Buying a 2007-2009 4runner in a few months

[Juicy]

Good advice but you notice in original post I mentioned I would not be buying for a couple months. Everything right now is just fact finding and confirming my feelings about the year and make I'm going after. Given that any point in time is fairly relative to a short time later, I should have a similar selection to what is out there now in a few months... I've found in car purchasing it's almost always better to wait if it's not what you're looking for...

I wasn't saying to jump on that one but when you do find one you like, don't hesitate. I'm pretty picky and it took me 8 months to find the one I have now and it came from another state. I wish you luck with your search

 

[lionscourt]

I wasn't saying to jump on that one but when you do find one you like, don't hesitate. I'm pretty picky and it took me 8 months to find the one I have now and it came from another state.

I also am considering other states. It would be great if it's from right around here (southern Cal) but not likely. I'm trying to stay away from states with high amounts of snowfall or rain. If a truck is not garaged--and sometimes even when it is if it's being driven consistently in these conditions--then frame rust is most likely going to be an issue at the least... I plan on asking for pics of the undercarriage before I head out to see any truck.... What kind of mileage do you guys consider optimal when buying these years?

 

[villaphoto]

That looks really nice, but my advice is if you see one you like DO NOT hesitate for even a second because it will be gone quick. The ones that sit usually have something wrong (like with most used cars). If you are picky and really set on sticking to what you listed, be prepared to look for months and months.

Started searching for my 08 in October 2016, finally found one that didn't get sold before I could get to it in May.

 

[Juicy]

Started searching for my 08 in October 2016, finally found one that didn't get sold before I could get to it in May.

I'm glad your search is over! I had to do it twice, first one took around 4ish months and then was totaled 4 months later so I had to start looking again (which took 8 months). At least the second time around I knew exactly what I wanted so I could really narrow my search but I really hope I never have to do it again.

 

[lionscourt]

As Juicy Said, that will not last long. That is low mileage and looks in really good shape. I do think the price is a bit high however you may spend the next 2 years trying to find something with that low mileage.

There's about 5-10 across the country with much lower mileage than that one at a comparable price or better. I'm using at least 5 different search sites. I'm beginning to think that mileage might be my biggest factor in the search. I've noticed a 50% drop in value from apprx 90k to apprx 130k miles. For that reason I'm probably going to have to consider all 2006-2008 LE under 60K miles even though I want the 08'.

 

[lionscourt]

Started searching for my 08 in October 2016, finally found one that didn't get sold before I could get to it in May.

CONGRATS!!!!!:drummer:

 

[Inv4drZm]

I'm beginning to think that mileage might be my biggest factor in the search. I've noticed a 50% drop in value from apprx 90k to apprx 130k miles.

Unless money is no object for you, this is the exact reason why you should buy one with 120k miles that has its maintenance up to date. Value is the highest with a bit higher mileage because people think 130k is high mileage but the enthusiasts know they are just getting 'broke in.'

If I could have either truck for free, of course I would choose the lowest mileage possible. If I'm paying for it though, I can save a couple thousand easy by getting a 120k mi truck with good maintenance records with the timing belt done (if V8) and start decking it out with the extra money. Buying low mileage isn't going to necessarily save you costs in the long run due to how reliable these trucks are and you have to pay more up front.

Just my 2 cents for whatever it's worth.

 

[Juicy]

If I'm paying for it though, I can save a couple thousand easy by getting a 120k mi truck with good maintenance records with the timing belt done (if V8) and start decking it out with the extra money. Buying low mileage isn't going to necessarily save you costs in the long run due to how reliable these trucks are and you have to pay more up front.

Timing belt isn't just mileage, I just had to take my 08 in for something and they said the belt needed changed (even though it only has 38k) because it's 9 years or 90k miles. It got done but I didn't have to pay for it

My biggest issue was rust, there were a bunch that looked great and priced right but absolutely covered in rust or they were full of rust and the dealer was still asking $18k for it with the explanation of "That's normal for the age of the truck". No, sorry, it's not :laugh:

 

[lionscourt]

even though it only has 38k):

only 38k miles? Nice.. mind telling what you paid for it?

 

[lionscourt]

There's about 5-10 across the country with much lower mileage than that one at a comparable price or better. I'm using at least 5 different search sites. I'm beginning to think that mileage might be my biggest factor in the search. I've noticed a 50% drop in value from apprx 90k to apprx 130k miles. For that reason I'm probably going to have to consider all 2006-2008 LE under 60K miles even though I want the 08'.

As I look through the prices for those year(s)I am targeting, I've noticed that the prices are pretty steep for a truck (great as it is) already 10+ years old by the time I get it. As someone pointed out, it's not just low mileage but the years on the car--as soft as they might be. As I was looking for certain creature comfort in the later years (turn off traction control, navigation, mp3, and now, usb), it's become evident that I should be looking at early 5th generation as well. I really like that pull out rack on the trunk too. I actually like the 5th generation (up until 2014's front end change at least) as well so it's not a big deal. These are two that I would quickly pull the trigger on and have lower mileage than the one I posted previously at same price. The two colors I really like are the Blizzard Pearl (My sc400's color) and the Salsa Red. The second body/color/trim on the Salsa Red one is my favorite look hands down. The first in pearl is a nice rig with all the options around the same price and miles... Both of these I would purchase after inspection. The red one might have rust damage if you look through pics.

It seems there's less competition for early 5th than there is for late 4th which I might have to take advantage of

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/33791922

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...l?listingId=425306088&hideBackLink=true&Log=0

And this one is awesome as well.... (tho 3 owners in that time period makes me nervous)

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...xt=carGurusHomePage_false_0#listing=176529731