About to purchase a '99 4R w/141k... suggestions

[footracer]

I"m coming from an 02 Subaru WRX Wagon for insurance/value reasons.

'99 4R V-6 4wd Limited, leather, sunroof, Automatic Tranny, 142k

I'm picking this up from a dealer for $10,200 probably tomorrow. Any thing specific I need to look for as far as tell-tale signs of abuse/misuse?

The timing belt was replaced recently and an oil change was performed 600mi ago.

Anyone have a winch on that model??

I'm gonna put a 7-way brake controller in it... where have you guys placed yours in the cockpit?

Are there any major maintenance issues that have occured around that mileage?

 

[Cleric]

That seems like high mileage for a 99. When I sold my 98 (1 1/2 years ago), it had only 60k on it, so I couldn't really tell you what it runs like at that mileage. You should still be able to get a lot of life out of it, depending on how well it was treated.

Make sure you test the 4WD system ( I hopped a curb and tore up the grass in an office park - you sould have seen the look on the salesman's face) and the a/c. Take a good look/listen to all of the belts. As you shift from P to D, listen/feel for sounds, clunks, etc..

If the tires are not brand new, check for uneven wear on the sides of the tires.

You may want to take it to a shop, have them put it on a lift and do a full inspection. Even after you purchase it, I think you have something like 3 days to take it back (not sure about other states).

An old test of your piston rings (not sure how this works on newer cars) is to look under the oil cap after driving to look for froth. If you see any, don't buy it.

I would also ask to see all of the service/maintenance records available.

 

[footracer]

Thanks for the quick response....

I've got it for the weekend to drive around and test out.

Yeah, I tried out the 4wd on the testdrive in a moderately rolling and bumpy field access trail. A little clink into 4L but nothing startling that resembles a clunk.

I'll check for the froth tonight.

Even wear on the tires thusfar... not new... probably 1/2 through life.

It's been serviced at the dealer of purchase. I'm going to scour these records before my decision

 

[Cleric]

Welcome to the family!

You won't be let down. This is my second Runner and I'll bet that I end up getting another.

 

[EDGE]

Buy a pre-owned camry for that price with 50k on it:

 

[footracer]

Do camry's come in 4wd?

Actually, the insurance is only $120 difference between the WRX and the 4Runner for a year.

Payment will only be $50 cheaper per month

WRX has 30k miles... 4Runner has 141k

The ends don't justify the means so I'm prob. not going to go with the deal.

'99 4Runner Limited V6 4wd auto 141k
Ins. $1200/yr
Pmt $230
48 mo. @5.25%
$10,280

'02 WRX Wagon 5spd. 31k (out of warranty)
Ins. $1336/yr
Pmt $280
54mo. @4.75% (to go)
$13,280 payoff

Can anyone estimate annual maintenance and repair on an annual basis for that high mileage for 4R??

 

[footracer]

Update:

All the maintenance records are spectacular. The guy got a lube and 30k maintenance every time it needed it give or take a few k.

My insurance buddy sharpened his pencil and got the insurance down to 910... good deal now so i'm probably gonna go with it. It needs a break job though so i'm gonna try and get this out of the dealer before the deal.