geurillawarfare
New member
Hi,
I'm Jake. 10 year ASE Master Auto Tech/Automotive Engineer/Now Electrical Engineer. Have always wanted a decent SUV, but some of you probably know that being a mechanic makes it hard not to buy something that you found by searching for "needs repair" on the local craigslist :dammit:
Anyway, I'm finally busy enough as an engineer that I don't have the time to rip apart my transmission every time I think that an accumulator is leaking or a clutch pack might have excessive clearance, and I bought a 2003 4Runner.
I'd like some 4Runner expert's opinions on this: Did I get a good deal? Was it worth it? I've never paid more than 2-3 thousand for a car.
Here's what I got:
'03 4Runner SR5, V8, 72k miles. Gray mica in color, gray interior, has the 5 spoke 17" rims, no corrosion with brand new Bridgestone Deuler A/T Revo 2's on it. One owner, not a spot of rust underneath nor above, all records, and NOT A SINGLE SCRATCH on the exterior (this dude seemed a little OCD about his vehicles). He gave me a full set of Husky all weather mats and cargo liner for it, and it has a bug deflector on the front that looks nice.
$14k? Worth it? I saw many for less, but every one I looked at was rough, 100k+ miles, scratches and stains all over, could see rust on the frame, etc - Nothing like this. I am not kidding when I say that there is NO rust on the frame. Pretty bizarre for a Michigan vehicle.
Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts. I can't wait to start playing with it,. Speaking of which, does anyone know if this year 4runner uses CAN for communication between systems in the vehicle, and being that this does not have the JBL sound system, what is my best option for good sound? Should I go buy a factory JBL nav unit and wire that up?
I hope this wasn't too long for a first post
I'm Jake. 10 year ASE Master Auto Tech/Automotive Engineer/Now Electrical Engineer. Have always wanted a decent SUV, but some of you probably know that being a mechanic makes it hard not to buy something that you found by searching for "needs repair" on the local craigslist :dammit:
Anyway, I'm finally busy enough as an engineer that I don't have the time to rip apart my transmission every time I think that an accumulator is leaking or a clutch pack might have excessive clearance, and I bought a 2003 4Runner.
I'd like some 4Runner expert's opinions on this: Did I get a good deal? Was it worth it? I've never paid more than 2-3 thousand for a car.
Here's what I got:
'03 4Runner SR5, V8, 72k miles. Gray mica in color, gray interior, has the 5 spoke 17" rims, no corrosion with brand new Bridgestone Deuler A/T Revo 2's on it. One owner, not a spot of rust underneath nor above, all records, and NOT A SINGLE SCRATCH on the exterior (this dude seemed a little OCD about his vehicles). He gave me a full set of Husky all weather mats and cargo liner for it, and it has a bug deflector on the front that looks nice.
$14k? Worth it? I saw many for less, but every one I looked at was rough, 100k+ miles, scratches and stains all over, could see rust on the frame, etc - Nothing like this. I am not kidding when I say that there is NO rust on the frame. Pretty bizarre for a Michigan vehicle.
Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts. I can't wait to start playing with it,. Speaking of which, does anyone know if this year 4runner uses CAN for communication between systems in the vehicle, and being that this does not have the JBL sound system, what is my best option for good sound? Should I go buy a factory JBL nav unit and wire that up?
I hope this wasn't too long for a first post
