Help a Newbie Decide on an '03!!

[Jeep to Yota]

Hey, I am new to 4Runners and have been looking for some time at getting rid of my Grand Cherokee and getting a 4Runner. Well I have sold my Jeep so I need to get a truck soon!!! I have been looking at 3rd Gen's for several months, but found what I think is a good deal on a 4th Gen and wanted to get some thoughts.

It is a 2003 Sport Edition, Silver with 43K miles, fully loaded with leather, sunroof, etc. The dealership is asking $20,990 and with $5k down (from the Jeep) I would be out the door at $17,500.

What do you think of this deal? Anything I should look for on this 4Runner? In the Jeep world, there is always a warning about first year after a model change, anything like that with 4Runner's.

BTW, I love this forum and appreciate all your help.

 

[T4RMatt]

That actually sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Have you looked up the trade in value on the Jeep? Choose average condition as this will be closer to what you will actually get from a dealer. I wouldn't worry about the first model year with a 4Runner. Is it the V8 or V6? Any signs of repaint? Did you run a carfax? If not then make the dealer run it for you.

 

[Jeep to Yota]

Oops...yeah it is the V-8. Looks like it has every option except for maybe the upgraded stereo.

Don't know about repaint, I actually am going to look at it this weekend as it is about an 2 hours from me.

I am not trading in my Jeep, I have sold it private party to a local Jeep fan!!! I was one of those...Cherokee...Wrangler...and then Grand Cherokee, but want to make the switch a more realiable and newer vehicle.

 

[Sac State]

Hey, I am new to 4Runners and have been looking for some time at getting rid of my Grand Cherokee and getting a 4Runner. Well I have sold my Jeep so I need to get a truck soon!!! I have been looking at 3rd Gen's for several months, but found what I think is a good deal on a 4th Gen and wanted to get some thoughts.

It is a 2003 Sport Edition, Silver with 43K miles, fully loaded with leather, sunroof, etc. The dealership is asking $20,990 and with $5k down (from the Jeep) I would be out the door at $17,500.

What do you think of this deal? Anything I should look for on this 4Runner? In the Jeep world, there is always a warning about first year after a model change, anything like that with 4Runner's.

BTW, I love this forum and appreciate all your help.

Is it 4WD? The leather is port installed or aftermarket for that year in the Sport. I had a 3rd Gen. go with the current model. The room, comfort, driving experience is no comparison.

Does it have the grey cladding, which would mark a first-mid year model? At 55K miles my Sport has been flawless. Runs like a Rolex.

Does it have the service records? Did the selling dealer perform the service, as recommended and on schedule? If not, have the dealership throw in a Toyota sponsored extended warranty (Platinum) up to 100K miles. Not that you need it, but it is good to have. If you don't file a claim you get it back less a small 'handling' fee. Having regular oil changes, tire rotations and the 30K service would equal the price of the warranty. Use that as a bargaining chip.

 

[Sac State]

I found this in another post.....http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=20200

"New 2003 4Runner owner
Hi,
Thanks for the great forums. I've been reading up about the 4Runner before buying it. Well, I just recently purchased a 2003 Toyota Certified 4Runner Sport Edition 4x4 V8. Its in an excellent/like new condition and only has 17,400 miles! I am the 2nd owner of this vehicle.
I paid $25,201 for this truck. However, this vehicle drives like a car!
Once again, thanks for the great forums!
Paul"

 

[T4RMatt]

Re: Re: Help a Newbie Decide on an '03!!

Does it have the service records? Did the selling dealer perform the service, as recommended and on schedule? If not, have the dealership throw in a Toyota sponsored extended warranty (Platinum) up to 100K miles. Not that you need it, but it is good to have. If you don't file a claim you get it back less a small 'handling' fee. Having regular oil changes, tire rotations and the 30K service would equal the price of the warranty. Use that as a bargaining chip.

This is a good idea, but those warrantys can run about 1200 bucks. If the dealer can "throw that it" then you would be better off having them discount the vehicle the price of the warranty. I wouldnt imagine you will be able to get them down too much on that price. It seems really cheap for the vehicle described. I would definitely look it over really good. Where is it located? PM me the website you found it on if you want and I will take a look. I sold cars for four years while going to college and know a thing or two about what red flags to look for.

 

[boston_kevin]

20 large for a 2003 SE V8? Is this 2WD? That sounds a little cheap to me, but they may just want to get rid of it (especially if it has the unpainted cladding - not as hot in the resale market)... Hmmm... Blue book lists retail for that around 22,500 for 4wd, 21400 for 2WD.

I'd try to get the dealer to run a carfax on this one just to be sure. 4runners typically go for the blue book or slightly above due to the demand, and the V8's were definitely in demand. If carfax comes in clean (or the dealer will through in an extended warranty) it sounds like a good deal.