So it looks like @MCObray 's 4Runner is back up for sale:

2000 Toyota 4 Runner

It looks absolutely perfect inside and out! The mileage is a little high, but that doesn't bother me considering how good of shape it's in. I really want to make the guy an offer and finally get my 4Runner, but his asking price of $10,800 is insane. I'm thinking of offering somewhere around $8,000, but how do I do that in a convincing way without sounding like a complete low baller? Would I be better off emailing, calling, or texting? Medford is about 4 hours away, so face to face is not really an option.

This rig literally has everything I want!!! 4x4, cloth seats, sport edition, and it's black. These Runners are extremely hard to come by in the area, so I have to at least try and seize the opportunity.

Hey Jump,

That's completely west coast pricing for 4runners, like you probably already know. His asking price is a little high, but you're probably not going to be able to get him down to $8k. Again, not knowing the exact condition of the interior or what maintenance has been performed, tough to tell exactly what he would let it go for. Potential negotiating areas:

Proof of timing belt replacement at 180K miles. If not, you're probably going to have to spend $1,000 - 1,500 getting it done at a shop somewhere yourself if the previous owner hasn't.

Replacement radiator. I think automatics of that year had issues with radiators becoming compromised and killing automatic transmissions. Lookup strawberry milkshake.

Tires. If they need replacing or are on their last legs, you could be spending $500-700 on decent quality replacements.

Lastly, have a pre-purchase vehicle inspection check done before settling on a final price (or make it contingent on coming out clean). Take the vehicle down to a dealer and have them perform the inspection. They should give you a nice shiny report card what they see wrong with the car. I think the pre-purchase inspection only costs around $150 or so.

So, if everything above is in perfect, spotless condition, expect to pay between $9500 - 10,250. Then, start deducting off there. Tires needed? $9k. Timing belt / water pump service not complete? $8k. Original radiator that hasn't been replaced? $7,500.

Also, make sure there's a paper trail and records for everything. Carfax it, too!

Lastly, if you really, really want to save a little money, think about buying a 4runner in LA, San Francisco, Arizona, the Midwest, or East Coast. The Pacific Northwest, from my experience, has the highest prices on 4runners. My girlfriend flew to Milwaukee to buy hers and drove it back to Portland. She purchased a 2001 4runner SR5 Sport for $7500 with 125k miles on it from a dealership. I saw a recent listing for the same exact vehicle (color, options, etc) in Portland with 330k miles on it, private party, for $8k.

Best of luck on your search!

EDIT: Just read the ad more carefully. Looks like there's new tires and all maintenance records.

Doesnt hurt to offer and then just let him sit on it.
He's gonna be sitting on it a while if he's firm on that price, I would think.
But i dont know that area.
Nice looking truck though!
Have you looked up blue book value for the area? Might be a good bargaining tool. That truck would go for about 7-8k here

I remember seeing mention of this 4runner on the forums somewhere. I think a forum member sold it to this guy very recently. I'll try to find where I saw it.

Edit: Never mind you already know that. Well at least you know what he paid for it. That's a huge advantage.

If you have 80 $100 bills, that may help.

I'd tell him you have $8,000 cash in your pocket, and someone that's willing to drive you to his house right this second. Take it or leave it.

At 180,000 factor in the timing belt and pump. Might be able to haggle the price with that. Check the bushings, diffs, or anything else you're going to have to pay for.

i was in your shoes being on the West Coast and having to pay high prices, but I found one in Kansas City and made a road trip out of it.

I guess I'll give away some of my secrets. First, get a buddy to give the seller a "feel me" offer. Get him to tell you all about the 4runner and to see where he's at with his pricing. Then you go and make a serious offer. There's a bit more in between, but I'll let you figure the rest out. Another tip, be objective and don't fall in love with the vehicle.

Oh.. And if he's a member of T4R... Then you' screwed.

Cash talks. All good advice above, especially the part about being objective. Don't fall in love, there are still a ton of these out there in good shape. The buyer always has the upper hand in negotiations.

Good luck!

BTW, I'd say 8k offer is fair given that it's your start for the negotiation. Both sides need to have room to work with. But, don't expect to pay 8k if you start your offer there, you'll more than likely split the difference.

Hi,

Just saw this add. Reason for sharing this add is the price vs mileage. I think 10K for 180K is High. Best of luck.

Toyota 4 Runner Limited 2002

they are hard to find, but not impossible, wait for a lower mileage 4runner to come along.

He's not going to get anywhere near his asking price, or what he payed for when I sold it to him; i'd say your offer is much more in line with what it's actually work. With that said, it was a great vehicle that had all major maintenance up to date, aside from doing the LBJs. (I gave the currently owner all the paperwork/receipts for work done and parts purchased). Aside from dent in the rear bumper/hatch, stains and rips in the carpet, the vehicle was completely clean. Best of luck and hope my old 4Runner somehow, someways finds a place in your driveway.

$8,000 is even on the high end. I sold my '99 that was a twin to this but 5 Speed with a lift, leather, EVERY maintenance issue done with in the last 5,000 miles (timing belt, LBJ/OTRE's, Tundra Brakes, Clutch, tune up, O2 sensors, etc) and possibly cleaner than this one just this past spring.

Prices are quite inflated here in Oregon, and in the Pacific Northwest in general. Unfortunately, people pay the price for what the seller wants, which in essence, keeps driving the price up higher, and higher, and higher... But yes I do agree, in general, remove where this vehicle is being sold and it's probably $6500 on a good day.

This might be worth while if it has the RR Diff Lock:
http://portland.craigslist.org/yam/cto/4112386749.html