Help Sought - Built 3rd Gen FS
- Thread starter TonyB66
- Start date
rkymtnman
New member
That might be why he priced it a bit on the high side. A clean 80 with lockers here on the front range of Colorado with similar miles will generally run around 9-10k ask....
Jayjayb96
New member
The price is actually consistent with most 3rd gens built that are sold around california. They hold a high resale value here. Although i agree is on the high side...tryin to make up for the money hes put into mods.
Jayjayb96
New member
How much were you looking to spend?
TonyB66
New member
Thanks guys. Given what he has added, he raised the price to $12K.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/built-4runner/6289862484.html
The hunt continues... Thanks for the help.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/built-4runner/6289862484.html
The hunt continues... Thanks for the help.
TonyB66
New member
For a stock, relatively stock 3rd gen, sub 200,000 miles - $5-$6k. Have seen quite a few sold in that range, so realistic. Got more funds should there be one in exceptional condition, very few miles...
theesotericone
New member
LMAO. It's the Cali market your talking about here. You've seen my rig and it's comparable to his except mines got 245,000 on it. I could easily get $10000 for it here. If you offered me $7000, after I got done laughing, I'd tell you to piss up a rope. lol
ltsr
New member
I agree with you. I think people around the country don't realize we have zero rust issues here. The climate in most places in cali is mild so the rigs out here aren't beat up as they are in other parts. My truck doesn't have a single spot of rust. Seeing other people's under carriage around other parts of the country make me cringe.
phattyduck
Elite Member
Come down to SoCal... lots of stuff in the ~$5k range.
Even 5-speed, 4x4, e-locker...
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/1999-toyota-4runner/6293239088.html
Just needs a new motor.
-Charlie
Even 5-speed, 4x4, e-locker...
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/1999-toyota-4runner/6293239088.html
Just needs a new motor.
-Charlie
octanejunkie
Elite Member
I've bought and sold plenty of vehicles and will add this to the mix
Other people's upgrades have zero or minus value, usually. Even if you wanted the end result, you were not in control of the means, so it's questionable.
There is no value in labor spent. Almost everyone factors what they paid the guy or how much time they put in, but this is an absolute wash the moment you go sell the vehicle. See above re upgrades.
Deferred maintenance is to be assumed. In our case buying a 20-ish year old vehicle means the upkeep is on you. And again, even if they say "LBJs done" what if they used cheap part's store crap parts. Assume you will have to do ALL maintenance and factor that into your total acquisition budget (purchase price, plus taxes, title, fees, PM parts and labor, then upgrades)
Don't get invested in their story, in fact don't even ask, because they won't tell you what you need to hear and often will tell you what they think you want to hear. Stay objective, stick to your guns, do your own inspection of the vehicle and if you don't feel qualified make sure they let you let a mechanic/friend of your choice do so on your dime. If they don't, walk.
My ex-brother in law and I used to go to car swap meets and hear all the stories. We valued the car and offered what we felt it was worth, in cash. 8/10 times they take it. NEVER tell them "this is exactly what I have been looking for" consider it a poker game. Always asume you hold the better hand, because you do, your cash isn't broken or going to break down. IDGAF what they say, 99% of the time when they see that cash, they know that's it or you're gone; and if they don't have the pink, walk. If they won't give you the VIN in advance to run a CarFax, walk.
Personally I want a 99 Sport 4WD in Jade Mica Green, as stock as they come so I can do all the upgrades I want, my way. I know I'm gonna spend the cash, but I'd rather do it on my terms, not theirs. There is no gun to my head and no ticking clock, just me and my wanty self. So I can be patient. The best thing about these rigs, in my opinion, high mileage doesn't scare me. I wouldn't buy a 99 Tahoe with 200K, but I would a 4runner.
And that's all I have to say about that :guitar3:
Other people's upgrades have zero or minus value, usually. Even if you wanted the end result, you were not in control of the means, so it's questionable.
There is no value in labor spent. Almost everyone factors what they paid the guy or how much time they put in, but this is an absolute wash the moment you go sell the vehicle. See above re upgrades.
