Concerns before purchase

[T4Rnewb]

I'm new to the T4R world, and after doing some research and searching I have found a 2002 that I am going to check out in person, but first I wanted to run a few concerns thru the forum since I've been using it for the past few weeks as a reference guide. (VERY helpful by the way)

1. High mileage - I know i've heard many opinions about the bulletproof engines and what may be high mileage for other vehicles is "just breaking it in" for a 4Runner, but at 176k for a 4wd it is a thought that it might be too high.
2. There are no interior pics for the vehicle, which would lead me to believe that when I get to the vehicle to test drive it, I will not be happy with what I see, feel, or smell lol
3. Carfax - CARFAX Vehicle History Report on JT3HN86R820380852 I was impressed with the maintenance records that were listed, but I don't see anywhere that mentions the timing belt being replaced, and the records seem to drop off after 114k with the exception of an oil change. Plus at the bottom there is mention of the vehicle failing its emissions inspection, which combined with the lack of maintenance in the 100k+ range might raise some concerns.

Any ideas, input, experience, or opinions are welcome! And thank you!

 

[trailmix]

i say go check it out, look on top of the plastic timing belt cover on the front of the motor and see if there is a sticker on it saying if the timing belt has been done, if theres no sticker you could always pull back the cover and inspect the belt, at 176k if it hasnt been done its definitley the first thing you are going to want to do it after purchase. also the 3.4s are nearly bullet proof, its hard to go wrong with one of these motors. Check the trans fluid while youre there and just make sure its not milky looking. Those are the most important things, most everything else will probably be cosmetic and youll have to decide if its clean enough for what they are asking for it. but dont be afraid about 176k. even if it hasnt been taken care of in anyones best ability, as long as it runs and drives out good thats the main thing.

 

[theizzardking]

i didn;t change my timing belt or water pump till about 180K and to be honest if they are still in there and working nothing to be concerned about, just replace when you pick it up, as for the amount of miles is that to high? well depends on the price, i would say that is a bit high if they are asking 7-8K but again that depends on your region & trim level among other things, but 176K still has plenty of life in it, i'm at about 230K now and the truck feels like it's got at least another 80K or so in it, so as with any used car purchase as the miles goes up the price should go down, just expect it to be a higher price then say a jeep with the same amount of miles, but relative to it's self @ 176K i wouldn't expect to pay more the 6K or so and that's everything else being up to snuff, so who knows what this interior is going to look like once you get there, nobody can help you with that but it's always pretty crappy when they don't post pics of such thing, try giving them a call and asking what the inside of it is like.


a few general things i do when looking at a used 4wd truck is to check the undercarriage for scrapes along the frame,skid guards,and diff housings to see if it has been wheeled hard another thing i check is the air filter pull that out and check the box for any debris or old water marks from being submerged or going through deep water another wheeling thing.
this will give you an idea if it was wheeled tough or not just another few things to check besides all of the normal stuff when buying a used car, hope some of this helps! good luck!

 

[T4Rnewb]

thanks for the quick reply, that at least makes me feel better about the drive out to see the vehicle. It's not too far, but not right around the corner either.
It's a 2002 SR5 Sport Edition 4x4 with 176k and 1 owner, asking $7,995 for it, which I don't consider to be a bad starting point but I plan to try and work it down. The guy said he has checked it over and can find no mechanical or cosmetic problems other than the tiny pebble/bug spots on the front bumper, and it needs 2 rear tires soon.