A 'Should I buy' thread

[Cadaverous]

I've been looking at 3rd gen 4 runners for about 6 months now and this one has been up locally for about 3 weeks. It's a 2000 Limited with 151,000 miles, locking diff 4x4, one owner. Everything works that I could tell, AC blows cold. The dealer is asking $7500 which seems to be high book value. But most 4runners/tacoma demand a premium here in Idaho. The only real blemish is the hood and passenger fender seems have been hit at some point and repaired. Not a super big deal to me.


Here are some photos. Including the underside, any input would be great. Anything that looks concerning? There is a little oil on the motor, but nothing that seemed excessive. Same with under the truck, some by the rack, but not covered like my BMW :whipping2

Sorry, the photos are hap hazard iPotato shots.

Not sure what's going on here...

 

[LookAtThatDog]

Original timing belt/water pump? Original ball joints? Original radiator? How is the interior?

It looks like that drive shaft is new or painted or something

 

[Cadaverous]

Original timing belt/water pump? Original ball joints? Original radiator? How is the interior?

It looks like that drive shaft is new or painted or something

Timing belt was just replaced 3,000 miles ago. I'm unsure on the ball joints, but that's not a job that scares me, those are wear items.

The radiator doesn't look 15 years old, but I didn't verify it's age. The transmission shifts very smooth.

Interior is very good, there is small wear on the driver door bolster, but that's normal in a truck. The rest of the interior is very clean.

I think the drive shaft was new. It had a sticker on it, and was not dirty and didn't appear painted.

 

[KUHLNESS]

It's not too bad. I don't like buying from dealers, but you know they have a lot less than $7.5k invested. Make an offer and be prepared to walk if they don't want to negotiate. There are plenty other runners out there.

 

[Cadaverous]

It's not too bad. I don't like buying from dealers, but you know they have a lot less than $7.5k invested. Make an offer and be prepared to walk if they don't want to negotiate. There are plenty other runners out there.

Yeah, I hear ya there. I hate that about dealers too. I am always prepared to walk.

 

[T4R2014]

Just my opinion, but the panel gaps in the hood and passenger area look like a total mess. That was not repaired properly.

 

[Philz]

Timing belt was just replaced 3,000 miles ago. I'm unsure on the ball joints, but that's not a job that scares me, those are wear items.

The radiator doesn't look 15 years old, but I didn't verify it's age. The transmission shifts very smooth.

Interior is very good, there is small wear on the driver door bolster, but that's normal in a truck. The rest of the interior is very clean.

I think the drive shaft was new. It had a sticker on it, and was not dirty and didn't appear painted.

1:Timing belt info is very important after market parts suck .
Did installer do complete with OEM parts ?
OEM Aisin water pump , Toyota Idlers, Toyota Cam seals,Toyota Crank seal,Toyota Tensioner etc Basically 17 piece kit

If not have seller knock 1000.00 off selling price.

2: bad Radiator + Transmission = pink milkshake.
Has radiator been replaced , Why ?

 

[HammerHead]

I think 7.5 is too high. 6 would be good considering there are things you are going to have to do.

 

[Candy Sack]

I just bought a '99 SR5 for $4350 (Canadian). It had higher mileage than the one you're looking at but looked to be in better shape. I bet you could find a better deal.

 

[Cadaverous]

Just my opinion, but the panel gaps in the hood and passenger area look like a total mess. That was not repaired properly.

I had the hood pop'd. So the hood was up and makes the gap appear larger than it is. With the hood closed the gap seemed normal. I don't think it was actually repaired. I think it's just damage from being hit and not repaired.

1:Timing belt info is very important after market parts suck .
Did installer do complete with OEM parts ?
OEM Aisin water pump , Toyota Idlers, Toyota Cam seals,Toyota Crank seal,Toyota Tensioner etc Basically 17 piece kit

If not have seller knock 1000.00 off selling price.

2: bad Radiator + Transmission = pink milkshake.
Has radiator been replaced , Why ?

Yes, I'm aware of the pink milk shake issue. I didn't have a chance to verify the radiator had been replaced. The timing belt was replaced at the Toyota dealer with OEM parts.

I think 7.5 is too high. 6 would be good considering there are things you are going to have to do.

Yeah, I was thinking in that range too. It's very challenging to find them in this condition around here period. They all have 250k miles and people want 6k private party.

 

[T4R2014]

I had the hood pop'd. So the hood was up and makes the gap appear larger than it is. With the hood closed the gap seemed normal. I don't think it was actually repaired. I think it's just damage from being hit and not repaired.

That explains that. Still, that corner lens doesn't look like it's sitting flush.

 

[96LTDrus]

Looks like the rear driveshaft has recently been worked on, a new rear u joint and a rebalance is my best guess, seems to be a sore spot on these trucks as far as a source of vibration.

Me personally, I walk away from anything that's been hit, anywhere on the body, unless it's some totally cheap beater. The repair looks really shoddy IMO.

I'd also check what that moist spot on the steering rack is.

