Considering a 4runner

[smallfry]

I was referred to site from another member. I'm currently looking at a 99 4-runner with 206,xxx miles on it. It's in good condition except for a small ding on the front bumper and the paint needs to be buffed out. Here are the specs. on it.

1999 4-runner, 206,000 miles, 5spd, 4x4 v6, power windows and locks, rear air, trailer hitch and factory cd changer.

The dealership is asking about 9,000 for it. That seems to be a little high to me for the mileage plus the check engine and abs light is on. So who knows what that is. What do you think it's worth. NADA and KBB list it for somewhere between 10 and 12 thousand which is high I know. I've been searching for awhile. I test drove it the other day and it drove great. Probable need to take it out for alonger time and have someone else look at it. I don't know if I'll act on it or not. I jsut fiqured I'd come here and see what you guys think. I post a picture of it later. Thanks in advance guys and feel free to flame me anytime.

 

[Thai]

I would not pay $9K for anything above 200,000 miles, esp. with check engine and ABS lights ON.

I would keep looking....

 

[Mark86]

NOOOOOOO! First, $9,000 is very steep for a 7 year old truck with 200,000 miles. Second, I am sure it won't be cheap to fix the truck with the check engine and ABS lights on. I don't think the previous owner maintained their 4Runner very well.

 

[jharris2]

NOOOOOOO! First, $9,000 is very steep for a 7 year old truck with 200,000 miles. Second, I am sure it won't be cheap to fix the truck with the check engine and ABS lights on. I don't think the previous owner maintained their 4Runner very well.

Mark makes a good point. See if the prior owner has the maintenance records. My experience indicates that if someone does keep records, they tend to be good about the maintenance. My guess in this case is that they would probably ask you what maintenance records are.....

 

[smallfry]

Yea, I know that price is too much for the mileage. Just because a car doesn't have the maintnace doesn't necessarily mean that it wasn't taken care of. I have all of the records for my car and it still has problems from time to time.

A better picture

 

[20005spd]

if you really want this truck then here is what i suggest. have them fix everything like w/e it needs for check engine light & abs, check the tires for dry rot check EVERYTHING. also did they do a state inspect on the truck because it wont pass with those lights on. even tell them you want to look at it on the lift. if there is an issue with tires or brakes make them replace them. a dealership will most likely fix things if the customer intrested tells them to. then once the vehicle is tip top shape or as tip top as you can be with 200k miles then u work on a price with them. i work at a nissan dealer so i know how these things work. you tell them what you want and if they dont want to do it then you tell them good bye.

 

[smallfry]

if you really want this truck then here is what i suggest. have them fix everything like w/e it needs for check engine light & abs, check the tires for dry rot check EVERYTHING. also did they do a state inspect on the truck because it wont pass with those lights on. even tell them you want to look at it on the lift. if there is an issue with tires or brakes make them replace them. a dealership will most likely fix things if the customer intrested tells them to. then once the vehicle is tip top shape or as tip top as you can be with 200k miles then u work on a price with them. i work at a nissan dealer so i know how these things work. you tell them what you want and if they dont want to do it then you tell them good bye.

What would say it's worth? Its a 99 w/ 200,xxx, 5spd, 4x4, power windows and locks, cd changer. I'm thinking somewhere in the 7's. Once they get it cleaned up and those things which I mentioned to them looked at I'm going to look at it a second time but I probalbe will not act on it.

 

[JungleJim]

Take the vehicle to YOUR mechanic (if you have a trusted mechanic). If it checks out fine, I wouldn't be too worried about the mileage. It sure didn't get all of those miles by offroading.

I get more worried about the age of the vehicle than mileage. [Newer with higher mileage rather than older with low mileage.]

It sounds like the dealership has already lowered the price due to the miles. You could probably get it for a lower price in "as is" condition. Or you could tell the dealership you are willing to pay their price if they fix whatever is causing the lights to come on.

 

[20005spd]

its tough to say how much it is worth, i paid $11,900 for my 2000 SR5 5spd with 96k miles,if you could get the one you want for 7 like you said then its probably worth it, just make sure they fix everything, its a dealership they will do it.

 

[4by4th]

Based on my recent experiences with 4x4's ranging from 2 to 16 years old with 450,000 miles on them, I think age can do as much damage as odometer miles. Don't buy it if they can't figure out why the warning lights are on, and make sure they fix whatever's making them come on before buying it.

 

[smallfry]

What do you all think of nissan pathfinders (1997)?

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Under powered and not a Toyota. Pathfinders did get more power in '01 but quality was an issue in the earlier years and just not camparable to a 4Runner.

 

[spud72]

Speaking as a former Nissan owner (I've owned Nissans most of my adult life), I am purposely not including Nissan in my new vehicle purchase finalists. I simply don't think their quality is up to snuff compared to Toyota and Honda. Which is a pity.

 

[smallfry]

I'm going to pass on it and look elsewhere what they want for it is a joke. Here is an email that I recieved from them today:

..... gave me a copy of an email stating you were still interested in the 99 4 Runner. I checked with service and the 4 Runner needs a new computer. The computer is bad and is taking out the ABS module. It looks to be somewhere around $2000-2500 to fix it with all new parts. Now we do have the option of trying to find a used computer as well from a wrecking yard. What we are looking at is the fact that this has a low book of $8300. If you are interested we would be willing to take an offer if you want to make one, or if you want to buy it we can set a price based on what it would cost to fix it. Let me know what you are thinking.

Bascially, I told the guy I'm going to take my search elsewhere.

 

[smallfry]

Since I past on 1999 (mileage and price)I'm currently, looking at a 1996 4runner, v6, 5spd, 4x4 with 144,xxx miles on it. It's in pretty good condition the former owner had an aftermarket roof rack on it and it wore down the paint in one area and the driver's seat is a little worn (just get a seat cover.)

Here some pictures of it:

Worn paint:

 

[Baba Booey]

My best advice would be to not rush into anything unless you absolutely NEED the vehicle RIGHT NOW! I went through this a few years ago when my wife gave me "permission" to buy an old 4x4 pickup as a third vehicle.

She gave me a price limit and I was in such a hurry to get something (like a kid in a candy store) that I rushed out and bought the first thing I saw that met my criteria and was in the agreed to price range. I ended up with a POS, and for months after that, I was kicking myself everytime I saw a much better vehicle for sale that was in the price range.

 

[MW 4Runner]

the former owner had an aftermarket roof rack on it and it wore down the paint in one area

Worn paint:

That from the faring?!?!? Sure was installed up close to the windshield. Surprised it's not behind the sunroof.

I agree with Baba Booey, patience... you'll find exactly what you're looking for. Good luck with your search