Finally found a 4runner?

[4runnersoon2b]

I am going to check out a 2001 4runner with 115k. SR5 4WD with leather seats. Looks like it's in very good shape and the guy wants around $4500 for it.

Sounds like a good deal?

Timing and water pump was done at 95k. Seems strange for me to buy a car with so many miles.... thoughts?

 

[Kanger328]

I am going to check out a 2001 4runner with 115k. SR5 4WD with leather seats. Looks like it's in very good shape and the guy wants around $4500 for it.

Sounds like a good deal?

Timing and water pump was done at 95k. Seems strange for me to buy a car with so many miles.... thoughts?

Price seems pretty good and 115k is pretty low mileage for a 3rd gen. Pull a carfax and check under the hood/drivetrain (take someone who knows cars if you're not mechanically inclined). Look for frame rust and check fluids to see if they look clean.

Even if everything looks good, just remember that you're buying a vehicle that's over a decade old. You should expect to put some time/money into maintenance. That being said, I bought my '96 this year with 135k miles and unknown maintenance history (it was bought at police auction). Took care of a number of maintenance items and has been running GREAT ever since. And that's with only a total of about $6,000 invested into it (including the price of the vehicle).

Good luck!

 

[PitbullRescuer]

That's not "so many miles" by any means. 15 years ago when a car that was 10 years old had 100K on it, you threw it in the trash. Cars have come a long way over the last 15 years or so.

 

[Mindomission]

For previous dealership-performed maintenance, you can do a quick register on Toyota's web site. Have the VIN number and create a password is all. Shows all maintenance, parts, mileage, everything. Here's a link:

http://www.toyota.com/owners/web/pages/home

This is a very good tool to view records for vehicle that you are looking at to purchase, knowing what has been maintained BEFORE you purchase it!

 

[TheArkMaster]

For previous dealership-performed maintenance, you can do a quick register on Toyota's web site. Have the VIN number and create a password is all. Shows all maintenance, parts, mileage, everything. Here's a link:

Toyota Owners Official Web Site: Service Coupons, Owner's Manuals, Service Scheduling And More

This is a very good tool to view records for vehicle that you are looking at to purchase, knowing what has been maintained BEFORE you purchase it!

Do know this will only show up if it maintained at a TOYOTA AUTHORIZED DEALER. My car has ZERO records. I know nothing of its history.

 

[BlackCat914]

Do know this will only show up if it maintained at a TOYOTA AUTHORIZED DEALER. My car has ZERO records. I know nothing of its history.

I know for certain my truck had a timing belt and water pump done at Toyota, but it doesn't show up that database. I wonder if they purge the system since my truck is a '97.

 

[Mindomission]

I know for certain my truck had a timing belt and water pump done at Toyota, but it doesn't show up that database. I wonder if they purge the system since my truck is a '97.

Maybe it just never got recorded. My '99 shows up with records going back to 43.5k, June '05.

 

[4runnersoon2b]

Crazy...

The 115k one was snatched and I ended up going to see a 01' with 77k.... I was sure this is the one. Got cash out and everything. Took it to the mechanic - the guy said this after 5 min: "this car belongs in the junk yard. Don't even think about it. It has cracks and heavy rust all along the frame. Won't pass inspection and I am not even going to lift it - it's unsafe".... Shocked, I left and didn't buy it. This is the 2nd 4runner I go to see that has rust issues.... I am starting to think that I should up my budget and go for a much newer one.

Maybe here in the north-east, with all the salt and snow, they are more pron to this?

So disappointed.

 

[01thunder]

Crazy...

The 115k one was snatched and I ended up going to see a 01' with 77k.... I was sure this is the one. Got cash out and everything. Took it to the mechanic - the guy said this after 5 min: "this car belongs in the junk yard. Don't even think about it. It has cracks and heavy rust all along the frame. Won't pass inspection and I am not even going to lift it - it's unsafe".... Shocked, I left and didn't buy it. This is the 2nd 4runner I go to see that has rust issues.... I am starting to think that I should up my budget and go for a much newer one.

Maybe here in the north-east, with all the salt and snow, they are more pron to this?

So disappointed.

yea. go south and get one. here in florida they are all over. being driven and for sale.

 

[BlackCat914]

Crazy...

The 115k one was snatched and I ended up going to see a 01' with 77k.... I was sure this is the one. Got cash out and everything. Took it to the mechanic - the guy said this after 5 min: "this car belongs in the junk yard. Don't even think about it. It has cracks and heavy rust all along the frame. Won't pass inspection and I am not even going to lift it - it's unsafe".... Shocked, I left and didn't buy it. This is the 2nd 4runner I go to see that has rust issues.... I am starting to think that I should up my budget and go for a much newer one.

Maybe here in the north-east, with all the salt and snow, they are more pron to this?

So disappointed.

up your budget for a one way ticket to go to a no road salt state.