I've been looking a while for a 4runner, specifically a 2001 or 2002, and I finally came across a 2001 4wd limited with 94,000 miles. It is super clean and according to carfax it has never been in an accident, but you can't always rely on carfax, but it has had 3 previous owners and the first owner only had it for 2 months. Should I be worried or should I go for it? HELP!
Considering on buying a 4runner
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Looks like a nice truck. Not normally a fan of the 99+'s but that looks good. I like the colour.
Was the first owner from new? Sometimes people buy things without thinking about their spending. Maybe it was reasoned with that they couldn't afford it.
These vehicles, on average are pretty reliable. They do have their issues like rear axle seals, bad gas mileage, throttle position sensors, milkshake, etc but they are all pretty minor considering.
Doesn't hurt to have the vehicle checked out by a mechanic if you don't trust yourself to find the problems. Take it for a test drive or two and pay close attention to body panels, the way the car handles, etc. Basically do what you would do for every other vehicle.
Also keep in mind you at the mileage for a timing belt and water pump (160KM I think, or 100 miles). Use that as bargaining if it hasn't been done.
Was the first owner from new? Sometimes people buy things without thinking about their spending. Maybe it was reasoned with that they couldn't afford it.
These vehicles, on average are pretty reliable. They do have their issues like rear axle seals, bad gas mileage, throttle position sensors, milkshake, etc but they are all pretty minor considering.
Doesn't hurt to have the vehicle checked out by a mechanic if you don't trust yourself to find the problems. Take it for a test drive or two and pay close attention to body panels, the way the car handles, etc. Basically do what you would do for every other vehicle.
Also keep in mind you at the mileage for a timing belt and water pump (160KM I think, or 100 miles). Use that as bargaining if it hasn't been done.
Drcoffee
Senior Member
If you are worried about accidents, ok for the factory stickers on each body panel. Also look for paint overspray on weather stripping, underbody, suspension parts, anywhere it shouldn't be. Look for oil leaks at the rear main seal, which shows up as it leaks onto the steering rack. Valve cover gasket leaks, which you can find by wiping your fingers around the gasket especially at the rear where the half moon is. If they washed it, the oil will continue to leak but will only be found right at the source. One of the most important checks is the transmission and radiator. Make sure the fluids are clean. A hallmark of the strawberry milkshake is a history that includes a new radiator and transmission flush at the same time. Run away if that's the case.
There is a pin here that completely discusses the truck and what problems are endemic.
Good luck
There is a pin here that completely discusses the truck and what problems are endemic.
Good luck
LittleCaesar
New member
What is the asking price?
Check to see if the LBJ recall has been performed.
Check to see if the LBJ recall has been performed.
They are asking 11,000 for it which I think is pretty good compared to some I've seen. Also, I checked on the recall and there are no recalls on this 4runner. I checked on the toyota.com/owner website.
Yeah the first was from new and I was thinking the same thing, maybe they just couldn't afford it afterwards. The timing belt has been changed already but not sure on the water pump.
Most cars sold down here in the south are more expensive than the ones being sold up north. Probably due to the fact that cars up north could have underbody corrosion.
KMAYO
New member
Its a good looking one but I would definitely try to get it for closer to $9k but as always if your comfortable paying $11k and feel like its a good deal go for it!
For comparison though I picked up a 2000 SR5 4x4 last year with 69k on it for $10,500. It was a one owner with clean carfax. Good luck!
-KMAYO
For comparison though I picked up a 2000 SR5 4x4 last year with 69k on it for $10,500. It was a one owner with clean carfax. Good luck!
-KMAYO
Thats a great deal on your 4runner. Yeah I plan to see if they will come down cause I can see paying 11 for a one owner but not for three owner.
1985taylor1925
Senior Member
Everyone says that. Regardless of where they live. I live in Wisconsin in the middle of the salt bucket, and the asking price would be right around the same here.
JohnsD90
New member
I was pretty generous when i said that was worth $8k. I think there is some truth to that statement, but generally a rusty 01 truck around me goes for less than a non-rusty 01 truck, they just fall into different price brackets. So i will say it again, the truck is worth $7-$8k.
For $11k i would find a 4th gen, or an 01/02 with $3k cash sitting in the back seat
JohnsD90
New member
I bought my truck that needed a rear bumper and rear differential with a normal amount of surface rust on the frame for $1850 at auction, it was a 1 owner truck with 140k miles on it in early 09.
$10k for a 3rd gen is not a great deal. Ask many members here, most people will run from a 3rd gen with 70k on the clock, because that is right when a ****on of maintenance is about too happen, and the price is even higher than the trucks that have 100k on them and all the expensive maintenance done.
With that low of miles you are gonna have to do the timing belt and water pump for $700 or more, , and then the lower ball joints as you creep closer to 100k for $400 for the ball joints and probably $300-$400 in labor to install. Then there could be more stuff like a clutch or wheel bearings, CV shafts, but those could happen at any miles.
justwoody1
New member
I was eye balling that same one in Lawrenceville. It looks like a nice runner.
Being at a dealer hopefully you can talk them down to 8 r so.
It's hard to find a nice 4x4 runner around here. Probably due to the fact that most 4x4 get sent north. Took me three month to find my 99
Good luck
Being at a dealer hopefully you can talk them down to 8 r so.
It's hard to find a nice 4x4 runner around here. Probably due to the fact that most 4x4 get sent north. Took me three month to find my 99
Good luck
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I was wondering if anyone one else has seen this one. Yeah, I'm gonna try to talk them down. Hopefully they will. It has taken me a pretty long time to find so maybe this one is the one.
Did you buy from a dealer or owner? Cause I would like to get either 9 or 9500, lower than that would be great.
highcountry
New member
Nice looking rig. Hopefully, you can get it for less than the asking price. Everyday I see a post where the OP is asking if the price is decent on a rig that he is considering, and the answers are always the same - - the price is too high, because...
Keep in mind, the geographic region of the country that you live in will dictate the price. Yeah, you hear about a guy that got his for half that price but they are the exception not the rule in your area. And that can be done if you want to spend a couple of years looking. Also, what 3rd gens are selling for a 1000 miles away is irrelevant. If you like the rig and the price is in the ballpark for your area, buy it.
BTW, the rig that the OP is looking at is pretty much what a similar rig sells for in the Denver area.
Keep in mind, the geographic region of the country that you live in will dictate the price. Yeah, you hear about a guy that got his for half that price but they are the exception not the rule in your area. And that can be done if you want to spend a couple of years looking. Also, what 3rd gens are selling for a 1000 miles away is irrelevant. If you like the rig and the price is in the ballpark for your area, buy it.
BTW, the rig that the OP is looking at is pretty much what a similar rig sells for in the Denver area.
I hope I can get, I'm going to call early tomorrow. One question though, carfax and the toyota.com/owner stated that the timing belt was done but didn't say anything about the water pump being replace. Would toyota replace it anyway while they are doing a timing belt change or would they not change if it still looks good.
P.S. The pervious owner did a sorta full tune up at 69,005 miles (timing belt was changed at this time) and then did another one at 88,000 miles.
Also, just noticed in carfax that at 69,005 tune up the automatic transmission fluid was flushed. Now should I be worried of a pervious "strawberry milkshake" problem?
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