I am a new member and hopefully this is the correct forum to post this question. I am looking for a cheap vehicle to get back and forth to work and be able to haul 2 kids to sports. None of the travel distances are very far and I probably only put about 15k miles a year on a vehicle. I am looking for a car that can last for about 3 years.

A local car dealer has a 2001 Limited 4Runner with 212k miles for sale for $4,500. The interior/exterior are in great condition. There are no maintenance records from the dealer other then a clear carfax report which shows some regular maintenance and the following tune-ups/work:

107,398 - spark plugs changed, fluids changed, fuel filter replaced, PCV valve replaced, brake rotors and drums resurfaced;
148,308 - Recommended maintenance;

Then the report states at 211,401 maintenance inspection and steering/suspension checked - by the dealer who is selling it.

My question is that, for this price of $4,500, what concerns should I have?
Does anyone have an idea what it would cost to have a shop put in a new engine, if everything went bad?

At this price point I would have no loan payment so I am ok with spending 1-2k per year to keep it running. My fear is that I would need to spend 3-4k every year and at that point I might as well take out a loan and spend 20k for less miles.

Any advice, comments, questions are appreciated!

From your description is doesn't seem like a bad deal, especially if you can get it around $4k. Can't always trust Carfax, not everything gets reported. Take a look at the timing belt cover, does it have a sticker indicating when the last timing belt/water pump job was? If it was part of the "recommended Maintenance" it will be due for another soon, so there's a bargaining chip...same goes for plugs and fluids.

Have you taken a look underneath? Up here in Indy we love to salt the roads, and it can take a toll on the frames. The mileage wouldn't scare me too much. You can always have the dealer do a compression test.

$1-2k is more than reasonable to spend per year on these trucks. Hell, if it happened, I've seen engines pop up on CL for under $1000. I've owned 2 98s, one for 2 years, one for 1, and haven't put more than $1000 into them (not including aftermarket items). My wife's '98 is still rolling strong with 288k on it.

Do you have a link to it?

I agree with Adam ^^^ that guy, but then again it is due for a timing belt and that could cost from $300-$1000 depending if you do it yourself or have someone do it.

I have seen engines in my area for under $1000 also.

But if these trucks have had regular maintenance and have been well taken care of, 212k isn't anything. I have seen people on this forum WAY over 300k and still rolling on. I bought mine with 205k without hesitating. I trust these motors as they have never let me down.

Yep. But, these engines are non-interference so if the belt breaks no damage will occur. You will just be stranded.

I would see if they will take 3,200 for it. Tell them strait up. The truck needs a timing belt job. Either they put it in at the dealer or drop the price so you can cover it. If they do it then it is a solid deal. Parts are all over the place for the trucks and can be found pretty cheap if you look around or ask around here. I'm sure guys can tell you where to get almost anything for a 3rd Gen on this place. If it is clean then I say pull the trigger.

Can we take a look at a link or pictures? Like they also said really look under the truck. It will tell you allot about it. A little rust is ok but if it is horrible and there is Frame Rot then that is an issue.

Blue

I think i know which one you are talking about, is it at a honda dealership? if so I would snag that sucker for about $3500 it is nice, I almost wanted to get it for myself but I just dont have the room.

alright man post pics of your new ride already!!!!