How to make a convincing offer on a 3rd Gen?

[Jumpkix]

80 Benjamins. If he doesn't take it, walk.

The Limited which, Mason, linked is a fairly good deal for around here. I believe that the 99 limited had the locking rear AND the locking center diff. That's my DREAM set up as I spend a lot of time driving on ice, and would KILL for the AWD option.

To check if it has the locker, instead of asking straight up, ask him to take a couple of pictures of the interior. Perhaps he doesn't know what the locker is, my previous owner didn't. Condition of the front leather seats would surely show where the diff lock button should be. I would offer him $6,500 cash, and be prepared to spend $7,000.

I agree, Wilson. The AWD is pretty indispensable up here, where it rains constantly and winters can bring snowfall. But I really don't want leather seats. I've even considered buying a limited and replacing the furniture, but it would look a little jenked with all the wood trim/other limited features.

Asking Price? :crazy:

8k is a more inline but still high. After getting it and doing the needed work you will be 10k into fast. I was thinking 7k myself depending on the records it has. Keep looking around. I would try and find a 99/00 limited with multi mode in it and a locker. Better for the driving conditions up there. I love the AWD in my 99. Easy button:amen:!

Best of luck to you:beer:

Blue

Thanks Blue, always appreciate your words of wisdom. As mentioned above, I would love to have AWD in a 3rd gen, So I would either have to buy a Limited or a '01-'02 Sport. The only problem with buying a Limited is that I really don't like leather seats. I'm still debating on getting one and swapping furniture, but I don't know if I would be able to modify all the other fufu crap to make the cloth seats look good (wood trim especially! No offense to all you 3rd gen Limited guys eace Unlike 3rd gen Sport Editions, Limiteds are plentiful here, so maybe that is the better option.

Some of you guys also mentioned flying somewhere to buy, which I have also considered. But a majority of the other regions in the US have icy/salty roads= rust. So I'm usually pretty skeptical about other areas if there are no undercarriage photos.

Getting back to the offer, I just don't have much room to negotiate since I can't meet the guy directly. Really, my only gripe about this rig is the high mileage. Other than that, I think it's just about perfect. Although if it's about due for a timing belt/water pump service, I don't think I'd be quite so eager to buy.

 

[Loubaru]

Prices are quite inflated here in Oregon, and in the Pacific Northwest in general. Unfortunately, people pay the price for what the seller wants, which in essence, keeps driving the price up higher, and higher, and higher... But yes I do agree, in general, remove where this vehicle is being sold and it's probably $6500 on a good day.

This might be worth while if it has the RR Diff Lock:
1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited

Agreed! It took me around 3-4 months to find an acceptable 4Runner (I was looking for a 99-00 limited with elocker). I ended up finding/buying a salvaged title silver 2000 w/ ~63k miles on it for 9.2k, came with TG sliders and the toytec ultimate lift. It had a dented rear hatch though (ended up buying one of CL for $200 but havne't installed it yet). I don't know if I'd pay more than 9k for the one you are looking at mainly just because of the mileage. The Toyota tax is strong in the NW so it may take a while.

I obviously took a risk because mine was salvaged but did a ton of research on the VIN and spent a lot of time under the truck before buying it. I've had it for about 6 months and 5k miles (its not a DD) and haven't had any problems other than a leaking axle seal and a torn CV joint that was already starting to tear when I bought it.

 

[MCObray]

Getting back to the offer, I just don't have much room to negotiate since I can't meet the guy directly. Really, my only gripe about this rig is the high mileage. Other than that, I think it's just about perfect. Although if it's about due for a timing belt/water pump service, I don't think I'd be quite so eager to buy.

If I remember correctly, this service was recently just performed last year in the Fall by the owner I bought it from. I would at least shoot him an offer just to see how much room he has. If not, be patient and wait for the right one to come along that meets all of your requirements. Only downside though is that now since we're in to the rain/snow season, prices will only climb.

To give everyone an idea, I purchased the Runner for $8200 and sold it for $9800. He's trying to get back what he has into it (and a little more...), obviously.