Buying a 4R and have a dilemna!

[BruceB83]

I'm looking for my first 4Runner and now have been faced with a tough decision. I have been looking for a 4WD as I'm coming from a Jeep and for the most part have always owned a 4WD. I live north of Atlanta but travel to the NC mountains for skiing during the winter and drive the mountains of GA to hit my fishing and camping spots throughout the year.

My cousin has just offered his 4R to me at a great price. It's a 2000 Limited with all available options. Silver with tan leather interior, exactly what I want only it's a 2WD. It has only 100K miles on it and has had all required maint. plus he just replaced the struts/shocks. It's in mint condition overall and he said he'd sell it to me for $6,900. Around here, other 2WD 4Runners at that price have upwards of 160-180K miles and show more signs of use than his does. It's probably a $8500-9000 4Runner compared to everything else out there.

I'm having a tough time coming across a 4WD that I like, there's just not many for sale around here. I've even expanded my search out to within a ~3-4 hour drive. I prefer a 1999-2002 but am looking at 98s if they met all other criteria.

I kind of feel like passing on this deal would be stupid because of the excellent condition and low miles on it. On the other hand, I feel like not having 4WD is like cutting off one of my, well, you know. Sometimes thinking of not having 4WD causes shortness of breath. Ok, not really but you know what I mean. What woud you guys do?

 

[pbcolt]

if you have any means transportation now, save for a 4x4. I bought a 2wd, same thing, low miles, good deal blah blah...sold it less than a year later for a 4x4.

 

[Kurtis]

2x Especially with the ski trips your talking about. With my 4runner 2WD does so-so but in 4WD....It is pretty impressive. Wait and get a 4WD. You may have to expand your search to near by states. Just hang in there...

 

[BruceB83]

Oh, and let me add that asking for advice on an online forum is not something I typically do. Due to the situation I figured I'd see if I was crazy passing on this or not.

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[WrexHAmm]

I'd wait. Granted I have never lived someplace that did not require 4x4. I would think if you ever wanted to get rid of it that nobody would ever want a 2 wheel. If you ever have doubts don't jump on something because you think it might be right, you will regret it everyday you are driving it.

 

[thorridder]

that is a great deal on a nice 4runner but if you want a 4wd and you get a 2wd you might regret it. you could drive for 3 hrs or get the other and have it all the time. i would drive to get what i want for sure.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

honestly, since it is a great deal, why not buy it and drive it until you can find yourself the right one, then you can sell the 2WD for more than you paid due to it's condition.

 

[4-Ripcord]

if you have any means transportation now, save for a 4x4. I bought a 2wd, same thing, low miles, good deal blah blah...sold it less than a year later for a 4x4.

I did the same thing. was 14 months for me, but yeah.

You will regret getting a 2wd so much, even after you get rid of it. And with the driving trips you described, you will be thankful you have a 4wd.

 

[BruceB83]

honestly, since it is a great deal, why not buy it and drive it until you can find yourself the right one, then you can sell the 2WD for more than you paid due to it's condition.

I've considered this. However it's this time of year that I really would have use for 4WD. I'm coming from a Jeep with built axles, lockers, winch, etc., etc., etc. so the thought of going from completely self sufficient in the snow/rough trails to 2WD only is weighing on me more than I thought it would.

A few days ago I had made up my mind to buy this 2WD Limited but now I'm not sure I can. :moping:

 

[jsmarine]

expand your search, a plane ticket (maybe $200 - $400) is a small price to pay in the big scheme of things; especially if you find the vehicle you want for the price you want! Granted the drive back will cost you as well in fuel and your time, but you will probably enjoy the road trip in your new 4wd 4runner! :hatsoff:

 

[criera]

honestly, since it is a great deal, why not buy it and drive it until you can find yourself the right one, then you can sell the 2WD for more than you paid due to it's condition.

i would do like bodom, except when i found the replacement it might not be a limited but for a cheaper price, swap all the limited stuff like leather seats, wood trim pcs etc around, and you will have a quasi limited for sr5 price, and then sell the "delimited?" when you are done with the swap. technically you would still be selling a limited, and its not like you would be misleading i dont think. just disclose the swapped parts. in a perfect world i would do that, im always looking for a parting out limited so i can have those things. the only think i can think of that wouldnt be too feasible might be the digital climate cuz i think there's a bunch of mechanical stuff thats not easy or possible to swap. im sure theres probably other stuff too though, anybody?