Deferred maintenance is to be assumed. In our case buying a 20-ish year old vehicle means the upkeep is on you. And again, even if they say "LBJs done" what if they used cheap part's store crap parts. Assume you will have to do ALL maintenance and factor that into your total acquisition budget (purchase price, plus taxes, title, fees, PM parts and labor, then upgrades)
Don't get invested in their story, in fact don't even ask, because they won't tell you what you need to hear and often will tell you what they think you want to hear. Stay objective, stick to your guns, do your own inspection of the vehicle and if you don't feel qualified make sure they let you let a mechanic/friend of your choice do so on your dime. If they don't, walk.
My ex-brother in law and I used to go to car swap meets and hear all the stories. We valued the car and offered what we felt it was worth, in cash. 8/10 times they take it. NEVER tell them "this is exactly what I have been looking for" consider it a poker game. Always asume you hold the better hand, because you do, your cash isn't broken or going to break down. IDGAF what they say, 99% of the time when they see that cash, they know that's it or you're gone; and if they don't have the pink, walk. If they won't give you the VIN in advance to run a CarFax, walk.
Personally I want a 99 Sport 4WD in Jade Mica Green, as stock as they come so I can do all the upgrades I want, my way. I know I'm gonna spend the cash, but I'd rather do it on my terms, not theirs. There is no gun to my head and no ticking clock, just me and my wanty self. So I can be patient. The best thing about these rigs, in my opinion, high mileage doesn't scare me. I wouldn't buy a 99 Tahoe with 200K, but I would a 4runner.
And that's all I have to say about that :guitar3:
Last edited:
theesotericone
New member
Except when they do add value. Some guys like to build it and fine tune everything. I'm one of those guys. It's why I purchased a stock rig. Other guys like to just have a turn key build.
The price of a rig is simply a negotiation between buyer and seller. If the right buyer wants a rig that is already built the seller will get his asking price. So, in those cases, the parts and possibly even labor would add value. Probably not as much as the initial outlay from the seller but enough to warrant an asking price 2x what a stock rig would go for.
octanejunkie
Elite Member
Agreed, which is why I said "usually" - where as I probably should have hedged and said "often"
Sadly I have never been a turnkey guy, which is why I only date MILFs now, but will never remarry
theesotericone
New member
Usually was fine. I agree the usual run of the mill upgrades don't add much if any value. Audio systems, fancy rims, a tuned chip and things like that. Let's face it though, a built off-road rig is a niche market. If you have one you'll sell it for a pretty good amount over average. It may take a bit to find the right buyer but it'll sell for close to asking.
TonyB66
New member
Superb post! Totally concur...
octanejunkie
Elite Member
Agreed. Very often upgrades are subjectivity valued, like a kayak rack; but I'm not a kayaker, and so on.
Agreed again. But there is also the case of poorly done/unsafe upgrades, worn out parts and bad combinations. There is usually a reason someone is selling a niche-market, specialty rig - buying a house, having a baby or this thing is a money pit.
On the other hand, I also agree that if the rig is done right and is in great shape with has docs to support all the work/parts put in, it will sell for a premium.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Scramble
New member
You wouldn't have to tell me to piss up a rope because I'd never spend 10K on a T4R with 245,000 miles, especially if it's an A/T. LOL
I see elocked - 5 speeds with S/C's for 8-9K consistently, some modded, some aren't in the South West.
TonyB66
New member
Some really good input here, considerations, when pondering the purchase of a modified vehicle.
Buying a modified car that others can vouch for, helps. Or, one that has a detailed build thread, showing the love and attention of detail, helps a ton.
Otherwise, I have seen upgrades done quite poorly. All types. Just watched some electrical mod for the 3rd gen where some guys had issues afterwards. Not sure what happened, but the "fix" is sometimes removing a fuse or bulb so the light goes away... Even if done correctly, the selection of upgraded parts might not be desirable for the future buyer, and actually serve as a detriment...
I have a very uniquely modified car now, and I totally accept that the market for it would be very limited. Did a custom fabricated exhaust, and even designed the intercooler for it that was later produced and sold in the aftermkt community. It's a 2003 and has like 70k miles, yet a stock one with 100k miles would likely sell for the same price or even more...
