2005 Limited v-8 problems

[DED&DED]

I am original owner of a 1999, SR-5, with 318,000 miles on it. I have an opportunity to buy a 160,000 mile, 2005, V-8, E-Locker, for less Han $3000. What should
I be looking for in terms of possible problem areas. I think this
Runner was manufactured in Japan and has new brakes and tires and some front end parts. Most obvious problem is carpets.

Owner has said he will sell for dealer trade in value on a 2020 Runner.

 

[jbssfelix]

Definitely not a mechanic, but things to look for are pretty basic: rust, brakes, etc. Also ask when the timing belt/water pump were last replaced.

 

[Inv4drZm]

I am original owner of a 1999, SR-5, with 318,000 miles on it. I have an opportunity to buy a 160,000 mile, 2005, V-8, E-Locker, for less Han $3000. What should
I be looking for in terms of possible problem areas. I think this
Runner was manufactured in Japan and has new brakes and tires and some front end parts. Most obvious problem is carpets.

Owner has said he will sell for dealer trade in value on a 2020 Runner.

A 2005 w/elocker? Doesnt exist unless it was added as aftermarket.

Only 2009 Trail Editions came with an elocker in the rear differential.

 

[volkinator]

A 2005 w/elocker? Doesnt exist unless it was added as aftermarket.

Only 2009 Trail Editions came with an elocker in the rear differential.

I think a lot of people think the center diff is the 'e-locker' which kind of gets annoying.

 

[RobD]

Carpets on eBay run a couple hundred bucks. Fit and finish? No idea, but it is on my list of one of the changes I need to make.

 

[andreylights]

I mean that kind of looks sketchy. All 4th gens are from Japan, there are no e-lockers unless its a TE 2009 or unless its aftermarket. $3000? Thats hella cheap. Why would he go thourgh hassle of selling private and not getting any tax break on that if he doesnt want to make more?

But this topic has been talked to death. Rust / cracked manifolds are the most common issues. Good ol' check the records / send to trusted mechanic should do the trick. At the end of the day its $3000 so who cares? lol

 

[roy326]

Honestly at $3k you really can’t go wrong especially if he’s the only owner and keep up with maintenance

 

[DED&DED]

Thanks to all for your input. I mistook the center diff lock for an e-locker. I was mainly attracted to it for the V-8--my V-6 struggles on grades towing about 1100 pounds. Current owner is buying a 2020 and I heard him say the the dealer value on this one was $2200. I suggested he could sell it for more; but he was not interested in the hassle. I offered to buy for $2200--he did not jump on the offer. I think I missed the window on this one. C'est la vie.