 

[blcktpgsr]

i would do like bodom, except when i found the replacement it might not be a limited but for a cheaper price, swap all the limited stuff like leather seats, wood trim pcs etc around, and you will have a quasi limited for sr5 price, and then sell the "delimited?" when you are done with the swap. technically you would still be selling a limited, and its not like you would be misleading i dont think. just disclose the swapped parts. in a perfect world i would do that, im always looking for a parting out limited so i can have those things. the only think i can think of that wouldnt be too feasible might be the digital climate cuz i think there's a bunch of mechanical stuff thats not easy or possible to swap. im sure theres probably other stuff too though, anybody?

Now who in their sane mind will buy this De-Limited truck you speak of without all the goodies that the Limited offers....Oh for sale is a 2WD Used-to-be Limited.....Just wait for a 4x4. You know what 4 wheel drive vehicles can, can and will do especially owning one in the past.

You live in a area where having a capable 4x4 is almost a necessity too.

 

[BruceB83]

I think I've made up my mind. Similar to what bodom said, if I cannot find a 4wd in the next couple weeks I'll probably buy my cousins and then drive it for a year or so. Actually, my goal would be to convince my wife to take it and then sell her car and I could get a 4WD after selling her car. I think I'll have a hard time letting go of such a nice 4R. She has a 2006 Mazda3 with about 100K miles on it. She's been wanting something a little bigger and while the reduction in gas mileage would kind of suck, she'd be getting an upgrade.

I'll be sure to post pics of my new 4R when I get it!

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I think I've made up my mind. Similar to what bodom said, if I cannot find a 4wd in the next couple weeks I'll probably buy my cousins and then drive it for a year or so. Actually, my goal would be to convince my wife to take it and then sell her car and I could get a 4WD after selling her car. I think I'll have a hard time letting go of such a nice 4R. She has a 2006 Mazda3 with about 100K miles on it. She's been wanting something a little bigger and while the reduction in gas mileage would kind of suck, she'd be getting an upgrade.

I'll be sure to post pics of my new 4R when I get it!

Thanks for your thoughts.

Welcome to the best plan yet, drop that Mazda

 

[greatskiiiier]

ive kind of been in your shoes the past year and a half, bought a 94 yota pickup 4x4 22re, loved it but couldnt get out of its on way and a reg cab flat out sucks, sold it for a $2000+ profit and bought an 02 dakota quad cab 4x4 v8, nice spacious powerful but 12/15mpg and knowing it was a dodge that would break under any abuse, i sold that for the same price i paid for it with 10K more miles

and that brings my to now, im selling my 86 turbo yota pickup 4x4 because its still a reg cab and the turbo doesnt help it enough in my eyes, i make about $2000 on this one and will be purchasing a 4runner soon (3.4, spacious, decent gas mileage, good offroad)

so long story short, if you can make money on the 2wd 4R then buy it and sell it when you find what you want, if you dont think youll make anything, just hold out for your dream truck

 

[Hepar]

I would wait. You might only need it once a year, but you'll be cursing yourself for not having waited when it happens.

 

[BruceB83]

I would wait. You might only need it once a year, but you'll be cursing yourself for not having waited when it happens.

Agreed. I think Mother Nature is weighing in and showing her opinion too. Here in Atlanta we're seeing our 2nd "winter weather event" within 1 week, the week I'm trying to decide between 2wd or 4 wd. I think I know my answer now.

