Considering getting a 2000 4Runner SR5 Manual. What to check and watch out for?

[SilverGs]

I'm considering getting a 2000 4Runner SR5 manual.

Help this noob by giving me some tips on what to check and watch out for.

Some details on the truck. I'll be seeing the truck tonight after work.

Original owner - service all done at local Toyota dealer. Owner says he has all the receipts to prove it.

218K km or 135K miles
Asking $6900.
He will get the safety/emissions test done as part of the sale.
This is not the limited model with leather.

Here is the description
Features
Air conditioning
Alloy wheels
Entertainment Package
Heated mirrors

Keyless entry
Power locks
Power mirrors
Power windows

Sunroof
Tow package

Description
Rare Last Year Available - 5 Speed Manual Transmission. SR5 4x4 with full power group, sunroof, AC blows ice cold. Cloth interior. Class 3 Tow Package - never used. Rear spoiler, Front Hood Deflector, Roof Racks. Will Certify. Truck is immaculate - original owner.
Always garage kept, waxed 3x per year. You won't be disappointed.

 

[awdjunkies]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

PS: A great price if the maintenance has been done for you.

 

[cordrayj1]

i have the sr5 5vz 5speed w leather and all the goodies and wouldnt trade it for anything.

 

[SilverGs]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

PS: A great price if the maintenance has been done for you.

Thanks awdjunkies. Right after posting this thread I noticed the one you linked above on the main page and got what I needed.

To summarize, assuming it checks out and all service has been done, I'll just focus on the condition of the brakes, rust underneath and signs of oil leakage on the inside of the wheels.

It seems the rest of the stuff is minor. Correct me if I've read anything wrong.

First mods to do would be swap out the interior incandescent nasty yellow bulbs and nasty green bulbs in dash to white and blue respectively. Is autolumination the best place for these types of LED's or xenondepot.com ?

 

[Nelsonmd]

I would say the big thing you want to look for is massive rust on the undercarriage (which sounds unlikely if it was garaged). Check the typical things for signs of abuse/problems, but otherwise that sounds like a great deal.

And don't let leaky rear axle seals deter you from a great deal; they are cheap and not too hard to replace if you do it yourself.

 

[SilverGs]

I checked out the truck last night.

Pros
1. The body is in amazing condition - no rust whatsover. Inside and outside, it clearly shows it has been looked after.
2. I had my mechanic verify the history and the owner diligently did all the service at a Toyota dealer up until about 6 months ago. He said it would need a tune-up soon - spark plugs and wires and in another year or so - the timing belt and pump.
3. No rear sag. Owner replaced the shocks earlier this year.
4. No leaks on the inside of the wheels from the diffs.

Cons
1. Undercarriage - axle and surrounding areas have rust - more than what is shown in the FAQ thread picture.
2. You have to let out the clutch almost all the way before the truck moves. Owner said its still on the original clutch. Needs a new clutch, my mechanic advised
3. Minor stuff - turn indicator does not work properly
4. Check Engine light is on - owner says its an O2 sensor and will be rectified when he does the safety certification.
5. It has to pass an emissions test and my mechanic cautioned me that if it fails, it would be expensive to repair.


Based on the above, what do you guys think I should offer the owner - assuming I take care of the repairs myself. Clutch, minor electronics, check engine light and emissions?

My mechanic advised not offering more than $4500 or pay him the $6900 if he fixes all of the above.

What do you guys think?

Last question - should I look at the next gen model instead - a 2003 V6 or V8 instead that I've seen going for about $8K - $9K with approximately the same mileage?

The 2000 model seemed very tight inside - meaning when I sat in the truck with the owner - it seemed to me our shoulders were too close to each other. I just got the general sense of it feeling very tight. Right after driving this car, I went to two dealers and test drove two 2001's QX4's and though they felt more luxurious, leather etc, they didn't feel as tight inside. However the rust that had started to bubble up on the hood and under the exterior mirrors as well as the window trim turned me off very quickly. I did however like the HID lights very much - compared to the halogens on the 4Runner.

Did any of you cross shop the QX4 with the 4Runner? What were your impressions?