Few questions about possible purchase

[AZ4runner08]

Hey everyone, I am about to purchase a 2008 4runner SR5 with 28,000 miles and have a few questions. Below is the link to the truck if you want to view some pictures. Anyways I took it for a few hours and I have just a few small concerns, all of which the dealer agreed to repair. First off is the sunroof. At 70 plus you can hear the air leak coming through. Are there any know issues regarding these sunroofs. I don't want them to do a quick fix and down the road I find there are more issues with it. The other concern, and again they agreed to fix is the back right tire blew out and took out the mudflap. Part of the bumper is crack off but nothing to lose sleep over. They agreed to mount a new mudflap but not to replace the entire bumper. This seems ok with me. Anyways wanted to see what you guys thought about the whole deal. I should be able to get them down to $24,500 and its pretty clean for a 5 year old truck. They put a brand new windshield and the tires are brand new. I wanted to get a 5th generation trail edition but its a bit more then I want to spend. This seems to be a pretty good compromise. Let me know you thoughts, had a 2002 and I have been missing it alot. Thanks...

Used 2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 For Sale in Phoenix AZ 80233A | Phoenix Used Toyota For Sale JTEBU14R38K013932

 

[4rs]

pricey.

 

[CookieRoe]

Congratulations, that a VERY CLEAN TRUCK!!!

At that mileage, you shouldn't have to worry about aging 4Runner issues. Sunroof issues exist, but to my knowledge, they are on earlier models.

Good luck with her!

 

[AZ4runner08]

There is one more thing I meant to ask, at 75-80 mph is it a bit normal to have some wind noise off of the windshield? Not talking about the sunroof, just off of the windshield itself...? They did replace it and I want to make sure its installed properly...

 

[oljedi11950]

Yes I have a replacement front & it does make noise , see if they'll get you an OE . Probably won't but doesn't hurt to ask . And to my knowledge it's only a cover on the bumper so it might not be to expensive .

 

[theliman]

i bought an '08 in 2010 with 29k miles for $23,700. black, 4x4, SE...relatively in-demand. i would not pay that much

 

[AZ4runner08]

i bought an '08 in 2010 with 29k miles for $23,700. black, 4x4, SE...relatively in-demand. i would not pay that much

So what is a realistic price? Looking at the current listing, its pretty reasonable compated to everything else out there. Maybe you paid that price in 2010, but that is the sport edition compared to the SR5. Not sure what the difference is between the 2 models. I have been looking around for awhile and this one is by far the nicest I have seen yet. Sure there are other with like 30-40 thousand more miles around the 20,000 price range, but not near as clean as this one. So tell me why you would not pay that much, that is why I posted this here...

 

[WXman]

27,500 miles or whatever and a tire already blew out? Goodness. Must have been a Michelin.

Anyway, my opinion is very unpopular around here on these 4-6 year old 4Runners but I'll give it anyway. Why exactly do you want a 4Runner? I think you need to ask yourself that. $25,000 is VERY close to new SUV territory. Is it close to new 4Runner territory? Maybe not. But it is very close to other brand spanking new SUVs that have factory warranties and better fuel economy.

My opinion is that unless you just have some specific reason why the 4Runner is the only vehicle that will do, anybody would be insane to spend $25K for a 5 year old Toyota. Keep in mind that mileage aside, this is a 6 model-years-old truck now. Is it really worth huge payments and a long term with little warranty?

I know what I'd do... and this ain't it.

 

[gshadow325]

I would agree with wxman. For little more money is in New suv territory. New Honda pilot is in the mid 20s new car warranty too. Just saying.

 

[nevada]

for the sunroof, open it.
then push the close button, and hold it until the window shuts all the way.
it should now be closed, and no more leak.

 

[hearno]

i bought an '08 in 2010 with 29k miles for $23,700. black, 4x4, SE...relatively in-demand. i would not pay that much

Yeah mid $20s for a base model 6 year old 4Runner? I'd pass too. Ok the miles are low but that doesn't justify the price.

 

[theliman]

So what is a realistic price? Looking at the current listing, its pretty reasonable compated to everything else out there. Maybe you paid that price in 2010, but that is the sport edition compared to the SR5. Not sure what the difference is between the 2 models. I have been looking around for awhile and this one is by far the nicest I have seen yet. Sure there are other with like 30-40 thousand more miles around the 20,000 price range, but not near as clean as this one. So tell me why you would not pay that much, that is why I posted this here...

Well, I think the two posts after mine support my idea somewhat.

Also, I think the Sport Edition is considered an upgrade from the SR5, which is considered the "base." I also think black adds more value than gold - my point not being that my vehicle is "better," but simply to point out that it's not like the price I got was because it was a 2WD orange/white/gold or some other less popular color. And in the three years since I bought it, the price should only go down.

