Advice needed on T4R purchase!

[VaYotaDude]

Wow, there is a WEALTH of knowledge here! I'm new to this forum, and the T4R community, and I must say this has all been eye opening. Been looking at a few, I have a low budget so I've had to look at the worst and hope for the best. Stumbled upon 2 '99 limited's, one with 208k, and one with 250k. The 208k is $4700, a fantastic LOOKING truck and has a locker, but it's at a dealer with no service history. The one with 250k is $3900 has service records, including a new tb and wp very recently. Also somewhat considering a '99 SR5 that looks and runs good, owner claims it needs a cat, 213k on the dial for $3300. I must admit, all three sound like deals, but seeing as this will be my daily as well as a play toy, I am just a BIT concerned. Coming from a strong Subaru background, I know that with proper maintenance and care, subbies and yota's will run forever. But, if there neglected, they seem to fall apart rather quickly (and expensively, for that matter). Any ideas would be great. Ive been reading all the buyers guides, this thread, and the other 3rd gen stuff relating to the topic, and just want a final opinion I guess. As a note, the lower mileage (208k) I'm looking at is 500 miles away from me, and at $4795, is tight for my budget of 5250. I know, I know... I'm probably dreaming with a budget like that, but hey... However... The 250k one is only an hour away, and is being sold by a private party. It DOES have a locker (had to tell the guy where to look for the switch, he had no idea.) He's asking 3900, but is willing to negotiate. This would give me alot more room with my budget, plus he has records for tb, wp, pulleys etc less than 30k miles ago!! I dont want it to get away, but i'm in real need of advice, as he has a committed buyer for sunday at $3300. So I need to decide before then, and offer at least that. I have pics of the more expensive one, am waiting on pics of the cheaper one. If anyone wants to see, I'll gladly post them! Thanks in advance, and I'm excited to see where this journey leads, and looking forward to being an active member here!!

:hello: :thanks:

 

[mforce]

I think if you like the one with 250K on it and if you can get it for $3300 that might not be a bad deal. He DOES have all the service records for it as well. Is he the original owner of it? How is the suspension, the radiator and how is the body and interior. Things that need to be taken care of can since your getting it well below your budget. I just got our and when I took it to the dealer he offered me $5000 cash on the spot to buy it straight out. Mine is a 98 Limited 4x4 with all the goodies in great shape with 170K on the clock. But as you know 250K is still alot of life left IF it has been taken care of. And it does have the locker already!

 

[VaYotaDude]

I think if you like the one with 250K on it and if you can get it for $3300 that might not be a bad deal. He DOES have all the service records for it as well. Is he the original owner of it? How is the suspension, the radiator and how is the body and interior. Things that need to be taken care of can since your getting it well below your budget. I just got our and when I took it to the dealer he offered me $5000 cash on the spot to buy it straight out. Mine is a 98 Limited 4x4 with all the goodies in great shape with 170K on the clock. But as you know 250K is still alot of life left IF it has been taken care of. And it does have the locker already!

No, he bought the car at 200k 2.5 years ago... As for condition, he's not well versed in english, and uses the vehicle for highway travel only, so beyond appearances, he was less than helpful. I have not seen the cheap one yet, am waiting on pictures and will then go test drive and check it out tmw. As for the more expensive of the two, here's a link...

1999 Toyota 4Runner - Hikes Lane Auto Louisville, KY

I'm really almost sold on the cheaper one, simply because I'd have more fix-er-up cash left over... That is, if its in good shape cosmetically and the TestD and inspection are good...

 

[3rd gen king]

Wow, there is a WEALTH of knowledge here! I'm new to this forum, and the T4R community, and I must say this has all been eye opening. Been looking at a few, I have a low budget so I've had to look at the worst and hope for the best. Stumbled upon 2 '99 limited's, one with 208k, and one with 250k. The 208k is $4700, a fantastic LOOKING truck and has a locker, but it's at a dealer with no service history. The one with 250k is $3900 has service records,
:hello: :thanks:

to much to read..
4runners run forever. buy it if you like the price is right. i have 365k and running good i got it at 355k for $3200 no locker and not 4x4 so 35 seems quite good. id lean towards the service records runner, the dealer will tell you whatever they can to trick you and all the will do is power wash the motor and clean it like crazy (dealers also bump up the price, private you can bargain with) also print out kbb and take it with you.

the dealer one has a cracked bug shield so if you go that rout accentuate you will have to get that replaced.

 

[vivek]

I'd go for the 250k one. Did you get a carfax on either one? theyre pretty cheap and tell you alot. Oh yeah, I saw a few 3rd gen runners with 500k on youtube (but they were maintained really well). So with 250k, you still probably have like 100k left.