Advice for first time 4Runner purchase...

[pbwolf]

I've really fallen in love with the 4Runner and I found a decent 2WD '99 recently, but I'm curious - the place (used car lot) is asking about $7000 for it, but they say they it comes with a 2 year warranty on the drive-train... and oh yeah, it's got 199k miles on it.

I didn't see the SR5 badge, but if I remember correctly it was a V6, and it had the gold emblem package, leather, sunroof, power W/L, almost like a Limited I think, yet no Limited badge.

The brake light came on but when I looked under the hood, the fluid seemed to be right at the minimum, though. I thought there might be a leak, but otherwise it felt fine. Are the brakes usually a little deep on the pedal? This would be my first 4Runner so I'm in unfamiliar territory.

Anyways, the rest of the fluids looked good and the engine compartment looked pretty clean. Despite wear and tear on the interior and some ripping on the leather seats, the truck looked clean overall.. It ran, drove and shifted well. The only other problem I noticed was that the sunroof didn't want to close all the way... does it normally close flush with the roof? It seemed to be stuck back a tiny bit and unable to 'tilt' up when I tried to close it.

Maybe I'm just a tire kicker but I was hesitant to go $7000 deep on a truck with 199k miles on it.. What do you think?

 

[DewRunner]

i think its a little steep for 200k mile truck thats also a 2wd. i know theres one at a dealer here, im guessing 2wd or else 4x4 base model, 99 for $4999

I paid 6k for a 1996 131k v6 srd 4x4 auto with e-locker. i thought i got a decent deal could of gotten better but i liked it alot cause the rear locker

 

[One_96TR4]

I'd hold off. That one doesn't sound the best. The mileage shouldn't scare you but it doesn't seem like a great deal. The price of these trucks have taken a beating lately and I'm sure you can find a 4wd for that price. The roof should close flush and tilt without any issue. As for the brakes there probably worn causing the really low pedal and low brake fluid. The brake light will go off when the fluid is topped up or filled back when the brakes are changed. If for some reason you decide to take a stab at it. I'd probably start with an offer around 5.5-6k.

 

[createbmx]

my 97 limited was $4200. 173K miles

Check www.kbb.com for very accurate details. Print out the page and bring it with you to negotiate.

 

[scotts97T4Rltd]

ive seen the 2wds go around here for the mid $4000 range. you may want to hold off, and find a better deal elsewhere. Here is the private party valuation straight from KBB.com I would not give more than that for it.



More Photos Condition Value


Excellent
$4,510

Good
$4,035

Fair
$3,410

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Like others have said, pass on that one. You'll find another one soon I'm sure.

 

[p nut]

Walk on that one. Over-priced, not well-maintained, high mileage, and it

 

[anotherT4Rowner]

I paid $4500 for my 2000 T4R Limited. Sr5 V6 110k miles. Try to buy one around the 100k - maybeee 150k miles. On the deal your looking at you are almost touching the 200k. imo I would'nt even consider it.

 

[pbwolf]

Thanks for the affirmations.. Just gotta keep my head up..

I've been looking for awhile and good 4WD 4runner's are tough to find for sale around here... I see them on the road every day, but hardly any for sale.

I mean, I'm no offroader, this will be more of a daily driver for me, but it seems I'm going to spend the money either way... because the 2WD's seem to be just as pricey in this area.

 

[01t4rnr]

Thanks for the affirmations.. Just gotta keep my head up..

I've been looking for awhile and good 4WD 4runner's are tough to find for sale around here... I see them on the road every day, but hardly any for sale.

I mean, I'm no offroader, this will be more of a daily driver for me, but it seems I'm going to spend the money either way... because the 2WD's seem to be just as pricey in this area.

where you located? im pretty good with finding deals so if you want to give me your zip id be glad to help you find a better deal. Thats WAYYYYYY too much $ for that truck

 

[pbwolf]

Thanks man, PM sent.

BTW, since I'm not going to be big on the offroading (nothing serious, maybe occasional 4wd need due to camping, etc) would it be worth it to go with a 2WD from a maintenance perspective? Do the 4WD systems cause more trouble in the long run? (especially on a 9-10 year old truck)

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Thanks man, PM sent.

BTW, since I'm not going to be big on the offroading (nothing serious, maybe occasional 4wd need due to camping, etc) would it be worth it to go with a 2WD from a maintenance perspective? Do the 4WD systems cause more trouble in the long run? (especially on a 9-10 year old truck)

I'm sure mechanically there are more parts to break, but I haven't heard of any problems on these 4runners.

 

[anotherT4Rowner]

Thanks man, PM sent.

BTW, since I'm not going to be big on the offroading (nothing serious, maybe occasional 4wd need due to camping, etc) would it be worth it to go with a 2WD from a maintenance perspective? Do the 4WD systems cause more trouble in the long run? (especially on a 9-10 year old truck)

My cousin has a yukon xl 2 wd. never broke down on him when he goes camping. And beside 4wd use more gas. But where are your located. Ill keep my eyes open for a good deal on these babies. Ohh yea almost forgot. Don't get a 4 cyl.

 

[Matthew Starr]

not sure where you are but here's a link for a 2000 limited 4x4 V6 with 121k miles for $6995 in Illinois. I kinda want to go pick this one up for myself.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...&doors=&max_price=&cardist=910&standard=false