NCarolinaT4R
New member
Hi all. I've been lurking for a while as I hunt for a T4R, but now that I'm getting serious about one in particular I wanted to join to get some advise on the purchase.
2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 6cly
Above is the Craigslist ad to the truck. It speaks for itself. It's a 2002 SR5 2WD with 186k miles. As stated in the ad, the owner has a big fat folder full of maintenance records dating back to his wife's purchase of the vehicle as a Toyota Certified Used car just before it reached 20k miles.
Went and checked it out yesterday. Outside it's cherry. There's only one very small dimple in the hood less than the size of a dime and not deep at all. The paint is in amazing shape for a 2002 aside from a spot above the driver's door handle and a spot near the rear. Both look like they can be buffed as they're more "on" the paint that in it or deep marks. The interior is in outstanding shape as well. No tears or cracks, original floor mats, even have the tonnea cover for the cargo area.
All electronics work, door locks, power windows, rear hatch window, CD player, power antenna, and the heat and air blow hot/cold respectively.
The biggest downside (outside of the engine bay) is the key tumbler in the rear hatch is loose in the hatch. A key can be inserted and turned, and the lock can be used, but it "floats" around in the gate. I assume this is simply a clip that can be replaced by taking the inner skin off the hatch from the inside and replacing. (Can anyone confirm?)
Now for the bad...
The engine has 186k miles on it, which I know is no where near done (or even cause for worry) in a 3rd Gen T4R with the 3.4L. However, the last time the timing belt/water pump was changed was 88k miles, so it's all but due for that. The undercarriage is clean and dry as a bone. No major leaks UNDER the engine/transmission, no signs of "strawberry milkshake" in the radiator or overflow reservoir, all fluids are as they should be, rear end and wheel housing (read: wheel cylinder/bearings) dry as well. However, there is some "gunky buildup" around the rear of the passenger side valve cover and noticeable leakage onto the exhaust manifold, though slight. When you run your fingers along the valve cover gasket in this area you draw back wet oil. (pictures attached)
Given this, I think it's safe to assume it's going to need a timing belt kit and valve cover gaskets replaced very soon. I called my regular mechanic and he quoted me $850-950 to do this all in one trip. Sound reasonable?
The lowest the owner would go is $5,800 cash. I feel if I can get it for $5,500 or preferably closer to $5,200 I'd feel a lot better about it. Thoughts on that?
I apologize for the long post. I wanted to be as thorough as possible.
My ultimate questions are:
1) What are your thoughts on value cover situation?
2) Is there anything else I should be looking for/should worry about?
3) Thoughts on the price?
2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 6cly
Above is the Craigslist ad to the truck. It speaks for itself. It's a 2002 SR5 2WD with 186k miles. As stated in the ad, the owner has a big fat folder full of maintenance records dating back to his wife's purchase of the vehicle as a Toyota Certified Used car just before it reached 20k miles.
Went and checked it out yesterday. Outside it's cherry. There's only one very small dimple in the hood less than the size of a dime and not deep at all. The paint is in amazing shape for a 2002 aside from a spot above the driver's door handle and a spot near the rear. Both look like they can be buffed as they're more "on" the paint that in it or deep marks. The interior is in outstanding shape as well. No tears or cracks, original floor mats, even have the tonnea cover for the cargo area.
All electronics work, door locks, power windows, rear hatch window, CD player, power antenna, and the heat and air blow hot/cold respectively.
The biggest downside (outside of the engine bay) is the key tumbler in the rear hatch is loose in the hatch. A key can be inserted and turned, and the lock can be used, but it "floats" around in the gate. I assume this is simply a clip that can be replaced by taking the inner skin off the hatch from the inside and replacing. (Can anyone confirm?)
Now for the bad...
The engine has 186k miles on it, which I know is no where near done (or even cause for worry) in a 3rd Gen T4R with the 3.4L. However, the last time the timing belt/water pump was changed was 88k miles, so it's all but due for that. The undercarriage is clean and dry as a bone. No major leaks UNDER the engine/transmission, no signs of "strawberry milkshake" in the radiator or overflow reservoir, all fluids are as they should be, rear end and wheel housing (read: wheel cylinder/bearings) dry as well. However, there is some "gunky buildup" around the rear of the passenger side valve cover and noticeable leakage onto the exhaust manifold, though slight. When you run your fingers along the valve cover gasket in this area you draw back wet oil. (pictures attached)
Given this, I think it's safe to assume it's going to need a timing belt kit and valve cover gaskets replaced very soon. I called my regular mechanic and he quoted me $850-950 to do this all in one trip. Sound reasonable?
The lowest the owner would go is $5,800 cash. I feel if I can get it for $5,500 or preferably closer to $5,200 I'd feel a lot better about it. Thoughts on that?
I apologize for the long post. I wanted to be as thorough as possible.
My ultimate questions are:
1) What are your thoughts on value cover situation?
2) Is there anything else I should be looking for/should worry about?
3) Thoughts on the price?
