Hello Scotty,
I am looking at buying a 1995 SR5 4runner automatic with 200K on the odometer, and I was wondering what I should look out for? I know head gaskets are somewhat of a issue with the 3.0 liter v6 due to the exhaust crossover pipe behind the motor. What should I look for when checking out the car, where would coolant be leaking if it is blown? I bought the block tester kit from harbor freight so I will check the radiator for exhaust gas. The dealer who has it doesn't know if the head gasket was replaced before, but he does know that the timing belt was last done at 115K. The Carfax report shows that it was inspected and passed every year since it was new. Also in the video of the engine running that he sent me there's a ticking/clicking noise and I cant really tell what it is, I showed it to my mechanic and he thinks it could be lifter tick or a bad fuel injector. Could you take a listen and maybe give your input on what it may be? I attached the video in the link below. Thanks!
It has lots of miles, while they are built to last, they need to be taken care of. From the beginning, you need a timing belt. Have a mechanic check the transmission and the 4WD system. It is hard to tell what the noise is. Have a mechanic check the truck before buying it.
Can't tell from the video, sounds like a high mile 4-runner. Timing belt was done 85k miles ago (if you believe the dealer). It's time for it again very soon. And it's not just the timing belt, there are other ancillaries that you do when doing the timing belt job. Rock Auto has a good selection of timing belt kits. And of course have it checked out for the things @yaser mentions.