I can't really tell you what it's worth because I think that's best indicated by browsing ads. If you've found other cars listed for this much, that surprises me (of course, you should often be able to make the actual purchase for thousands less than what it's listed for). I can start with the edmunds TMV, which I always found more accurate than KBB or anything else as a starting point. Private party was at $17k, dealer at $18k. I might have missed an option here or there, but not $7k worth.

Again, admittedly without putting a lot of research into it, I'd think you could come in under 20. If you can't, you can definitely find one with a few more miles (but still reasonable) for 15-20.

 

[AZ4runner08]

27,500 miles or whatever and a tire already blew out? Goodness. Must have been a Michelin.

Anyway, my opinion is very unpopular around here on these 4-6 year old 4Runners but I'll give it anyway. Why exactly do you want a 4Runner? I think you need to ask yourself that. $25,000 is VERY close to new SUV territory. Is it close to new 4Runner territory? Maybe not. But it is very close to other brand spanking new SUVs that have factory warranties and better fuel economy.

My opinion is that unless you just have some specific reason why the 4Runner is the only vehicle that will do, anybody would be insane to spend $25K for a 5 year old Toyota. Keep in mind that mileage aside, this is a 6 model-years-old truck now. Is it really worth huge payments and a long term with little warranty?

I know what I'd do... and this ain't it.

Thanks for the reply and you have a really good point as this has gone through my mind over and over. I am a previous 4runner owner (3rd Gen), and I feel the 4runner is a far better built suv then the rest, especially the pilot. I have even thought about a new Sante Fe possibly, but it all falls back to the quality that the Toyota 4runner offers, and the off road capabilities. When is the last time you have seen a pilot, sante fe or even the sorento deep out in the woods or desert? They just don't seem built for the task. I really want to buy a brand new trail edition 4 runner, but I don't want that big of a payment. So that is why I am torn between a used 4runner with low miles, and something new but not as rugged. Obviously I posted this for a reason and I appreciate all of the feeback. Whatever I purchase I am married to it, so I want to pick the right vehicle....

 

[hearno]

Apparently Phoenix has a crazy high premium for 4Runners. I checked your CL and carmax and prices are way high. It might be worth the hassle to look in a different market and make the trip and drive it back. As a reference, not exactly apples to apples either, but would I save at least $5000 and go with this: 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 Hell yeah. 50k miles isn't worth $5k to me on a Toyota. However, if you like the truck, buy it. Haggle like hell tho.

 

[theliman]

Apparently Phoenix has a crazy high premium for 4Runners. I checked your CL and carmax and prices are way high. It might be worth the hassle to look in a different market and make the trip and drive it back. As a reference, not exactly apples to apples either, but would I save at least $5000 and go with this: 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 Hell yeah. 50k miles isn't worth $5k to me on a Toyota. However, if you like the truck, buy it. Haggle like hell tho.

I also looked at this and didn't see much that was promising within 500 miles. Still don't think he should pay $25k, but obviously up to him.

When I bought my 4R I traveled pretty far to get what I wanted

 

[AZ4runner08]

This truck has an all AZ history, which alone makes if worth far more then anything 5 years old on the east coast. Nothing like an undercarriage full of rust if you know what I mean. If I decide to go further on this particular truck, I am going to haggle until I can get them down on price or just walk on the deal. I have made if months now without pulling the trigger, whats another month or so going to hurt? However the difference with this truck is that it is all around fresh and in person its truly hard to believe its a 5 year old truck. I looked at a 2010 and a 2011 trail edition that looked more worn then this particular truck. So its a tough one, no doubt about it. I wouldn't mind a 2002 with only 40,000 miles again....:laugh:

 

[hkollie1]

Well it is a V6 so that is a demerit in my book....FWIW I paid $17 for a 2005 with 41k on it...Wanted a low mile V8...soo I gues another 20k less miles could get you in the proposed price range

Gotta say that OP is right, AZ miles better than anything with Salt and humidity...I also bought a POR 15 kit to stop some rust on the undercarriage! The 2005 had been living in Joliet Illinois for 7yrs

Good luck...

 

[WXman]

Heck, for $25K you could be in a 2014 Jeep Wrangler which has a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, highest resale value of any vehicle on Earth, will go any place offroad you point it, and will be the most enjoyable vehicle you've ever owned.

Just sayin'....

 

[nevada]

Heck, for $25K you could be in a 2014 Jeep Wrangler which has a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, highest resale value of any vehicle on Earth, will go any place offroad you point it, and will be the most enjoyable vehicle you've ever owned.
Just sayin'....

no. not even close.

1) its a jeep.
2) its a chrysler product.
3) its a jeep.

 

[AZ4runner08]

Yeah not sure about the jeep. For old road yes, but for a daily driver not sure so sure. That is the one thing about the 4runner, good for off road and rides really nice on the highway. Still debating this purchase but your posts do have me thinking about other vehicles. Just nothing that really sticks out has lured in me....