Does this seem like a decent price?

[Geolander]

So after my last attempt at buying a 4runner ended in a fiasco (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/92814-bumpers-question.html), I've gotten a little pickier. I found this one: 1997 Toyota 4runner SR5

A '97 SR5, 1 owner, 118k miles, and they actually have the paperwork this time. Only problem is that it seems like it's priced a tad high. Blue Book puts it at $4300-ish, and Edmunds says $4000. However, the 1 owner, all service records since purchase, and just redone timing belt/water pump are worth something - I just can't decide how much. What would you guys pay for this? My gut is telling me it shouldn't be more than about $4800-$5000.

 

[SCRunner12]

It looks nice, but you are going to have to check for oxidation of the paint. That color loves to peel. I definitely wouldn't go over $5000 and around 4600-4800 is good. All the records are a plus, so I would check it out. I don't know if you are settling with a 2wd or want a 2wd, but it is nice.

 

[J-money$$$]

its way too much I would pay 4 grand max

 

[Geolander]

It looks nice, but you are going to have to check for oxidation of the paint. That color loves to peel. I definitely wouldn't go over $5000 and around 4600-4800 is good. All the records are a plus, so I would check it out. I don't know if you are settling with a 2wd or want a 2wd, but it is nice.

Alright, thanks. I was pretty sure my gut was right, but I wanted a second opinion. Now to see if they'll take a $1000+ lowball...

I would be settling for the 2wd, mostly because I'm kinda getting close to crunch time. I need something to take me and all my stuff halfway across the country by the beginning of August when I start grad school. I'd prefer the 4wd for peace of mind and because I like going places that need it, but it's looking less and less doable with my budget.

its way too much I would pay 4 grand max

Even with the records and the timing belt service? If it didn't have either, I'd agree.

 

[SRSRunner]

Alright, thanks. I was pretty sure my gut was right, but I wanted a second opinion. Now to see if they'll take a $1000+ lowball...

I would be settling for the 2wd, mostly because I'm kinda getting close to crunch time. I need something to take me and all my stuff halfway across the country by the beginning of August when I start grad school. I'd prefer the 4wd for peace of mind and because I like going places that need it, but it's looking less and less doable with my budget.


Even with the records and the timing belt service? If it didn't have either, I'd agree.

Where are you going to school? maybe try and find something in that area- theres alot of em for sale on the east coast- most 4x4s over here are close to that price range- that seems like a pain, but itd be a shame to settle for something your not going to be happy with in the long term.

 

[Geolander]

Where are you going to school? maybe try and find something in that area- theres alot of em for sale on the east coast- most 4x4s over here are close to that price range- that seems like a pain, but itd be a shame to settle for something your not going to be happy with in the long term.

I'm going to the University of Kansas (woo Jayhawks!). I've actually looked at buying something there, but prices seem to be higher.

One other option I've seen would be to drop down to a 2nd gen, but I'm not so sure about the engines on those, what with the head gasket problems and general gutlessness. I have looked, but finding one in decent condition with a manual (to reduce the gutless factor) and for a decent price has proven fairly difficult. The number of people trying to sell their '95s and '94s for $5k+ is pretty sickening.

 

[SRSRunner]

I dont know much about the 2nd gens- but i will agree that 5k plus for one is crazy.. Ride craigslist Im in md which is prolly to far for you- but they are everywhere in this area- prices anywhere from 4-9k mostly in the 6 range.. I got mine for 5k(he wanted more but cash has a funny way of changing peoples minds) so i know it can be done.. Good luck.

 

[SCRunner12]

DON'T GET A 2ND GEN!

I hate to turn people away from a 4runner, but unless you get a 22re (4cyl) 2nd gen or plan on doing a 3.4 swap then don't do it. Even the 22re is hard to deal with, but an extremely reliable motor. I know from experience. You will get one and wish you had waited for a 3rd gen. I know the 3.0 is a decent motor and can be daily driven just fine, but people who say that are settling with it and not happy to drive it around.

Really unless you absolutely have to buy one in a limited time frame, I would hold out for at least a 4wd. Nothing worse then paying 5k for a car you're not too excited about. I've done it before and it gets old real fast.

 

[J-money$$$]

If you get a 2nd gen, Like SCRUnner12 i say you should probably not, But if you do. Go with the 22re. the 3.slow is not a good motor. It is plagued with a head gasket issue, as well as being really slow.

 

[Rc4r]

Maybe try local states?

 

[brian2sun]

Hold out for a 4x4, you'll be glad you did. And I had a 2nd gen before my 3rd gen and the 3rd is much nicer. The 3.slow sucks gas and has no power. The 22RE is reliable but it just plain sucks going up hills - as in you will get passed by every single car on the road!

You can get a 4x4 3rd gen for under $5K. You might just have to settle for higher miles (like 175K+) which isn't so bad. A well maintained 3rd gen will last a very long time. IMO, a 200K 3rd gen is as reliable as a 75K anything American-made.

 

[Geolander]

Thanks for the advice guys!

Almost pulled the trigger on one today, until I noticed that the airbag light wouldn't come on. How likely is it that this is just a wiring/light issue vs. dead airbags? It didn't look like it had been in any front end collisions and the carfax came up clean.