99 or 02

[mbcdef]

I've been on the hunt for a 3rd gen for my 17 year old to replace a Grand Cherokee. For the most part, everyone around Birmingham seems to have them a bit overpriced so haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Would love the groups input on the following 2 that I'd love to finalize on this weekend if I could make it work:

99 w/142k - 1999 Toyota 4runner 142,000 Miles
I'm supposed to go check this one out tomorrow and the guy is saying he doesn't think he could take less than $6k, but we haven't talked in person yet either.

02 w/ 181k - this is one is an SR5 with leather, 2wd, power everything, sun roof, etc... It needs a host of maintenance but is in overall good shape. I've seen this one but not yet driven it. Undercarriage is in good shape, not rusted out. Can get this one for $5650 and will include new timing belt, water pump, plugs, cables, fluid flush and replace, etc... these are the host of maintenance items needing done which the seller is willing to get done in the coming days.

Any initial thoughts?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[wheelds]

99 seems like it has been maintained very well. And green is a good looking color on these trucks :eyebrows:

You might save a few hundred up front with the '02 but you have to spend $2000 in maintenance up front and unknown issues down the road the headache is not worth any amount of $$

 

[mbcdef]

Are you basing the $2k in repairs on my list of items? If so, I was saying I'd be able to have all of those things completed by the seller and then purchase for $5650.

Was thinking in this scenario I'd know for sure there weren't issues with these things.

I do like the looks of the '09 though and am looking forward to checking it out tomorrow.

Thanks,
chris

 

[2002tii]

Lot more miles on the 02, but if the owner is willing to do all of that maintenance at that price, it's a pretty decent deal (assuming it's in good shape otherwise). Has maintenance been kept up otherwise? And if so, are there receipts?

Timing belt/water pump is the more difficult of those services ($700 seems to be about the going rate). If you're handy, fluid changes aren't real tough (kind of messy unless you're careful).

One point for the 02 - it has traction control and stability control. Nice features for a 17 year old.

 

[mbcdef]

Thanks for the feedback. I wasn't going to pay $7200 for the '99 but apparently someone else did today before I could go see it tomorrow.

chris

 

[mbcdef]

The 02 is at an independent dealer guy who mostly deals in Landrovers. He said he had $5k into it and his cost for getting all of the mechanical work done is $650. I talked to the mechanic myself (who doesn't work for the dealer) so would at least know where and who does the mechanical work.

I honestly think the guy overbought on this one and didn't realize it was time to update all of that stuff until this mechanic did an overview for us yesterday.

 

[Ol'Blue]

For that much money I say pass on both of them and look in other parts of the country and spend 5k. The drive home will be 1kish and you will have a good 4x4 for that price. Look in AZ or CA. There are nice trucks in CA for 5k.

Blue

 

[curtperry]

Make your 17yo save a little and buy a little economy car... that way it's no big loss when they crash it.

Then get a 4runner for yourself, or if you have one buy some upgrades

Although maybe a 5k vehicle is a cheap to you, or maybe you have the most responsible and careful 17yo on earth. Anyway just my 2 cents.

 

[02_SE_Runner]

At the OP. I would honestly go with the 99 due to the fact it has lower miles and looks like it was cared for. Just don't forget to read up on the buyers guide. I would also check the under carriage for major rust rotting. That would be a big sign (most cases then not) if the vehicle was taken car of or not. If either of them has never had the lower ball joints replaced it may be a place to start when it comes to maintenance due to safety issues for your son.
Enjoy.
-Nate

Make your 17yo save a little and buy a little economy car... that way it's no big loss when they crash it.

Then get a 4runner for yourself, or if you have one buy some upgrades

Although maybe a 5k vehicle is a cheap to you, or maybe you have the most responsible and careful 17yo on earth. Anyway just my 2 cents.

I'm 17 myself and am responsible more than many adults I see out there. (Not to be Self righteous or anything just making a point). 17 year olds can be very mature. Just not the majority of them use their brains. I myself was brought up in a house of discipline, respect and to also think about my actions/consequences. Don't think of a 17 year old as un-responsible or not careful unless they prove not to be. I don't usually like to tell people my age here because some look down on younger generations and never give them a chance.

Also on a side note I have never come close to an accident or even hit anything (maybe curb rash on tires when parking really close to them). I have showed my parents how responsible I am thus leading them to let me drive their vehicles.
-Nate

 

[curtperry]

Good for you. eace:

I'll be more careful about the ageist comments

Its not just a responsibilty/experience thing though - it's the music going and the friend in the passenger seat telling a joke and the car in front of you that just slammed on it's breaks.

 

[mbcdef]

Well stated.

My 17 is pretty solid too and am only on the hunt again because someone took off the front of the 01 Grand Cherokee recently.

Someone bought the 99 at asking for 7200 which doesn't surprise me in this community where folks will just trade in their cars when all 4 tires need replacing instead of being bothered with it. Makes it tough shopping for a discerning buyer.

I'm not feeling it with the 02 for some reason so will keep looking.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[2002tii]

The 02 is at an independent dealer guy who mostly deals in Landrovers. He said he had $5k into it and his cost for getting all of the mechanical work done is $650. I talked to the mechanic myself (who doesn't work for the dealer) so would at least know where and who does the mechanical work.

I honestly think the guy overbought on this one and didn't realize it was time to update all of that stuff until this mechanic did an overview for us yesterday.

5650 for an 02 2WD with all that work done to it doesn't seem all that bad to me. An 02 4WD with those miles and that level of work done (assuming it's in decent enough shape) would be about $2,000 more.

Like I said, one advantage to an 01-02 is the stability control. Nice feature for a 17 year old.

 

[downpour11]

Well stated.

My 17 is pretty solid too and am only on the hunt again because someone took off the front of the 01 Grand Cherokee recently.

Someone bought the 99 at asking for 7200 which doesn't surprise me in this community where folks will just trade in their cars when all 4 tires need replacing instead of being bothered with it. Makes it tough shopping for a discerning buyer.

I'm not feeling it with the 02 for some reason so will keep looking.

Thanks,
Chris

Could be a sign that you should be looking into a 4x4 instead