2000 Toyota 4runner limited

Looking for a Runner for my son, won't need it to run for 1yr or so, so plenty of time to DIY some repairs.

Offer him 1800 cash and build it up

2WD?! I would talk with your son if he would want a 4wd model. If its something cheap and reliable you are looking for, then 2wd will be just fine. I always wish I had a 4wd for those situations for where you really need it.

2WD is no problem...my son is not the 4WD type...needs a cello hauler!

Dang! He's got 2 other people coming to look tonight. He drove it to work about an hour away...

Would it be dumb to just offer the $2,500 and buy it sight unseen?

It might be the case, but my spidey senses tingle every time I hear the "I've got 2 other guys coming to look at it" line.

I would feel skeptical about it. I seems like not so well maintained vehicle from the description it could turn into a money pit and quick.

$2500 for a 196K mile, 2WD with suspension and muffler issues and selling as is TOO much!
Offer him $1250. He will most probably take it as he is ready to leave and the truck is not in "good" condition to sell to a person who do not know what's under a car looks like.
There are plenty of 2wd 4runners for sale in TX, so do not hurry. Let the other guys take a look at it. IF this is a deal... don't think a second. But this is not a deal.

Looks pretty clean. I guess it all depends on the rattle and shake. Is it something simple or very bad? Price out suspension and muffler/exhaust and add to $2500 to that price this will give you what you will be spending. Then look in classified for 4Runner that are clean well maintained and ready to run. What's the price difference...

"I've got 2 other guys coming to look at it"

You - Oh nice. Well let me know if one of them doesn't buy it. I'm going to look at two other 4Runners so if I don't end up buying one of them I'll call you as well. Thanks.

you win

Yup, he's gonna call later if it doesn't sell

If you get this for around 1500 i would say go for it

Generally this is true, but not for 4R. Any 4R that looked clean that I found I heard this. Then the next day the Ad was down

My current one, the guy told me the same thing Sat afternoon. Luckily the guy lowballed him. I called back Sunday morning and he said he still had it but someone was coming after dinner. I hightailed it over there and it was clean. Bought for almost asking price. I was there when they called the other potential buyer to give them the bad news

IMO, 2500 is too much for 2wd+200K+ needs work off the bat. It does look pretty clean from the pictures though. I think you can find a 4wd with 200K that doesn't need any immediate work for $3,500-4,000 that would likely be a better idea to me.

I've been looking in Atx as well, these t4rs that aren't ridiculously priced sell quickly.

If he's ok with 2wd then it might not be a bad buy. I wonder if the rattle is just the broken exhaust? But as mentioned, be careful you don't underestimate the repair costs. It can quickly add up to become the same price as a mint truck.

Just make sure you don't end up being one of those guys who builds up a 2wd to make it look like an offroader! Thats just embarrassing.

Does your son like fixing things up?

For the price hey it could probably run a bit before you need to pour money into it but expect to need some maintenance and if you are paying someone that can easily exceed the value you just paid for the truck. Axel seals alone can cost $700 - $1000 to do.