Buying a 4Runner

[Hustl504]

Hey everybody,

I've been registered on the forums here for a little bit and have just been waiting for the right 4Runner to come along. So, this is another "Am I Getting a Good Deal?" thread, but bear with me.

I'm looking at a 2004 SR5 locally.

It's got -

Clean title
1 owner
38k miles
V8
4WD
JBL audio
Sport package
Moonroof
New brakes

There's one large scuff in the paint, and the usual scratches/dings for a used car. But overall, I can tell it's been babied. Service has been kept up on it, it hasn't towed anything, it's in really good condition. The only bad thing is that it has the original tires so I may need to put some money down on those in the near future.

The lady I'm (hopefully) buying it from owes $16K on the loan, but we talked and she's willing to go a little lower. I'm thinking 15, does that sound about right for the vehicle? This is my first vehicle purchase other than my high school beater, so I want to make sure it's right. What do you all think?

Also, has anyone ever dealt with purchasing a vehicle with a lien on it? What's the best way to go about it?

Thanks!

 

[ABooker]

Sounds like a fair deal. New tires will cost you around $700 and up. Have a mechanic check it our, especially for water damage. You are in New Orleans you know.:

As far as the lien goes.. You and her go to your bank or hers and get them to do the transfers - assuming you are financing it. If not, got to her bank and purchase it from them basically. If her bank is not local, you can call them and get their info and give them yours. Verify! VerifY! Did you do a carfax?

Good luck and enjoy the ride!
Andy

 

[SLED]

With proper maintenance done (bills to prove) and the low mileage, I'd say that's a fair deal - assuming you can get a deal on some quality body work/repainting to address those scratches/dings.

 

[SLED]

Sounds like a fair deal. New tires will cost you around $700 and up. Have a mechanic check it our, especially for water damage. You are in New Orleans you know.:

As far as the lien goes.. You and her go to your bank or hers and get them to do the transfers - assuming you are financing it. If not, got to her bank and purchase it from them basically. If her bank is not local, you can call them and get their info and give them yours. Verify! VerifY! Did you do a carfax?

Good luck and enjoy the ride!
Andy

^^ Oh yeah, CARFAX for sure, and mechanical inspection!!

 

[Hustl504]

I did check the carfax and everything checked out.

I went ahead and bought it last night

Unfortunately, the seller had to take her plates off it, so now it's just sitting until I can get it registered. It's killing me not being able to drive it, but I did take a short spin around the block last night.

First impressions after sitting in it getting comfortable for about an hour and a quick drive -

the V8 sounds awesome
it handles New Orleans pot holes with ease
I was surprised at how well it handles for its size
very glad I got one with the JBL sound
the V8 sounds awesome

 

[ABooker]

Good for You!
Did you sneak a look at it in the middle of the night or go just sit in it?

Enjoy!