How much is too much?

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

Looking at a 1999 5spd 4wd with e-locker with 214,000 mi. It seems like it has been VERY well maintained, and the exterior and interior are gorgeous. $7500 just seems like a lot for a car with that kind of miles, but it is a Toyota. Discuss. Thanks!

Engine Bay:

 

[A.Wilson013]

I can make my engine bay look like that in about 5 minutes (it actually already does...) , so don't put too much faith in that.

Link the craigslist add, I'll do some snooping.

 

[02SE]

It has nasty old brake fluid, that says a lot to me.

 

[Supermoney]

It is a good combo, and mileage on these trucks (or any Toyota for that matter) as most of us know don't mean shit. But still paying a lot of cash for a high mileage vehicle is always risky. Most I'd pay is $6500. Maybe $7500-8000 if it was blown.

 

[jeremyc74]

I can make my engine bay look like that in about 5 minutes (it actually already does...) , so don't put too much faith in that.

Link the craigslist add, I'll do some snooping.

My thoughts too. It LOOKS good, but what has actually been done to it? Suspension overhaul? Rear axle seals? Timing belt? Brakes?

I'd have to see lots of evidence of new parts to pay that much for one with that kind of mileage on it. But that's not to say it's not worth it if everything has been done.

I paid $4k for mine, and if I count the cost of wheels and tires I'm probably at $7k total, and that's with no labor charges.

 

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

I guess some more info would be helpful.

Second owner
zero oil leaks
never smoked in
oil changed regularly with toyota filters
no rust on the frame and was sprayed to keep it that way
Running Mt-90 in the tranny and front diff
minor rear damage that was repaired
clutch has been replaced
timing belt done twice last at 150,000
never been off-road
clutch postition start switch has issues
a/c blows cold
all locks, windows, etc work
headliner in great shape
running bilstein 4600 shocks
old man emu coils
Says he has babied this truck, and the original owner was a 50 year old woman who drove it to work
theres a '14 runner in his garage in the picture of the '99

He says both 4 hi and 4 low work. I've never owned a 4wd vehicle, but isn't there another gear in the transfer case?

I really need someone to tell me to buy this.... :hungry:

 

[jgue467]

Driven it yet? I'd go see it, inspect the fluids, underneath for damage/rust (i know they say its clean but you should see for yourself).

Driving it will tell you a lot. A little pricey but these are getting more & more rare. Maybe you can talk them down a bit but they may know exactly what they have.

The 4wd is hi/lo and then it has a very special rear locker, a somewhat rare option that will help in special off-road (never use on solid roads) situations.

Not sure how much you know about 3rd gen runners but here's a variety of info: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-3rd-gen-faq-tutorials-documentation-reference.html

Luck and remember if this one doesn't work out there will be more! :cowboy:

 

[fourfive]

no rust on the frame and was sprayed to keep it that way

Do you know what the seller meant by "sprayed"? As in sprayed with water to keep the undercarriage clean or sprayed with some type of undercarriage coating? If sprayed with water during regular washes, great, nothing will be covered up & you will be able to see a nice clean frame in most cases but if it was sprayed with paint or a coating, it will make it a little more difficult to determine the actual condition of it since potential signs of deterioration will have been covered.

Have you had a chance to inspect it yourself? If it is not within a reasonable driving distance, you may want to hire a reputable mobile auto inspector to look things over...that can cost around $150+ but not a bad idea to get an outsiders objective opinion that has had the opportunity to physically look things over so that your "want" doesnt cloud your judgement. Typically, a mobile inspector will call you after going over the vehicle & discuss their "checklist" with you and email you a copy of it.

I wouldn't put too much value in what the seller is telling you unless there is some type of documentation or a way to verify it upon a physical inspection. That's not to say his claims aren't true...such as the 50yo woman original owner that drove it to work...but if there isn't a way to verify it, I wouldn't let that weigh too heavily in your decision making. If you haven't already, pull a carfax or autocheck or both to get an idea of the history. Again, wouldn't let either one of those influence your decision too much but it will at least help uncover any potential inconsistencies in the history.

 

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

Thank you for all the comments and suggestions. Hmm. I've never heard of a mobile auto inspector before. Do you know of a company offhand?

 

[bugman-74]

5-speed is a rare beast (and elocked!). Around here that would be gone by now, and this discussion would be moot Price might be a tad high, but not by much IMO.

Carfax it, inspect it, test drive it. Be prepared to fork over the cash if it checks out.

