Buying a 4runner, hows this price sound?

[david.b]

hey guys-
looked at a 97 4runner sr5 over the weekend. 4x4, 80k origional owner, all records. looks like it needs valve cover gaskets, and maybe rear diff seal (noticed some old oil buildup around the rear diff). Had a slight shimmy when first applying brakes at high speed, didnt feel like warped rotors, felt like suspension bushings...

underneath looks very clean, no rust to the body or frame, only minor surface rust on the rear diff.

anyway, seller is asking $7500. Everything else looks brand new. I feel like its a solid deal, what are your thoughts? (any suggestion on the suspension/brake shimmy too?)

i plan to have it inspected at the dealer this week.

Thanks-
David

 

[jroyal29]

if there's no major fix ups involved then its a pretty good deal.. all the stuff u listed is pretty simple fix

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Mileage is good.

The problems are that it will need a new timing belt soon. Probably within 10,000-15,000 miles. That is probably $500 with a water pump.

Valve gasket and rear seals will probably run $500.

I'd try and talk him down a little.

 

[01t4rnr]

Mileage is good.

The problems are that it will need a new timing belt soon. Probably within 10,000-15,000 miles. That is probably $500 with a water pump.

Valve gasket and rear seals will probably run $500.

I'd try and talk him down a little.

Not a requirement though, some people go well over 150K miles with no probs. Id try and work on the price at least $500 also

 

[alaskaman]

I would stay away. to many issues and the price is high. My 97 with 130K booked at $7500.00 and it was in excellent condition. maybe you like to work on a vehicle? You can pick one up in exc. shape for this price.

 

[broncosi]

Not a requirement though,

I think it would be dumb to not change the timing belt every 90K though. That's why my '98 has 240K on with no problems, because i perform all the maintenance it needs. I wouldn't chance not doing it.

 

[david.b]

guys-

thanks for the responses. i have to disagree with alaskaman, i think these are very common issues for a 11 yr old car... and i dont think they are serious...and 80k on a 97...thats 6500 miles a yr driven... pretty low in my book... ill keep everyone updated on the inspection tomorrow and hopefully be another new owner of a 3rd gen runner!

 

[broncosi]

yea the millage is low. I bought my '98 with 180K for $10K simply because he had all the records, was the original owner, and had taken it in for every maintenance requirement/recommendation.

I say get it checked out at the dealer and go with it. Only thing that would hold me back would be if there are any cosmetic things or mechanical that are available on another 4runner(newer maybe) that you want then don't settle for this, wait it out if you can.

My point is that I bought mine and now want the 99 sports edition, or a limited instead of SR5. You get the idea.

 

[david.b]

good points... but im good with an older one... wouldnt mind swapping out a newer front bumper in the future... but thats no biggy... ill keep you guys posted and get some pics up if i buy it

 

[jspagna1]

He's asking way too much for it. Go to Edmunds and check out the value. Maybe $7,000 if there was absolutely nothing wrong with it? Say you have to spend $1,000 to get everything fixed. I would offer him $5,000, but no more than $5,500 for it.

 

[scotts97T4Rltd]

nada Has dropped quite a bit in the last few months. Mine is perfect, and i dont really think i coud get but maybe $5500 out of it.

 

[cooljello6233]

my runner was newer and had fewer miles when i got it this year for 6500 (98 with 68k) so i know u can bring ur price down to at least that

 

[CSL]

hey guys-
looked at a 97 4runne........

You had me at "buying a 4runner..."

 

[david.b]

UPDATE!- so, took it to the dealer today.... service manager was impressed with the condition of the car (visually its spotless) BUT.... the few concerns i had origionally were infact true-

so heres the outcome-
(everything not stated is in perfect working order)

-timing belt (280$)
-drive belts (65$)
-vale cover gaskets (560$)
-front brakes (180$)
-resurface drums (120$)
-fuel filter (90$)
-spark plugs (140$)
-new diff fluids etc (205$)

approx 1800$ in repairs and maint.

now granted i can do alot of this myself, the asking price of the 4runner is 7500, now plus 1800 is 9300$...

some of you already think the price is way too high, my issue is... i havent found another 4runner locally (within 200 miles) in this good a condition and as low mileage... even at 9300$ and ive been looking for a month now...

the owner does not want to budge on the price, should i just let this one go?

what are your thoughts!???

thanks!

 

[alaskaman]

UPDATE!- so, took it to the dealer today.... service manager was impressed with the condition of the car (visually its spotless) BUT.... the few concerns i had origionally were infact true-

so heres the outcome-
(everything not stated is in perfect working order)

-timing belt (280$)
-drive belts (65$)
-vale cover gaskets (560$)
-front brakes (180$)
-resurface drums (120$)
-fuel filter (90$)
-spark plugs (140$)
-new diff fluids etc (205$)

approx 1800$ in repairs and maint.

now granted i can do alot of this myself, the asking price of the 4runner is 7500, now plus 1800 is 9300$...

some of you already think the price is way too high, my issue is... i havent found another 4runner locally (within 200 miles) in this good a condition and as low mileage... even at 9300$ and ive been looking for a month now...

the owner does not want to budge on the price, should i just let this one go?

what are your thoughts!???

Well I appreciate an honest disagreement truly, but I think that this car requiring those repairs at that mileage is an indicator that the vehicle has not been taken care of.
I personally would pass but hey that is just me. The owner not budging is also kinda weird given that you documented these repairs which must be made..........good luck with your decision on this one.

thanks!

 

[alaskaman]

Well I appreciate an honest disagreement truly, but I think that this car requiring those repairs at that mileage is an indicator that the vehicle has not been taken care of.
I personally would pass but hey that is just me. The owner not budging is also kinda weird given that you documented these repairs which must be made..........good luck with your decision on this one.

 

[david.b]

im leaning towards passing at the moment... i agree, the owner has never even done the timing belt... and they recommend 60k or 5yrs... its been 11 years! the fact that he's not budging is discouraging to say the least!...


but im seriously shocked by some of the prices you guys are finding your 4runners for... down here in florida there's nothing close to that!

 

[alaskaman]

im leaning towards passing at the moment... i agree, the owner has never even done the timing belt... and they recommend 60k or 5yrs... its been 11 years! the fact that he's not budging is discouraging to say the least!...


but im seriously shocked by some of the prices you guys are finding your 4runners for... down here in florida there's nothing close to that!

that is what got my attention I mean the repairs are one thing but the fact that the owner would not budge........hmmmm.

what is your ideal car year features. we can help.....=)

 

[david.b]

gen 3 runner... 4x4 would be a bonus... not mandatory, sr5 and up... limited not necessary, get down with cloth, automatic v6, tow package... under 100k miles...

im pretty easy

 

[alaskaman]

gen 3 runner... 4x4 would be a bonus... not mandatory, sr5 and up... limited not necessary, get down with cloth, automatic v6, tow package... under 100k miles...

im pretty easy

sounds like it..........I would if I were in your shoes contact Toyota Certified by phone. tell em what you want and see if they can send out an email to all their dealers within the area you can travel.....squeaky wheel ya know? =)

how far are you willing to travel?