I'm pretty objective on such matters though, and can accept that reality. Most I find are pretty adamant about getting more out of their modified cars.
The market dictates price. If 10K was reasonable, it will sell at that price. It certainly has not, and it's been on the market for quite some time. Takes just the right buyer though. Now at 12k...
Was hoping to see it this Saturday, my b-day, but he'll be out of town.
Is there a certain time of year when these typically become more available, maybe seasonable? I would think before summer and winter, but don't know...
Buying a modified car that others can vouch for, helps. Or, one that has a detailed build thread, showing the love and attention of detail, helps a ton.
Otherwise, I have seen upgrades done quite poorly. All types. Just watched some electrical mod for the 3rd gen where some guys had issues afterwards. Not sure what happened, but the "fix" is sometimes removing a fuse or bulb so the light goes away... Even if done correctly, the selection of upgraded parts might not be desirable for the future buyer, and actually serve as a detriment...
I have a very uniquely modified car now, and I totally accept that the market for it would be very limited. Did a custom fabricated exhaust, and even designed the intercooler for it that was later produced and sold in the aftermkt community. It's a 2003 and has like 70k miles, yet a stock one with 100k miles would likely sell for the same price or even more...
I'm pretty objective on such matters though, and can accept that reality. Most I find are pretty adamant about getting more out of their modified cars.
The market dictates price. If 10K was reasonable, it will sell at that price. It certainly has not, and it's been on the market for quite some time. Takes just the right buyer though. Now at 12k...
Was hoping to see it this Saturday, my b-day, but he'll be out of town.
Is there a certain time of year when these typically become more available, maybe seasonable? I would think before summer and winter, but don't know...
octanejunkie
Elite Member
The season is when the future previous owner runs out of time or money or the baby is coming LOL
There is new inventory on Craigslist every week. Just take your time, look at a lot of them and get familiar with what they go for in your area - every city and region is different. Once you are a savvy 4runner shopper you can get a better deal for yourself, and an education along the way.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
There is new inventory on Craigslist every week. Just take your time, look at a lot of them and get familiar with what they go for in your area - every city and region is different. Once you are a savvy 4runner shopper you can get a better deal for yourself, and an education along the way.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
TonyB66
New member
I responded to a recent CL 4Runner FS within 20 minutes of it being posted, and was like 4th on the list. About an hour later, the listing was down, confirmed as sold. A few other examples like that... Crazy competitive.
The one time I was first, it was over the weekend though, and the seller said that I'd have first crack, IF I have the cash to pay that day! I did not, the bank was closed, so I lost out. Damn. I now have six grand ready go!
I suppose I should consider opening-up my search parameters a little, which I did permit here, contemplating a much higher priced 4Runner, and somewhat modified too...
I tend to favor the first sub-gen, 96-98, and non-limited versions. I'm not all that keen on the body cladding. I prefer cloth over leather, don't like electric seats, etc... Don't need or even want a sunroof...
There's a '98 Limited about 15 minutes from me, with leather (showing its age), sunroof, but has zero rust, just a tad under 200k miles. Also has the factory rear locker. The owner recently moved to the house, said that he has many receipts, and I do tend to believe him, but he just can't locate them now. Hoping to see the TB and WP, among others...
I'll keep thinking about that one.
rkymtnman
New member
A big key here is patience....if you have the time and don't NEED it ASAP, you always have the upper hand. When we were looking for a 3rd gen with a blown motor for a project, it took us a solid 2 months before we found something that fit the bill. We were prepared to move on it immediately (cash in hand as you have done) and that made it far easier for the seller since we showed up with cash and a trailer. I would have had no issue returning home with the empty trailer if we couldn't make a deal but ultimately, the seller wanted it gone. We ended up with a mostly clean '98, manual, cloth interior, brand new tires, borla exhaust, an intake and headers for $750. I didn't care about the interior, motor/drivetrain since we were going to do a full swap from our wrecked '99.
Patience almost always pays off if you have the time to wait and watch for the right rig to come along.
Patience almost always pays off if you have the time to wait and watch for the right rig to come along.
