Buying 2005 Runner - Need negotiating advice!

[skelrad]

Brand new to the forum and looking for some advice. I'm looking at two used 4Runners, trying to decide which to buy. I've researched the value of 4Runners, but I'm not convinced that KBB and the other valuation sites are all that accurate for SUVs right now. It seems like SUVs and trucks are selling for less than book value these days - I'm assuming because of gas prices.

Anyway, the two I'm looking at are both 2005 Limited 4x4s.

Vehicle 1 is a V6 with 32k miles on it and is selling for $19.7 (that's an already reduced price at the dealer - not sure how much lower I can get them to go).

Vehicle 2 is a V8 with 24k miles on it, plus the navigation system, and is selling for $19.3.

I don't really have any reason to buy a V8 over a V6, but the difference in mileage isn't exactly a deal breaker either way. Both vehicles are very clean.

So the question is, are both of these vehicles good deals, or are they just average deals given the market for SUVs today? Also, any feedback on how useful Toyota's navigation system is? I know some manufacturers really make lousy systems that are hard to use.

Any feedback would be great! I'm leaning towards the V6 just because I already have a portable nav unit and, even if it's minimal, better mileage is better mileage. I tend to drive my cars for at least 200k miles, so I won't be selling this vehicle for quite some time (unless gas gets so expensive I can't fill it up anymore - but at that point I doubt I'll have a buyer anyway!).

 

[Uneek]

Also, any feedback on how useful Toyota's navigation system is? I know some manufacturers really make lousy systems that are hard to use.

Toyota navs are great. Very simple and easy to operate. What I like the most about them is it calculates very fast and if you miss an exit or turn, the reroute directions are there in two seconds or so. The only downside is Toyota locks out the nav when the vehicle is in motion. There are numerous ways to get around this.

IMO, the backup cam with nav is big seller for me. But if the cargo mirrors are there, those can be very helpful with a little practice.

Given the choice, if both are either certified preown or neither are (so they're equal in that respect), I'd get the V8 because it's cheaper, fewer miles and nav.

 

[Cape 4RUNNER]

Id go with vehicle 2- youll love the added options and the greater torque of the V8. The price point is great too, Id think you could get it to around 18.9 depending on the type of dealer your working with.

 

[4boer]

I paid 17.7 two months ago. 2004 V8 limited. A few more miles, but brand-spanking new tires. End of month and quarter in sight. Buyers market. Be a bas****. Pick YOUR number and don't budge. I had to buy that week, but never moved my number higher. The dealer came down 4 times. If you dont have to buy pick a number with a 16 handle. Good luck.

 

[TheBlueWave]

KBB is a good resource, even though right now it can't keep up with the falling SUV prices. I would compare prices all over the country on sites like carsoup and autotrader (search the whole country) and see what asking prices are out there. And like above, be a jerk and make sure you don't get talked into some "toyota reliability" pitch by the sales person.

Get the v8. Minimal difference in fuel economy, less miles and a lower price. A year ago, the v8 would have cost much more. Plus, you should get more room to negotiate a v8 down in price.