CL Find - Need advice

[96LTDrus]

If you look at the tire pic, it looks like a fresh application of undercoat in the fender well.

I noticed this as well. This is always a HUGE red flag for me for any northern truck.

Honestly, my guess is either an unreported accident repair, or a rollback, and/or a more serious rust issue that's been masked with a quick and cheap coat of rubberized undercoating. Worth a look if it's not a long drive, but I wouldn't hold out much hope and would be looking this over with a fine toothed comb.

 

[Jakesic]

I noticed this as well. This is always a HUGE red flag for me for any northern truck.

Honestly, my guess is either an unreported accident repair, or a rollback, and/or a more serious rust issue that's been masked with a quick and cheap coat of rubberized undercoating. Worth a look if it's not a long drive, but I wouldn't hold out much hope and would be looking this over with a fine toothed comb.

Thanks for looking out guys! I will keep all of this in mind. He still hasn't gotten back to me so he must not be in a hurry to sell.

 

[Jakesic]

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/5461024212.html

So I just found this gem instead and I have contacted the owner. I am highly considering going with this option instead. It also has an elocker. I talked to him about the frame and he said the frame is in good condition. It almost sounds too good to be true as well.

 

[SurfAndSand]

Hawaii CL sucks so much more than this.

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4

This is my number one choice right now. It looks to be in sad shape compared to all these other ones you guys are showing.

Can I get your opinions anyway? Thanks!

 

[dirteater4]

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/5461024212.html

So I just found this gem instead and I have contacted the owner. I am highly considering going with this option instead. It also has an elocker. I talked to him about the frame and he said the frame is in good condition. It almost sounds too good to be true as well.

Yes it does. Check the chrome for rust "bubbles" if you don't want to get on your belly to look underneath. Let us know if it's real and, um, if you drag your feet. I'd gladly fly and drive back if its legit.

 

[Jakesic]

Yes it does. Check the chrome for rust "bubbles" if you don't want to get on your belly to look underneath. Let us know if it's real and, um, if you drag your feet. I'd gladly fly and drive back if its legit.

Unfortunately he already has people locally lined up to look at it so it might be purchased before I get an opportunity to get there haha. So the hunt continues...

 

[Jakesic]

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4

This is my number one choice right now. It looks to be in sad shape compared to all these other ones you guys are showing.

Can I get your opinions anyway? Thanks!

It says that the author deleted the link already.

 

[Scramble]

2001 toyota 4runner

I saw this one on CL the other day, looks like a good one

Big gap on that front bumper, probably hit.

No lockers after 2000.

 

[SurfAndSand]

It says that the author deleted the link already.

looks like he reposted it:

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4

 

[4runnerfly]

Looks a little sketchy, amazing deal if it's ligit though, just paid 7 for a 2000 with 127,000.

 

[SurfAndSand]

Looks a little sketchy, amazing deal if it's ligit though, just paid 7 for a 2000 with 127,000.

It's for real. I sat in it already. That's how I know the cosmetic condition is a little rough.

Thanks for the input! I'm really tempted to pick it up.

 

[DK327]

I'd been on CL, CarGurus, AutoTrader, eBay, and this forum's classifieds for about a month, looking at everything and I have never seen a 3rd gen with <150K miles for below $6K, ever. I would use extreme caution. With that said, be patient, especially if you don't urgently need a truck. This is the same advice I got and eventually I was able to find myself one for a bit over $5K with everything I wanted, except the miles. I was shooting for <200K but this one I found had 228K. Another advice I received was not to obsess about mileage but how well it was taken care of, which means maintenance records! Without those, even if the vehicle has 100K miles, how would you know the previous owner treated it and why would they be selling it, etc...

 

[DocW8494]

you tube video

Ask for a video and then have him upload to Youtube. Then hunt youtube or whatever other means he posted on to see other videos.
Key is to check the background of the videos;
*are the backgrounds the same?
*do they post a lot of stuff in that media forum?
*you'll then be able to check out the bottom, listen to it etc…..

 

[trovergraywilson]

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/5461024212.html



So I just found this gem instead and I have contacted the owner. I am highly considering going with this option instead. It also has an elocker. I talked to him about the frame and he said the frame is in good condition. It almost sounds too good to be true as well.

Wow. That's unbelievable in the Midwest. And $4,800? Either a total hoax or someone doesn't know what they have. PM me if you need a solid mechanic to check her out. Good luck!

 

[twkoch]

Careful, man. Chicago is a shady market. The original craigslist ad is for sure a scam. I ran into the same guy a year back when looking for 4runners in Illinois. He buys ones in decent condition and then rolls the odometer back. I found it best to actually stay away from 4runners anywhere near Chicago. Too many shady deals and sketchy people/4runners that were never what they looked like in the ads. I ended up getting a nice 2001 limited 4wd with 130k miles for $6k from a nice family in a small town up in Wisconsin.

 

[sweendogie]

Like others have said be careful. Not sure if it's the same one but a guy was posting warning ads on craigslist in Chicago about a black highlander being totalled and the seller trying to cover it up. You can get lucky though. I got a great deal on my old 96 a couple years ago in Chicago.