How much is too much?

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

I will definitely have it inspected before I buy. Probably a mobile inspector since I'm pretty far from it. I have some more pictures for you all. I'm kinda worried there might be some painted over rust...

 

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

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!

Just in case this one falls through, did you just use the regular sites to find it? Cars.com, autotrader, this forum? Thanks!

 

[LittleCaesar]

That is a clean undercarriage. Someone has give it love over its lifetime. It looks like a replacement drive shaft.

Even the ball joint look good, though if they are original they would be first on my list.

If you get a mobile mechanic, make sure a compression test is performed.

 

[Jaketino]

Ask him if he is close to a toyota dealership. Have them check it out.

 

[slapdappy]

Ask him if he is close to a toyota dealership. Have them check it out.

i disagree. my experience with independent mechanics has been better. Dealer mechanics are not necessarily the most competent, there are more layers of management between you and them, you have less say in which mechanic is used, and it seems more difficult to determine which mechanics are good.
find a good private mechanic (yelp, of course). you have direct access to them, will prob get a more thorough inspection, and can more easily have specific requests honored like checking all cylinder's compression.

 

[Quadsbc]

Looks fine to me

 

[Meeners]

Just in case this one falls through, did you just use the regular sites to find it? Cars.com, autotrader, this forum? Thanks!

When you really want something you check all avenues! I usually find the best deals on Craigslist, however there is risk. I typically do a scan of most areas in the south and anywhere outside the rust belt. Ironically, the one I found was in the rust belt but was garaged early it's life and meticulously maintained. It had a little rust, but for the price and the records it was worth it. 5 speeds are hard to find but it wasn't that hard, just use the options that CL has available and you'll find what you need. You just may need to travel a little bit to get it. - I drove 11 hours to bring mine back. Keep in mind this is after a few months of searching and missing out on multiple. Chances are you'll find one closer.

Anyway, based on the pictures - that truck is pretty well taken care of. You have to ask your self what it's worth to YOU. That's all that matters. Will you regret it if it sells? Or will you regret it if you pay top dollar? Personally, I think it's a little pricey but it could be justified if you utilize the e-locker. I would go take a look and drive it.

 

[pluton]

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?
]

I got mine in June 2013 w/ 106K miles and basically in the condition you describe.
It took 8 months of looking to get it, and I paid 8K locally....$500 of which I assume was the profit made by the private party local guy who had flown to, and driven the truck back from, Tucson, AZ.
I assumed(correctly) that it would need new springs, shocks, and tires immediately.
Add two 'surprise' repairs: replace the throttle body(comes with IAC and TPS), and rear axle seals.

 

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

I got mine in June 2013 w/ 106K miles and basically in the condition you describe.
It took 8 months of looking to get it, and I paid 8K locally....$500 of which I assume was the profit made by the private party local guy who had flown to, and driven the truck back from, Tucson, AZ.
I assumed(correctly) that it would need new springs, shocks, and tires immediately.
Add two 'surprise' repairs: replace the throttle body(comes with IAC and TPS), and rear axle seals.

Awesome. It's nice to know a price point so I know what I can afford.

 

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

https://drive.google.com/folder/d/0...REhWNzZaeGRJNi10UE5Ncmg0cUxXUW5DVTN0Rjg/edit/

Just posted for 7500. One owner and just had timing belt, water pump, radiator hoses, and belts all OEM.

 

[IBallEngineer]

I guess some more info would be helpful.


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

:

50 year old women aren't necessarily good or bad for the truck. Being 52 myself, as is my wife, I see it as a wash. I mean my wife would keep driving unless a wheel fell off or the engine blew, but she does call me if the low fuel light turns on. :shrug:

 

[Ol'Blue]

I would buy it even at that price. In the end you will get many more miles out of that truck. Even if you had to put a clutch in it or a T-belt big deal. Try finding something else that clean at that age that you will not have to put 1500 or more into it.

Blue