2001 sr5 4x4 with 36k miles...

rct7281

New member
looking at getting a T4R from my local toyota dealer but can't decide if an 01 with 36k miles for $12,000 is too old and or too expensive. should I be looking for a newer model with more miles? any problems I should look for when I go check it out later this week. I need a dependable, daily driver that will last.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
:worthless

Miles are great, prices is up to you but if you wanted to talk them down go after the maintenance since it probably hasn't been done.
 
If it was an LTD 4x4 then the price would be about just right. Otherwise I would negotiate down the price a couple grand.
 
Holy hell, that's amazing - 36k miles!? Sure, you can get a cheaper one with higher miles, but as long as there aren't any leaks, that's essentially a brand new truck. $12k seems reasonable to me.

Also, it's definitely not too old and will last you forever.
 
Sounds like a great truck but I wouldn't pay that much. Granted it has low mileage, but you can do much better (financially) with more miles. I bought a 2002 LTD 4X4, about the same setup (one-owner, always dealer serviced, oil changes every 3K miles [at the dealer], full maintenance) with 144K miles last April for $8000 (from a used car lot). Given the age of the truck, I will drive it for another 100K-150K (max), which is about 6 years (it has 160K now). In short, you are paying a HUGE premium for low miles that you likely won't ever need. Basically you are paying 50% more than I did, for a year older, non LTD truck and it's unlikely you'll ever drive it long enough to be worth the extra $4000. If you have $12K to spend, I'd go with a 4th gen. If you can get it for $9500-10K, I'd be more inclined, but it's still not a bargain (and there are bargains out there).
 
Last edited:
is there a way to tell if the odometer has simply turned over besides wear and tear?

I was being sarcastic. I really don't think it has 1,036,000 miles on it. Just looks like they guy didn't drive it much. I'd would, at a very minimum, go look at it and see what 36,000 miles looks like on a 2001. If the truck looks legit then I would hop on it.

Use the thread below to inspect the vehicle and/or take a buddy with you that knows what he looking at. I give all my friends a free look at their 4Runner before they buy it.

Particularly look at the known issues portion of it.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyer-s-guide.html
 
I registered the VIN on Toyota.com/owners. There is not any history on there either. Post up some pictures so we can have a better look... Look for any missing VIN stickers on panels, panels not lining up, etc.
 
It's easy to just look at the miles but a 13 year old vehicle even with 30k isn't close to the same 4runner made 2 years ago with 30k. Now maybe if its in a heated garage but its a dealer rig and I'd bet they don't have 1 oil change paper on file in that 36k. Essentially the most important maintenance time- break in. problem unless you plan on driving it into the ground you'll loose a lot on it. Although less miles go for a premium there's a point when the vehicle gets old enough where the majority of people will spend more on a newer generation say 4th gen with higher miles than yours. I watch the adds all the time and just laugh when I see 2000- 2002 w/ 45k or so for over 10k. They never sell becouse peeps with that cash will buy an 03 with 100k becouse they know it will run forever anyway. Now if this was a dodge, ford etc is say buy it. I think 8500 is about the cap 3rd gen regardless of miles. Anymore than that I'd jump into a 4th gen for sure.
 
Last edited:
I'd look extra-close at stuff like seals/gaskets and hoses. If the truck was only driven 3k per year, it may have sat for long periods, which is not good for rubber parts. If nothing's leaking or cracked, then definitely jump on it if you don't mind the price/depreciation. Most of us wish we could buy a new 3rd gen from the dealer, and this is just about as close to that scenario as you can get.
 
Given that it is an Ohio truck, I'd say look at the underside. If it was garaged, and even if it wasn't, the underside should look much better that the average truck of that age. Driver's seat and carpet should also look pretty good. My passenger seat has probably been used about that much and it looks great. My driver's seat with 155k looks pretty beat up.

I'd still try and knock some off that price. 13 years is 13 years.
 
It's easy to just look at the miles but a 13 year old vehicle even with 30k isn't close to the same 4runner made 2 years ago with 30k. Now maybe if its in a heated garage but its a dealer rig and I'd bet they don't have 1 oil change paper on file in that 36k. Essentially the most important maintenance time- break in. problem unless you plan on driving it into the ground you'll loose a lot on it. Although less miles go for a premium there's a point when the vehicle gets old enough where the majority of people will spend more on a newer generation say 4th gen with higher miles than yours. I watch the adds all the time and just laugh when I see 2000- 2002 w/ 45k or so for over 10k. They never sell becouse peeps with that cash will buy an 03 with 100k becouse they know it will run forever anyway. Now if this was a dodge, ford etc is say buy it. I think 8500 is about the cap 3rd gen regardless of miles. Anymore than that I'd jump into a 4th gen for sure.

I won't speak for anyone else like you seem to have, but for me, it's not an issue of money. I can afford a brand new 2013 if I wanted, but I like the 3rd gens. Comparing a 3rd gen to a 4th gen is essentially comparing apples to oranges. A car or truck is worth what somebody will pay for it.
 
I won't speak for anyone else like you seem to have, but for me, it's not an issue of money. I can afford a brand new 2013 if I wanted, but I like the 3rd gens. Comparing a 3rd gen to a 4th gen is essentially comparing apples to oranges. A car or truck is worth what somebody will pay for it.

I'm with you there. We have a newish TSX and could easily afford a brand new runner if we wanted. I chose the 3rd gen because it's the best platform for my needs, not because it was the best I could afford.
 
Used 2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 (4dr SR5 3.4L Auto 4WD (Natl)) For Sale in Columbus Near Dublin | Toyota West - T10329089


It's really not that clean for 36k. The rear bumper and the trailer hitch are both rusty, as are the untreated metal bits under the hood. At the same time, the black plastic on the front bumper is faded. Frankly, it looks like it has been sitting out, exposed to the elements for a long time.

I'd be wary of its history. Doesn't really have the "little old lady who kept it in her garage and drove it to the beauty shop on Tuesdays" look to it.
 
Don't get discouraged about this thing yet. At least look at the damn thing and assess it before you listen to everyone doubting it. A couple folks mentioned looking at the undercarriage, VIN plates, and body panels. These are great indicators to the life of the vehicle and should be mandatory on any vehicle.
 
Something else to consider especially with the rust and faded bumper. It may have been in an accident and sat for some time which would still show clean title if not totaled. It may show on the carfax but not always. I almost bought a 2005 civic si from the dealer with super low miles, rusted rotors. Repainted rear panels you could only see if you knew what to look for. Established dealer stated no wrecks and showed clean carfax. Regardless that thing better be pristine for 12k or at least excellent cond by nada book.
 
Last edited:

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,312
Messages
3,554,084
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top