 

[pluton]

Where was this vehicle originally sold? Where did this vehicle live?
Ask your chosen inspector to to look for hidden rust underneath, leaking rear axle seals, and sludge in the valve covers.
See the FAQ info in this forum.
Hopefully they didn't drive it very far in 4WD and with MT-90 in the front diff.

 

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

Truck spent most of its life in Colorado. The carfax report checks out with having two owners. The guy who owns it now has only had it for about 8 months. There's not a lot of detailed maintenance reports on the carfax, but the timing belt has been changed at least once.

 

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

Do you know what the seller meant by "sprayed"? As in sprayed with water to keep the undercarriage clean or sprayed with some type of undercarriage coating? If sprayed with water during regular washes, great, nothing will be covered up & you will be able to see a nice clean frame in most cases but if it was sprayed with paint or a coating, it will make it a little more difficult to determine the actual condition of it since potential signs of deterioration will have been covered.

Have you had a chance to inspect it yourself? If it is not within a reasonable driving distance, you may want to hire a reputable mobile auto inspector to look things over...that can cost around $150+ but not a bad idea to get an outsiders objective opinion that has had the opportunity to physically look things over so that your "want" doesnt cloud your judgement. Typically, a mobile inspector will call you after going over the vehicle & discuss their "checklist" with you and email you a copy of it.

I wouldn't put too much value in what the seller is telling you unless there is some type of documentation or a way to verify it upon a physical inspection. That's not to say his claims aren't true...such as the 50yo woman original owner that drove it to work...but if there isn't a way to verify it, I wouldn't let that weigh too heavily in your decision making. If you haven't already, pull a carfax or autocheck or both to get an idea of the history. Again, wouldn't let either one of those influence your decision too much but it will at least help uncover any potential inconsistencies in the history.

I'm assuming he meant an oil/rust protectant spray. I don't live up north, so I don't have much experience with that. :wink2:

 

[A.Wilson013]

I'm assuming he meant an oil/rust protectant spray. I don't live up north, so I don't have much experience with that. :wink2:

You could post the craigslist add so I can snoop around for you... :cheers:

Or PM it if you think one of these vultures will buy it from under you.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Why own a rare gem for just eight months? I guess the 5th Gen was too alluring. Looks good.

No one ever seems to change their brake fluid. Why? Too lazy would be my guess.

 

[fourfive]

I've never heard of a mobile auto inspector before. Do you know of a company offhand?

Ive used auto p.i which is local to the austin tx area but there's lemonsquad & aim that do nationwide inspections. If you end up using a mobile inspection service, be sure to look at the reviews.

 

[Meeners]

Likely just bought it for cheaper and is selling to turn a buck, which I wouldn't blame him for. Go see the truck and if it's worth it to you, buy it.

I looked for a 5 speed for a couple months and found one for thousands less, I also had to fly out to get it if that tells you anything. Flip the script and get it, otherwise it will likely be gone!

 

[Kurtis]

$7500 is too much IMHO. Even with an E-locker.

Edit: Before some smart ass says something, yes, I realize the seller would probably sell for less. But with posting that high I wouldn't even look at it. Maybe the $6-6.5 range at best and for $6.5k I would of had to fall in love with it at first sight.

 

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

Okay, let me ask this, would it be possible to find a truck like this with around 100,000 miles and at the same price point, well cared for, and an immaculate interior, or I'm jumping into a whole new price category? I want one with those kind of miles, I just don't think I can afford it, or can I if I wait long enough?

 

[slapdappy]

yelp a good mechanic, pay the 100-200 for a thorough inspection, find out how many more miles the tires and brakes have on 'em. Fuel filter ever been replaced? rear axle seals can be an issue. get them inspected. asked the guy why selling after 8 months? evidence of 'pink milkshake' (look it up)? original radiator? separate aftermarket transmission cooler? All of these things will cost money.
tell seller you are a serious buyer. agree upon a price. put down refundable deposit, with receipt dated and signed by both of you, then lever down the price after the mechanic's inspection. paperwork to back up his statements re truck's history?
yes, locked 5 speed is considered scarce and desirable. check cylinder compression.
buy it. you clearly want it. assume new tires mounted etc @ $800. Assume you'll do the TBU and Trans cooler install, which could be @ 500 all in. You'll most likely spend 1000-2000 more in first year of ownership, I assume, depending upon whether you or a mechanic does the work.
As nice as it is, it is still a truck with 214,000 miles. there will be maintenance items. I think 6000 would be a fair price, maybe 6500 if it really is in such great condition and you can't live without it.
Key question: how much could you sell it for if you listed it tomorrow? pay that amount.