 

[jsmarine]

expand your search, a plane ticket (maybe $200 - $400) is a small price to pay in the big scheme of things; especially if you find the vehicle you want for the price you want! Granted the drive back will cost you as well in fuel and your time, but you will probably enjoy the road trip in your new 4wd 4runner! :hatsoff:

Again, I think I would wait rather than chance it on selling and **possibly**making a profit on a 2wd. Think of it this way, right now it sounds like you have some money burning a whole in your pocket and you want a 4wd T4R, BUT you found a great deal on a 2wd T4R from a good friend, BUT its really not what you want. I see your dilemma, really I do. If you do buy it, and 2 months from now you find exactly what you want, what then? Or even 8 months from now. You will have to sell your 2wd 4runner fast, and take less than what you normally would because you need the cash to buy the 4runner you want before it gets away.

Remember, you aren't buying a new car that's a dime a dozen, when you find what you want, at the price you want, in the condition, color and everything else, you need to act; make an offer and see where the chips fall, because you cant just drive to the next dealer and find the same thing.

And I can tell you from experience from selling cars, the guy that shows up with cash in his pocket, right now to buy a car, is KING, he can make a deal happen! Not the guy that says will you hold it until I sell my unwanted, de-limited 2wd 4runner so I can buy yours. :nono:

Again, save your money, extend your search and find what you want the first time. You will be happier, truly. Seriously, a plane ticket and the drive back isn't much when you are totally stoked about finding your new 4wd 4runner!

 

[BruceB83]

Again, I think I would wait rather than chance it on selling and **possibly**making a profit on a 2wd. Think of it this way, right now it sounds like you have some money burning a whole in your pocket and you want a 4wd T4R, BUT you found a great deal on a 2wd T4R from a good friend, BUT its really not what you want. I see your dilemma, really I do. If you do buy it, and 2 months from now you find exactly what you want, what then? Or even 8 months from now. You will have to sell your 2wd 4runner fast, and take less than what you normally would because you need the cash to buy the 4runner you want before it gets away.

Remember, you aren't buying a new car that's a dime a dozen, when you find what you want, at the price you want, in the condition, color and everything else, you need to act; make an offer and see where the chips fall, because you cant just drive to the next dealer and find the same thing.

And I can tell you from experience from selling cars, the guy that shows up with cash in his pocket, right now to buy a car, is KING, he can make a deal happen! Not the guy that says will you hold it until I sell my unwanted, de-limited 2wd 4runner so I can buy yours. :nono:

Again, save your money, extend your search and find what you want the first time. You will be happier, truly. Seriously, a plane ticket and the drive back isn't much when you are totally stoked about finding your new 4wd 4runner!

Yeah, I'd say it's burning a hole in my pocket. Heh heh. Not to mention I'm coming from a no frills interior Jeep and am borrowing my fathers spare Jeep temporarily. I've was in that thing for 4 years after getting rid of my WRX to drop the car payment and just now have been able to come to terms with buying something newer (*reads - letting go of the cash), so I'm SOOOO ready to get a nice 4Runner. It's going to be like moving into a BMW to me. Not to mention, for whatever reason I've just always liked the 4Runner since I first got my license 11 years ago.

I'm waiting for a 4wd. Even if I only engage it 4 times during the year I'll still be happy I have it. 1999 was the first year of the push button 4wd on the side of the gear selector, right?

 

[jsmarine]

Yeah, I'd say it's burning a hole in my pocket. Heh heh. Not to mention I'm coming from a no frills interior Jeep and am borrowing my fathers spare Jeep temporarily. I've was in that thing for 4 years after getting rid of my WRX to drop the car payment and just now have been able to come to terms with buying something newer (*reads - letting go of the cash), so I'm SOOOO ready to get a nice 4Runner. It's going to be like moving into a BMW to me. Not to mention, for whatever reason I've just always liked the 4Runner since I first got my license 11 years ago.

I'm waiting for a 4wd. Even if I only engage it 4 times during the year I'll still be happy I have it. 1999 was the first year of the push button 4wd on the side of the gear selector, right?

I know what you mean about having cash and wanting a new car, I was in that boat when I was searching for mine. And I did get what I wanted, for the most part minus the e-locker. But I searched for about eight months and looking back at the 4runners I almost bought, I'm glad I waited.

Yes I believe 1999 was, but my 2000 does not have the AWD button. It wasn't a standard feature on 4runners after 1999. At least not in 2000