Rust-wise the truck looks pretty darn good. It's "honestly" presented in that there isn't a cheap coat of black rustoleum or rubberized undercoating over everything.

 

[mxer]

That price is high for a excellent condition 4runner let alone one that was crappily repaired which lowers this one to fair condition. I would pay 6k max.

 

[hawaiian05]

I'd pass, mainly because I've seen that same one in person a couple months ago. I noticed you're here in Boise and I've seen that same one on Craigslist for a while now... There's a reason why it hasn't sold yet. As you know, these things sell quick around here and for a higher premium, but that one's def not worth it.

I actually looked at that one while it was a trade in at Tom Scott Toyota and in my opinion it was a definite pass. Only reason I had considered it is because they had offered it at $4500, but that was with some needed repairs. Even then, for the condition, I thought it was high. Be patient and you'll find something much better for the same price around here. Too bad I didn't know you were in the market bc I recently sold an extremely clean '99 with a rear locker.

 

[Cadaverous]

I'd pass, mainly because I've seen that same one in person a couple months ago. I noticed you're here in Boise and I've seen that same one on Craigslist for a while now... There's a reason why it hasn't sold yet. As you know, these things sell quick around here and for a higher premium, but that one's def not worth it.

I actually looked at that one while it was a trade in at Tom Scott Toyota and in my opinion it was a definite pass. Only reason I had considered it is because they had offered it at $4500, but that was with some needed repairs. Even then, for the condition, I thought it was high. Be patient and you'll find something much better for the same price around here. Too bad I didn't know you were in the market bc I recently sold an extremely clean '99 with a rear locker.

I am in Boise! I am in no rush. You should have called me when you sold the '99

I think you're right. There is a reason it's been on CL For a few weeks. There was a very clean 4runner up in McCall a few weeks ago but I was an hour late calling the guy and it sold. I'd appreciate it if you'd keep and eye out and let me know if you see anything that I miss. I'd prefer a limited or highlander, 99 or newer.



Thanks for all the input guys, I'm going to pass on this one. If the price was right I'd be interested, but I think you guys brought up valid concerns and I'm not in a rush.

 

[gamefreakgc]

and I'm not in a rush.

That's key. Take your time and stay alert, the right one will show up! Also broaden your search radius. Decide how far you'd be willing to drive to pick one up. Would you be willing to drive 3 hours one way, or more, for the perfect 4Runner? Be sure to look that far out!

 

[BoarderDave]

Yep.. I'm with the others.. that seems high price tag to me.
I feel like you should be able to talk this one down closer to a 6000-6500 mark as someone else suggested.. That would feel reasonable to me if I were looking at it.

Good luck. Hope to hear you find yourself a nice 4Runner to pick up.

 

[hawaiian05]

I am in Boise! I am in no rush. You should have called me when you sold the '99

I think you're right. There is a reason it's been on CL For a few weeks. There was a very clean 4runner up in McCall a few weeks ago but I was an hour late calling the guy and it sold. I'd appreciate it if you'd keep and eye out and let me know if you see anything that I miss. I'd prefer a limited or highlander, 99 or newer.



Thanks for all the input guys, I'm going to pass on this one. If the price was right I'd be interested, but I think you guys brought up valid concerns and I'm not in a rush.

Good to know. I had the '99 up on Craigslist and in the T4R Classifieds, but it was pretty quick to sell, as you know. That one in McCall is actually being purchased by a T4R member from TX and he flies up this weekend. I'll be meeting with him to help out with an inspection and let him barrow any tools while he's here.

But yes, patience it key. I had stated this in another thread but will state it again- use online resources! Set email/app alerts that will notify you each time a new posting that matches your search pops up. I missed a few clean 3rd gens while in the market that were only posted for 30 mins, mainly bc the buyer was notified sooner. Also, as mentioned by others, be willing to travel and be willing to buy NOW.

I recently picked up another 3rd gen sport locally by simply placing a WTB ad on craigslist. I renewed it a couple times and finally got a text from a guy here locally. Be patient, yet aggressive, and it'll all pay off. And let me know if you need help since we're both here in Boise!

 

[hawaiian05]

[MENTION=96287]Cadaverous[/MENTION]

This one popped up recently on Craigslist- might be worth a look. I know it's not a '99+ but it's a limited and supposedly has rr diff lock.

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5

 

[Cadaverous]

[MENTION=96287]Cadaverous[/MENTION]

This one popped up recently on Craigslist- might be worth a look. I know it's not a '99+ but it's a limited and supposedly has rr diff lock.

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5

Thanks mate!!! I was in Seattle this weekend. I am going to check it out tonight

I can handle a 1997 with the low miles, locker, limited and 4x4. As long as a steering wheel from a 99-02 fits

Talked to the guy and he said the TB and Water pump er were done at 160, but with parts from Autozone. So, I doubt Toyota Parts. If I end up picking it up I will purchase Toyota parts and redo it. I am currently doing a TB on one of my BMW's and I'm sure this toyota isn't harder than that :dammit:

I hope to get to meet you soon.