'00, 90k miles, $6k, 5sp - worth it?

G

gxgn

New member
Hello all, I

never had an SUV but I love the look 3rd gen 4Runners. All my cars so ar (golf TDI, Civic SI, Scion FRS) have been manual transmission and I would prefer to continue with the stick shifter.

I have the opportunity to buy a 4runner SR5, 5sp, 90K miles for $6,000-$6500 depending how well I negotiate. The new owner has NOT done the waterpump, timing belt changes. The car also needs new tires. The car doesn't have the plastic molding (not that I care too much for that feature) but does have the towing package.

Do you think this is a so-so, good or great buy?
Can you also chime in with what other things you think I will need to change in the next 20K miles or so?

I'm located in Iowa City - if there is any member in a 200 miles radius that would be willing to meet or available for a call I would appreciate additional help on how to evaluate the car.

Thank you all. I hope I can "fully" join the club soon.
George
 
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sounds like a good deal, 12 almost 13 yr old 3rd gen under 100k miles, but not having done the Timing belt service is a biggy since its due by time not just mileage. also 2 or 4wheel drive, e-locker or not, clutch cancel start button?
 
Evilmunkey said:
sounds like a good deal, 12 almost 13 yr old 3rd gen under 100k miles, but not having done the Timing belt service is a biggy since its due by time not just mileage. also 2 or 4wheel drive, e-locker or not, clutch cancel start button?
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It is a 4WD, no e-lockers (unfortunately) but it does have the clutch cancel start button (is this button useful?)

Is $700 enough to budget for the timing belt service? I know the OEM kit with water pump is $350 on ebay but I don't know about the labor. I'm trying to estimate how much more I need to invest in this car to have an SUV I can trust.

thank you
 
from what i see labor cost is close to $450 just for the timing belt/wp service so around $700ish would be a good price on it. and yes that button helps if you get stuck leave it in gear, push button, bump key and in my case it got me out of a few holes just by that when I had a '96 Tacoma


I paid close to $14K for my '02 that had 56k miles on it 2.5yrs ago (Timing belt had been done before the previous owner traded it in), so really doesn't sound like a bad dead
 
I paid $7200 for my 2000 SR5 4x4 Highlander edition, in perfect edition. Automatic, power everything, etc. It had 130K miles on it though it was maintained immaculately. So I'd say that was a good deal.
 
As already stated, it's a good buy as long there are no other issues with the truck. If you haven't already done so, take a look at buyers guide in the stickies. Good luck.
 
If you do buy this and you get the timing belt & water pump replaced, I would steer clear of most Toyota Dealerships. The one near me in Springfield MO quoted me a price $300 higher on labor than the MO Limit for labor on a specific job, and when I called him on it he was super embarrassed and lowered the price pretty quick.
 
LSUfanatic said:
If you do buy this and you get the timing belt & water pump replaced, I would steer clear of most Toyota Dealerships. The one near me in Springfield MO quoted me a price $300 higher on labor than the MO Limit for labor on a specific job, and when I called him on it he was super embarrassed and lowered the price pretty quick.
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Good to know. Would you trust a mechanic from Craiglist to do this type of work?
 
Sounds like a winner

I also recently bought the same vehicle and spent more. The miles are quite low, not easy to find.

Regarding rust you need to crawl under and look or arrange to take it to any auto repair shop and have them inspect it. For a small fee they can advise you of any obvious or potentially serious issues and any signs of collision repair.

Good luck.
 
Price sounds pretty good for the miles. If you're mechanically inclined, the t-belt and water pump is not a particularly difficult job to DIY. My clutch was replaced by the original owner at 125k, so you might have that job coming up in the not-too-distant future. Also front lower ball joints is a good preventative maintenance item to do around 100k.
 
Also my price is based on my shops labor rate of $92/hr and the shop I'm with is in GA, really find a toyota specialty shop or a good small local shop, normally they will work w/ you on pricing

Look into a place that can do a pre-purchase inspection for you, at least then it can be put on a lift and looked over properly too.
 
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Do the TB/WP, LBJ's and clutch, you could flip it for a decent profit. I've had more 3rd gen's then probably anyone on this forum, I'd buy it at that price. I pad about that for my '99 5Speed, Highlander with 172K. It too hadn't had a TB/WP or clutch.
 
excellent price, there is a group of buyers that want the 5speed and $6000-$6500 is excellent

I paid a FEW GRAND more for my 135k 5sp just the other month

If you change your mind please send me contact info on said 4runner, i wouldnt mind buying another at that price
 
mattleegee said:
excellent price, there is a group of buyers that want the 5speed and $6000-$6500 is excellent

I paid a FEW GRAND more for my 135k 5sp just the other month

If you change your mind please send me contact info on said 4runner, i wouldnt mind buying another at that price
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Do you think a 1997 Land Cruiser in very good shape, 170k miles but no rear/front locking diff just a center diff, would be a better buy?
 
George, if you wanted a 5speed i would go buy that 4runner and then do the maintenance needed, you could probably put 100k miles on it and sell it for the same price you paid

Just check the undercoating situation to make sure not covering anything up, i know i had to pass on a 4runner because of undercoating, kind of scared me
 
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