[stevieg909]

Hi,

I'm Steve, new user to this forum. I live in Minnesota, and I'm looking at picking up a 3rd gen 4runner. I see quite a few 2000 to 2002's with 120k to 140k for between $7000 and $10000, depending on condition, whether its a dealer or private party, etc. Anyway, yesterday I looked at a 2000 limited with every option, 1-owner and under 80k miles. All servicing including oil changes performed at the local toyota dealer, and the owner has records. Hasn't had timing belt or water pump. He is asking $13000, but willing to negotiate. This thing is CLEAN, very little rust even on the under-body. I think $13000 is pretty high, but I don't want to cheap out and miss a quality used car either. Are lower miles and a very clean interior-exterior worth a few thousand dollar premium on one of these, or is the owner just expecting way too much?? Just looking for experienced opinions.

Thanks!!

[4-Ripcord]

I think that 11-12k is a good place to end up at. See what you can do! Low miles will definitely pull a premium on these trucks.

Be sure to use the timing belt/ WP as leverage, its gonna be a $600 service at least.

And be sure to check this out before you look at it, so you know what to look out for other than the normal automotive stuff. 3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[stevieg909]

Thanks for the advice, that buying guide thread was great. I'm down to two options locally:
1) 2000 limited, 80k for $12000 (I talked him down a little, but not much), or
2) a 2002 SR5 with a bunch of options, 122k for $7500

The 2000 limited is immaculate, but the 2002 SR5 is very clean. Both need timing belt/water pump and fluid servicing. Here's the question I would really appreciate input on: Is the rear diff lock, leather, 42k miles and automatic climate control worth $4500 and a two-year older body? It will be mostly on-road with the potential for some light off-roading, but in snowy Minnesota winters. The buying guide made a big deal out of the 2000 limited having the multimode transfer case and the e diff lock, but in this case I don't feel its worth the premium. Anyone who owns one disagree with me? Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!

[ironhippy]

Originally Posted by stevieg909

Thanks for the advice, that buying guide thread was great. I'm down to two options locally:
1) 2000 limited, 80k for $12000 (I talked him down a little, but not much), or
2) a 2002 SR5 with a bunch of options, 122k for $7500

The 2000 limited is immaculate, but the 2002 SR5 is very clean. Both need timing belt/water pump and fluid servicing. Here's the question I would really appreciate input on: Is the rear diff lock, leather, 42k miles and automatic climate control worth $4500 and a two-year older body? It will be mostly on-road with the potential for some light off-roading, but in snowy Minnesota winters. The buying guide made a big deal out of the 2000 limited having the multimode transfer case and the e diff lock, but in this case I don't feel its worth the premium. Anyone who owns one disagree with me? Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!

Before you start putting a premium on the rear diff lock, ensure it works. If you haven't tested it in a test drive, make sure you do.
To test:
Drive to dirt road
Put truck in 4lo
Press Rear Diff Lock button
- the rear diff light on the dash should start blinking
Drive SLOWLY, the the light does not turn solid, SLOWLY drive in figure 8's
- if the light never turns solid, the diff lock is not engaging and needs to serviced

If the roads are salted where you live, there is a good chance the e-locker actuator needs a rebuild at the very least.

[4-Ripcord]

Originally Posted by stevieg909

Thanks for the advice, that buying guide thread was great. I'm down to two options locally:
1) 2000 limited, 80k for $12000 (I talked him down a little, but not much), or
2) a 2002 SR5 with a bunch of options, 122k for $7500

The 2000 limited is immaculate, but the 2002 SR5 is very clean. Both need timing belt/water pump and fluid servicing. Here's the question I would really appreciate input on: Is the rear diff lock, leather, 42k miles and automatic climate control worth $4500 and a two-year older body? It will be mostly on-road with the potential for some light off-roading, but in snowy Minnesota winters. The buying guide made a big deal out of the 2000 limited having the multimode transfer case and the e diff lock, but in this case I don't feel its worth the premium. Anyone who owns one disagree with me? Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!

Between those two, for a driver like you.. the '02 SR5 hands down.

Reasons:
1) SR5 is much less expensive.

2) the mileage difference is nice, but not a big deal for a vehicle like this. Very reliable for a long time.

3)The multi-mode AWD/4WD will be MUCH more useful to you than the locking rear diff. Based on your description of its intended uses.
-Even though the 2000 limited has both of these, the locking rear diff will see little-to-no use by you.

4)The TRAC/VSC systems on the 01-02's are nice to have for a winter vehicle.

5)On the auto climate control, its nice and all, but I prefer the standard knobs and dials. Automatic systems can use too much energy trying to keep the car at a specific temp. And like you said, its not worth the price difference.

6) Cloth > Leather. :P

[econhonda]

agreed. The mileage difference/locker is not worth $4,500 in my opinion.

[SRSRunner]

Offer him 10 for the 00 if that's what your really after- otherwise go with the SR5- like others have said the locker just isn't worth that much of a price difference. Most of the what the limited has can be added to the SR5 at a later date anyway. The mileage on the 02 isn't out of line either. I've got 231 on mine and there was a thread on here yesterday or the day before with one that had over 600k on it.. So these trucks last if they're taken care of.

[stevieg909]

Thanks for all the input! Going to go with the 02 SR5, the seller agreed to take it to the local Toyota dealer for a quick check of a few items listed in the buyers guide, and if all is good, will purchase by the end of the week. I'm excited, it will compliment our 99 Taco nicely.