FNG looking for some advice

[magneeto]

First post here. Im from Long Island, NY, own a sentra for commuter, wife has an accord, and I have a Harley Nightrain. Never owned a 4runner before and im currently looking at a 2003 v8 limited with 73k, at a dealer. The price is 13400. Is that price good? What do you guys think. Any info and advice would be much appreciated. Im looking for a reliable truck that I can take on the beach occasionally and for more space then my accord, have a 1 year old and a baby due in august. Oh, and my wife too,lol. Thanks

 

[snowbrdr033]

Check the 4WD actuator when you test drive it, run the VIN on the toyota owner's website to check maintenance records, also check the truck out on CarFax for accident reports!

 

[Hapeacres]

sounds about the going rate. Dont forget that you will need a timing belt/water pump replacement at 90K or 7 years. It probably hasnt been done and is around a 750.00 cost. Use this to your advantage at the dealer to get a low ball offer. Let them know you need to spend an additional thousand and offer 11,500. I just paid 9,000 for an 04 with 147K and spent 1,000 on a complete service so that may give you an idea.

 

[MICA4R]

:flamethrwoer2:

Check the 4WD actuator!

Full time 4WD, But you may be referring to the 4LO actuator?

 

[Hapeacres]

I think he means check the actuator underneath the car to see if it is leaking or seeping oil at all. It's the little black box next to the transfer case. There has been reported problems with this seeping oil. Its a 3 dollar gasket that costs about 1,000 dollars of labor to get to and replace..

 

[magneeto]

I'm gonna sit on it for a week or so and see if they call and sweeten the offer. I went and checked the vin through toyota and saw it was in there for brakes, etc. Nothing major. Maybe they will replace the belt and water pump as part of the deal. How is your 2004 with 147k miles?? I plan on keeping this truck for a while.

 

[magneeto]

just found a 2005 SRS v8 with 125k being sold for 9500. Its from a private seller. What do you guys think? All opinions and comments appreciated.

 

[RickC]

I think the 03 Limited for 13,400 is a good price. I have an 03 Sport V6 4wd and I wouldn't sell it for 13,400 and it just turned 90k.

I would negotiate for them to replace the timing belt/water pump and go for it.

 

[magneeto]

Ok, gonna be a 4runner owner soon. I got the dealer to knock the price down to 13,100. They are replacing the headlight and foglight assemblies that have some condensation, and also repairing a rip in the leather on the rear seat. Truck has 71k on it and rides like a dream. Its a silver v8 limited 4x4 with built in navigation and with every option that was available for that year. The dealer wouldnt include the belt/water pump replacement in thedeal but when im ready to do it they are gonna do the job at cost on parts and labor. Cant wait to hit the beach. What do you guys think????

 

[snowbrdr033]

Yes, I meant the 4LO actuator! :guitar2:

 

[Sungod]

If it has a sunroof, check the frame for rust.

Toyota makes it easy to check for replaced body panels that would give you an idea if it had been in an accident. Each panel has a sticker with the VIN on it. Make sure they are there and they match. Replacement parts won't have the sticker.

 

[zerowkul98]

Did the salesman say AND PUT IN WRITING how much the "at cost" would be?

Be sure the entire 90k maintenance is included...all the diff. fluids, tranny, etc.

 

[magneeto]

Did the salesman say AND PUT IN WRITING how much the "at cost" would be?

Be sure the entire 90k maintenance is included...all the diff. fluids, tranny, etc.

No, he said he will have it for me before the car is picked up. He did say the spark plugs and wires etc, so I'll make sure, thanks. Anything else I should look out for? He wrote all services on the purchase agreement. I havent bought the car yet. Just a deposit on it.

 

[chaz]

im guessing you got the limited? if so, see if it has xreas & ras, xreas can leak & ras can screw up from road salt, also if the brakes were just done make sure theres no sticking calipers & check for exhaust manifold leak

 

[Koz]

The 05 has a nice HP bump!

Koz

 

[magneeto]

The 05 has a nice HP bump!

Koz

I did notice that, but thats why I have my Nighttrain with a worked motor for.....The limited was much more comfortable and the xreas seemed to make it handle pretty well when I was pushing it into turns. Can anyone tell me what the height control button is?

 

[Aquabear]

Got get the darn thing so you can be a 4R owner already, geezzz.
Kidding, but she sounds sweet! The dealer doing or covering the maintenance will be major bucks saved so def getr dunn!
I think your referring to rear air suspension for towing and/or heavy rear loads. There a few of us here on LI so make the deal and join the group man! Welcome! Almost...

 

[Koz]

I did notice that, but thats why I have my Nighttrain with a worked motor for.....The limited was much more comfortable and the xreas seemed to make it handle pretty well when I was pushing it into turns. Can anyone tell me what the height control button is?

The Limited V8 was the only 4Runner that could option the auto leveling rear air spring susp.

This system is one of the best on the market. There is an approx 4" height difference between the low and high setting. You can lower the system to load and wash the vehicle. You can raise the system for off-roading, water crossings/flooding, and going over driveways.

Where this system really shines is when towing. When towing you can lower the vehicle and back up to the trailer and when lined up simply hit the high setting and the ball moves right up into the trailer hitch. You can also use the system to adjust the approach and departure angle of a trailer and the rear of the vehicle. If backing up a steep driveway you can raise the rear of the trailer by lowering the rear. Then after the rear of the trailer passes you can raise the rear so the hitch clears. It works very well!

No matter what weight (within recommendations) you carry and/or tow the system automatically levels the vehicle to maintain ride dynamics, on the fly. You can see and feel the ride difference even when there are just passengers in the vehicle. Even when empty, the ride is better (smoother with air springs instead of steel coils). In my opinion, it is worth its weight in gold (especially if you tow).

Koz

 

[Aquabear]

The Limited V8 was the only 4Runner that could option the auto leveling rear air spring susp.

This system is one of the best on the market. There is an approx 4" height difference between the low and high setting. You can lower the system to load and wash the vehicle. You can raise the system for off-roading, water crossings/flooding, and going over driveways.

Where this system really shines is when towing. When towing you can lower the vehicle and back up to the trailer and when lined up simply hit the high setting and the ball moves right up into the trailer hitch. You can also use the system to adjust the approach and departure angle of a trailer and the rear of the vehicle. If backing up a steep driveway you can raise the rear of the trailer by lowering the rear. Then after the rear of the trailer passes you can raise the rear so the hitch clears. It works very well!

No matter what weight (within recommendations) you carry and/or tow the system automatically levels the vehicle to maintain ride dynamics, on the fly. You can see and feel the ride difference even when there are just passengers in the vehicle. Even when empty, the ride is better (smoother with air springs instead of steel coils). In my opinion, it is worth its weight in gold (especially if you tow).

Koz

Thanks Koz for the knowledge on the rear air susp, perfectly stated. Great for the OP and others on why it exists.

 

[magneeto]

Well I'll be god damned, the dealer called me today and without me even having to haggle they said that while they are replacing the headlights and the rip in the leather of the rear seat they are gonna replace the drive/timing belt and water pump free of charge. That was pretty sweet when I heard them say that. Hopefully I'll have the truck by sunday or monday.:guitar3: