Buying a Gen 3 across the country?

[DBar2z]

Hey everyone,

I am new to not only 4runners but also Toyota. The first thing I came to learn is that these trucks hold their value better than I had thought they did. I need some advice from anyone who is willing to give it. I am not sure if my expectations are too high but below is my list of wants for my first ever 4runner:

• 3rd Gen
• 99 or 00
• Limited (for the center locking diff)
• Rear locking diff
• Under 200k miles
• Good to excellent interior
• No accidents
• Minimal rust
• Under 8 grand but willing to push my budget up to 10 grand

Is this unreasonable, are there still deals like this to be had these days? I am willing to wait for the right deal for me and am willing to fly to just about anywhere in the country for the right 4runner. Has anyone ever flown to purchase a 4runner? I am nervous that I will fly to a city to purchase a 4runner and get there and it turns out to have issues that weren't disclosed in the listing by the seller or the dealership.

Thanks for reading through my post and also thanks in advance for any advice or insights you might have.


-Dylan-

 

[FrenchToasty]

When you find "the one" look online for local pre purchase inspections services. They go thru the car with a close eye and then give you a report back, you can use that for price negotiations. Then if it's good to go, buy your plane ticket. I flew for mine and that's how I did it, inspections cost 200$ or less usually

 

[DBar2z]

Thanks for the advice, do you remember what service you used for yours? I just looked some up and found Carchex and looks like a pretty good service but was wondering what your experience with your inspection service was like.

 

[Saltyboot]

I am also looking for a 3rd gen. I just did a vehicle buyers inspection through a local Toyota dealership, it cost me $134. I came back to the seller with some great info/ammunition and he didn't budge on price even though he had a head gasket leak. I walked away from the deal. Good luck on your search.