Back w a T4R - Good Buy?

[SgnDen]

Hello:

This will be my 3rd T4R but my first 3rd gen version.

How does this deal sound?

2000 SR5 4x4 3.4L w 129k miles - $7000
Brand new BFG A/T tires
New brakes
New shocks
Rebuilt tranny (2 weeks ago)

Cracked windshield
Broken side mirror
Bent antenna
No wrecks, dents, dings
Don't know if timing belt has been done but it was adjusted at 70K miles.

Here in CO these things seem to be super hot items and get strong dollar.

Good deal?

Thanks!! You'll be seeing me around.

SG

 

[bgmac]

sounds pretty decent! Little bit on the pricey side, but like you said they are worth more in your area. I would of had them replace that mirror and windsheild first though. Post some pics when you get a chance and Welcome to the forum!!

 

[SgnDen]

Thanks, bgmac. My brother has owned it from day one...he's done 3k oil changes like clockwork...and a lot of the miles are going from Denver to Moab, UT. A little wheelin, but nothing heavy duty. From what I can tell, $7k is good price - but if it need timing belt...subtract $500 is what I am thinking.

I am buying this one instead of a 2007...just to see what it's like to save money <grin>.

SG

 

[SgnDen]

I know this type of question is tiring, but there's nothing like the collective wisdom of a good forum group...eh?

I promise I am not just a "user" who'll just have his way with the info and then disappear!

Thanks, regardless...I look forward to tinkering with another T4R.

SG

 

[Stick Figure]

better price than i paid for mine a year ago, but similar stats other than mine didn't have any cracked glass etc. only question is... why was the trans rebuilt? who rebuilt it? and is the warranty for sure transferable to you?

 

[(4)runnin'it]

i would get an independent inspection done. that'll save you money down the road if there are problems that you or the guy that has it now can't see. but from what you've told us it sounds good. post a pic when you can

 

[SgnDen]

Thanks very much for the input.

My brother is the original owner and def used the thing...he was very accurate with oil changes every 3k, never towed and did minimal off-road. The tranny was rebuilt by a very reputable independent shop that do nothing but tranny work. The warranty is 100% transferable (3 yrs).

The tranny shop said this is not unusual to see these transmissions go at this mileage.

I am still gonna get a PPI for sure.

Windshield $210, mirror (glass only) $40. Main thing I want to verify is whether or not the Timing Belt has been done...not just adjusted at 75k.

Thanks!

SG

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I've rarely heard of 3rd gen auto tranny issues under 200k miles but I guess sometimes they just go out but no big deal and the price is a good deal and 129k isn't alot of miles on the 3.4.

 

[SgnDen]

Thanks Ron!

Any recommendations for a good indy shop near downtown Denver (I live in the Highlands neighborhood)?

SG

 

[Sloan]

7 thousand dosent sound that high to me? i still see 00-02s for sale around the 10k mark and none of them even have 4WD. sounds like its a good deal so you should probably go ahead and grab it.

and i had my tranny replaces around that similar mileage as well so maybe its more common then people think, nobody just talks about it?

 

[peter78]

and i had my tranny replaces around that similar mileage as well so maybe its more common then people think, nobody just talks about it?

Great, something to look forward to......:cannon:

 

[spongerx]

Sounds like a good price. Thats about what I got mine for. NEW BFG's are going for about $900 so thats great having new skins on there. New tranny sounds great too. Welcome.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

and i had my tranny replaces around that similar mileage as well so maybe its more common then people think, nobody just talks about it?

If it was a common issue at such low miles there would be threads dedicated to the problems either here and most definetly on yotatech and there simply isn't that many threads that reflect the problems and if it is a real problem it would be talked about.

 

[SgnDen]

All I know is that the shop that did the tranny rebuild said that Toyota has been matching that same transmission to multiple engines of steadily increasing power and torque.

They are seeing more and more of them needing to be rebuilt at 125k - 150k point.

Either way, it's good to go now...

SG

 

[97-4xFunner]

Excuse my ignorance, but what the heck is a timing belt adjustment? I have heard about valve adjustments on Toyotas and other vehicles, but no timing belt adjust.

 

[SgnDen]

I am no expert...but I imagine it's just an adjustment to the tensioners.

If you look at a timing belt "kit", you can see the rollers that surely have some adjustability...but I have never done one myself.

My brother just said it was "adjusted" at 90k miles...but no water pump?? I'd think you'd do the pump if you have the cover off...

SG

 

[SgnDen]

Excuse my ignorance, but what the heck is a timing belt adjustment? I have heard about valve adjustments on Toyotas and other vehicles, but no timing belt adjust.

You are right...the tensioner is not adjusted as a repair. Timing belt, water pump, Drive belts, and bearings all should be done when you're in there.

So I have learned...$880 later.