buying advice

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dirkpitt73

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Hi all - I've been on the lookout for a grey V8 4WD 4th gen 4Runner for some time. They seem to be pretty hard to come by in my neck of the woods (Texas). I hope I'm not violating any rules here by posting a link to CarMax:

2007 Toyota 4Runner Limited in Austin, TX- 8556422 at carmax.com

This one seems to fit the bill, but they have it listed as 2WD. The pictures seem to indicate otherwise, but I'm hoping someone with experience and a sharper eye can confirm. Also, does this seem like a fair price? What should I be looking for when I check this out in person? Mileage seems very low. Is the V8 a reliable engine, like can I expect 100k miles relatively worry free? Any big gotchas on this year's model? Also, I believe it's full time 4WD, correct? What are people getting in real world mileage?

Thanks in advance for the advice, I'd be trading in a newer Pilot that sadly lacks 4WD and leather (not good with kiddos!).
 
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That's a 4wd - check picture #20 where you can see the 4wd selector switch below the rear window switch, and to the left of the heater/AC controls. Additionally, it has the 4wd badges on the side. Yes, it's full-time 4wd with the V8.

Expect to replace the timing belt (and the water pump) at 90k miles or so. Cost me about $900 at a dealer here in DFW. That engine is very reliable and will last you a lot longer than 100k miles. Check for cracked exhaust manifolds and stuck front brake calipers.

I've been averaging about 17 mpg (combined).
 
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Good LAWD that's alot of money! I bought my 07 with exactly 100,311 miles on it on Jan 18th this year. I paid $15k for it. Mine is same color and is a Limited, but is not a 4x4. Is a 4x4 and 50k less miles worth almost double? I say heck no, not on a Toyota anything!

I would buy a brand new one instead. You're already at the point that you're spending some real cash, why not go all the way and get a 2012 for the few bucks more and pick whatever you like?

As far as reliability, these trucks go and go and go. My 07' looks just as clean and drives just as good as that 50k mile one. I have the V8 and it's not given me a hint that it is gonna be a problem at all. I'm sure someone will talk about gas, exhaust leak, timing belt vs. timing chaing, etc...at the end of the day the truck is solid as a rock and I would be willing to bet my 100,000 mile truck will still be on the road 10 years from now and will still be performing well for whoever is driving it then with about 250k miles on it.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
I have been looking for something similar but a little higher miles and slightly older but that seems WAY too high of a price. The 2007 should be 17-19k max even for that type of mileage!
 
krupnation said:
I like that it's their "no haggle" price....

Did you do the usual homework? check: edmunds.com, nadaguides.com, kbb.com for their insight on pricing for that year with those miles...just checked nadaguides and they say the truck is worth $27,175 clean retail. 2007 Toyota 4Runner Utility 4D Limited 4WD Value, Toyota 4Runner Book & Trade In Value, Base Price, Standard Equipment Price, Toyota 4Runner Price Detail | NADAguides | NADA Used Car Value Guides
Click to expand...

Concur. That's why I said start negotiations around $23K.
 
Nice looking 4Runner for sure but I agree with others - it's WAY overpriced. I've never tried to negotiate with Carmax so I don't know if they really won't come down on their price or not. I suspect the longer they have a car the more likely they are to negotiate. I think $22k - $23k is the right price range for that car.
 
We looked for a while before finding the one we bought... should've kept looking (whole other story). There's always going to be a better deal out there it seems after you buy one... take your time and keep looking and be patient. The 2007 is new enough that it should be pretty straight. Look at the CV boots and the rear window seal area. I found rust around my rear window. I didn't catch those issues, along with excessive under body rust before purchase.

If the dealer will let you look, have them put it up on a lift. If not, crawl around under it. Also make sure the spare tire drops down. Mine was rusted and took an hour to break free.
 
Well it's a limited, so leather, memory seats, 18" wheels, air bag rear suspension, AC inverter etc. nice looking truck.
 
Thanks for all the tips guys, this is a great forum! I too think it's overpriced at $27k. I plan to drive it and a 2012. Believe it or not, I've never driven a 4Runner period, so want to do that and compare 4th and 5th gen. Always admired them and as with most cool cars (my daily driver is a Wrangler) the online communities really add to the experience. Will keep you posted.
 
jimithing said:
Nice looking 4Runner for sure but I agree with others - it's WAY overpriced. I've never tried to negotiate with Carmax so I don't know if they really won't come down on their price or not. I suspect the longer they have a car the more likely they are to negotiate. I think $22k - $23k is the right price range for that car.
Click to expand...

They don't budge.
 
FWIW, I just bought a limited v8 2007 in great condition with 93K (so higher than OP is looking by quite a bit). Paid $23,900 with assurances from the dealership that the full 90K service inc. timing belt had just been performed. Having that service already performed was worth $1000 to me. Getting the whole f'ing thing over with and getting into my car was worth at least $500, too. ;) I hope never to walk into another car dealership for at least 8 more years.
 
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