'beast'.

cheers, al

[Webbie]

How much do you want to spend is all u have to worrie about the trading post will do the rest and HAGGLE like f@ck.know the vehicle in and pick it to shreds.

[JohnJohn]

Far cheaper to buy a diesel to start with and you need a lot more than just an engine

Even if you intend to do a little off road driving get the earlier model with the solid front axle these are stronger and work better off road.

[MUZZ]

The best advice i can give you based only from my own experience and also my friends is "Know what you want" and also take a drive of some diesels and petrol 4x4's and learn about the pros and cons for both engine variants. Good value for money 4x4's in my opinion are those imported hilux surfs you can get them these days as cheap as $ 6000 and $9000 for a fairly decent one or if you prefer a ute then go for a 89, 90 ,91 hilux dual or extra cab , pertol lux of this model are as cheap as $7000 maybe even cheaper depends how desparate the seller is. Also never buy anything that looks like its been in a serious accident or had some major body/suspension/chasis repair, i stay well away from these.

thats my 2 cent
cheers

[alrob]

ok, thanx.

also, is a seized engine as good as stuffed?

[Fieldsy]

ok, thanx.

also, is a seized engine as good as stuffed?

yes

wel it might be able to be fixed

but short answer yes esp if you are looking at buying a 4wd with one