Found another one, But...

CoMarc

CoMarc

New member
I'm always on the look for another 4Runner, specifically black, 5spd, and with the sport (highlander) package. Well, I found one and ran a Carfax on it. Just about cursed my bad luck on finding these 4Runners but with really bad reports, but before I pass it off I thought I'd ask y'all about it. It's a 4Runner Highlander, 5spd, black, and looks pretty nice. That's about all I know (from the pictures and what the guy has told me over the phone).

The BAD I found in the Carfax:
Was a company vehicle up to the point of an accident
It was reported "totaled" about a year ago due to an impact to the rear.
Has a salvage title.
No rear bumper.
Mileage reported (shown on odometer) is near 176k, however there was a report of it 2 years ago (just before the accident) with 178k. So who knows the mileage itself.

I haven't gone out and looked at it myself, but am planning on it. My concerns are of course the mileage (could be well over 200k) and the rear end. Could it be damaged enough that a bumper can't be put back on? From the pictures it looks normal, just without a bumper. A salvage title doesn't scare me too much, as long as I'm sure that this vehicle would be a vehicle I'd keep for a long time.

Any thoughts on this from y'all? Thanks!
 
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If you'd still even consider it after a carfax like that, why did you bother to run a carfax? I'd walk away unless they are giving it away.
 
I'd also add that you said 2 years ago the milage was 178k and now the odometer reads 176k. Something seems fishy about it...
 
Thanks everyone for the input which I highly appreciate! It of course just confirms everything I thought I should do.

To answer a few questions:

T4R_Finally said:
If you'd still even consider it after a carfax like that, why did you bother to run a carfax? I'd walk away unless they are giving it away.
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I don't mind maintenance on a vehicle that I plan on keeping for a long time, but I do like to know what I'm walking into. There's also a difference between replaceable and non-repariable to me, at least.

rubbman said:
I have a couple of 96 4runners for sale if interested!
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I'm not looking to buy just any 4Runner. As my first post stated I'm keeping my eyes out specifically for 4Runner that is black, 5spd, and has the sport package. That basically narrows my search down to a '99-00 only. I already have a '96 with a 5spd and love it! I just wish it had some of the mid-gen upgrades and was black colored.

Again, thanks everyone for the opinions and comments! For those that might have been curious of the Craigslist ad, here it is:

99 Toyota 4runner - $4800 (Denver Co.)
 
Finding a black sport with a 5 speed is going to be difficult. Basically you are narrowing down your search so much that vehicles like the one you found will probably be all you can find.

Why do you want a sport? For the hood scoop? Because if that's the main thing (and AFAIK that's the only difference between the Sport and the SR5) then I'd just look for any decent condition 5 speed and spend the money putting a sport hood on it. Ditto for the color, you can always have it painted, all it takes is money.

Finding a black sport with an automatic probably wouldn't be that hard but from what I've seen, 5 speeds are as rare as hen's teeth, so adding two more "qualifiers" onto the 5 speed (black and sport model), you are setting yourself up for a long, difficult quest.
 
Martinjmpr said:
Finding a black sport with a 5 speed is going to be difficult. Basically you are narrowing down your search so much that vehicles like the one you found will probably be all you can find.

Why do you want a sport? For the hood scoop? Because if that's the main thing (and AFAIK that's the only difference between the Sport and the SR5) then I'd just look for any decent condition 5 speed and spend the money putting a sport hood on it. Ditto for the color, you can always have it painted, all it takes is money.

Finding a black sport with an automatic probably wouldn't be that hard but from what I've seen, 5 speeds are as rare as hen's teeth, so adding two more "qualifiers" onto the 5 speed (black and sport model), you are setting yourself up for a long, difficult quest.
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The sport hood is a plus. Actually it's the matching paint bumpers that is more appealing about the sport package. I hear also the seats are usually more comfortable than the stock seats. I know any of these could be found and replaced, but why look for less?

The 5spd also is a must as I don't want an automatic. Every vehicle I've owned (minus the one I inherited via my wife) has been a manual transmission. Also if I'm going to buy a second 4Runner and build it the way I want I'd rather start out with it all the right stuff! I'd rather not hunt for each piece if I can buy the whole package!
 
"the only thing is that is missing the bumper." Really? That's the only thing. I think what he meant to say was "I bought somebody else's piece of sh*t and now I realize I'm in way over my head and I'm hoping someone else will now buy it off of me so it can be their problem."
 
PitbullRescuer said:
This is the one you want:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...highlander-black-manual-leather-e-locker.html
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That is definitely what I'd love to have, but his specific one I'm not sure of because of this line he puts in there:

tgaller said:
There are *very* few 4runners with these options, so if someone wants it they're going to have to pay for it.
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That says right there he's not going to be satisfied with the price I'd probably offer him. I know, and I expect to pay a bit more for these types of vehicles, but there's always that chance I find someone who doesn't know what they've got and I get it for a great price! That's why they call it the search.

I had that luck with my current 4runner. The old lady who owned it before me really had no clue on the options it came with or that they were rare together. I got it for a couple thousand less than most other 4Runners without those options in this area. I did the same for the vehicle before my 4Runner too. So I always hold out and keep looking.
 
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Manuals have been and always will be cheaper than automatics, although there is an ass for every seat.

Too the the "there are very few of these" no there is a ton of manual 4runners, a hood scoop is $200 and a locker is $600, and a manual should be about $500 or $1k less than an auto equivalant, so that car really shouldnt be priced high. Thats besides the fact that 4Runner posted on T4R isnt in the best condition.
 
CoMarc: I am basically on the hunt for the same (black 4WD 99-02 Highlander/ sport Ed), and finding one that isn't $12k is nearly impossible. I'm open to a 5 spd or Auto, and that's still proving extremely difficult to find at all let alone under $10k (my cap is $8.5k -ish).

I actually found a black 99 Highlander w/ 199k, 5 spd w/ e-locker, lift, custom aftermarket bumpers, 35" KM2's etc for $7800 a couple weeks ago locally and nearly keeled over! I e-mail the guy and he says his buddy posted it for him but that he's not actually selling it for at least 6 months :moping:

At least you're already in a T4R and can search for another one to find exactly what you want without being rushed. That's where I'm at. Be persistent and don't settle.

BTW, my 4runner was missing the rear bumper due to being rear ended when I bought, and the mounts were jacked and real PITA to get straight again. I had just come from a 2001 Tacoma and owned nothing but trucks, so I though 4Runners had the bumpers that mount to the frame and thought it would be simple to replace. Boy was I wrong. I'll never buy another one that's been hit in the rear bumper. Take a look under the back of your 4Runner & look at the mounts where the center bumper piece mounts. That metal underneath disfigures VERY easily. Just my $.02 -Evan
 
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