Decent craigslist find?

[Focoty]

Hey guys,

Long time lurker, first time poster here. I have been in the market for a 4runner for a long long time. I have just not been able to fine "the one" that fits everything that I have been looking for specifically. I come from the world of jeeps, and recently purchased a small volvo car for putzing around town in due to the terrible milage on my lifted jeep. However, i miss the days of actually sitting up and being able to see around cars in a parking lot :frusty: Anywho, I found this 2001 on craigslist and it seems to be in decent shape. My only concern is the high milage at 195,000. Of course with proper maintenance these will go for double that, be regardless in my experience that seems to be the time when parts seem to go out no matter what, and lots of money should be put into it. Is this usually the case? I read somewhere that made a good point and said that for a vehicle to get that far in its life, it had to have been regularly maintained fairly well to be able to reach the high mileage, which seems like a solid enough point to me. But here's the link, and let me know what the general consensus is!

2001 4Runner SR5

 

[Ol'Blue]

At that price I think it is about right. If the records are there it would be a good buy if not then plan on putting a timing belt in it soon just to be safe and leave room for a break job maybe.

Blue

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

If you can, pull the valve covers, it should be clean like this with sometimes a golden hue, no oil build up.

 

[GhostRing]

That's a kind soul who would let you disassemble the engine to take a peek...!

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

That's a kind soul who would let you disassemble the engine to take a peek...!

Well yeah that's why I wrote "if"

Sure would be nice though...

 

[johnnyd2723]

Seems a little pricey for the mileage to me. I dunno.

I know that this is far away from you but there out there. I'd keep looking myself

01TOYOTA 4RUNNER LIMITED 4X4 LEATHER LOADED

 

[Focoty]

Haha yeah I'd love it if they would let me take apart their engine right there on the spot. I definitely know they are out there, as I have come across a few gems in my search, but they got picked up right before me. I've been on the hunt for quite some time so I'm definitely not the type of person that would just settle for something because I'm excited. That one that I found has basically everything i'm looking for minus the high mileage. I might go take a look at it just to see what kind of condition its in and if they have any records for it. And if its not the right one then i guess i keep looking! The problem is that here in colorado 4runners are extremely overpriced due to the hype around them or something like that. And of course as it comes closer to winter they will only be more and more expensive

 

[Mindomission]

"Regular maintenance done at American Tire in Rio Rancho." Maybe take a look there and see if the have records of what service has been performed and how often. They will want the vin #. There may be some initial maintenance that has to be done, but wear and tear is part of the game when they get 3rd gen age. Take it for a long enough drive to let the thermostat open. Check every single switch and knob. Check shift points and ANY sounds that seem out of the ordinary. If the brakes pulse during routine stops the rotors may be warped. Get under it check all the steering and suspension bushings. Shake the drivetrain, steering and suspension components for looseness. Does it drive in a straight line when you let go of the wheel? It should pull ever-so-slightly to the right. Rust? Lights all working? 4wd all seem to be in working order (if it's 4wd).

 

[yota-runner]

It looks good but we only have the ad to rely on.
I would read this http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html and go check it out. The price is decent (assuming everything check out) but theres always room to negotiate. Prices vary by locations but if you were to go to a dealer in my area they would be asking like 8k+ for that.