91 4runner/body damage

[B.F.G]

http://austin.craigslist.org/car/563103186.html

If you could take a look at this 4runner and tell me if you think it would be a good first car. I'm 17 and need a truck or suv for work in the summer and have a very low budget 1.5k is about the max.

How much do you think it would cost to repair the damage?

[JamieR]

Hi BFG, well the damage on the back is around the window and would be tough to properly repair. Also the back is sagging which is common in 4Runners but something you will want to sort out sooner or later. Is the back window along the tail gate in good order and the motor for the window work well, do the switches up in the middle console work good? Does the wiper in the back work well or at all? These are little things, but can cause some serious pains for getting in and out of the back of the 4Runner. Your budget is pretty low, but hey I have been there myself so I know where your comming from.

You should check to see if the Head Gasket has been done as they did a recall on them for that engine up until 1995 or so. Personally I much prefer the 86-89 models as they are two door and the back section is removable for the summer months. Is it an auto or manual tranny and why was it rebuilt? Does the spare tyre come down okay. It is a crazy system the whole spare tyre for these SUV's. With that many miles on the engine too check to see when the timing chain was done last if at all. It should have been done for sure by now. I could go on and on.