Is this 4runner worth of buying

[graf]

I've never driven 4runner (don't know too much about cars either) in the past and am new to this forum. But feel like there are a lot of experts here and want pairs of trained eyes to take a look at this truck I found on Craiglists.

I'm looking for a family car to get my family around safely and reliably. No intend of off-roading or racing etc.

Found this one on Craiglists:
2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 SE 4X4, auto, 250k miles, one owner, no major accident (expect scratches), $4200, no modification etc. I've checked out the truck myself. It looks good inside and out. Owner is an old lady in her 70's (but she definitely drives a lot!!). Said she has taken a very good care of the truck.

Here are some of the maintenance records I've got (from the seller and checked the VIN on toyota.com):
1.timing belt change at 90k and 170k
2.1 yr old tires
3.transmission fluid, differential fluid and engine coolant change seems regular
4.lower ball joint replaced at recall
5.regular brake change (250k last time), but several times of rotor warp issues
6.no radiator change, may have potential milkshake strawberry issue
7.engine oil change only at 15k interval, several times of check engine light lit up and taken to dealership. I worried about this one and wonder if the engine has been abused this way.

Sorry about the long post. I'm debating with myself about the mileage, post maintenance cost etc, but I know I have to compromise something given my tight budget, and know if everything is good then it'll be $8000. Appreciate if someone can weigh these factors for me and see if it's worth it.

Thank you guys in advance!

 

[blizz86]

I've never driven 4runner (don't know too much about cars either) in the past and am new to this forum. But feel like there are a lot of experts here and want pairs of trained eyes to take a look at this truck I found on Craiglists.

I'm looking for a family car to get my family around safely and reliably. No intend of off-roading or racing etc.

Found this one on Craiglists:
2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 SE 4X4, auto, 250k miles, one owner, no major accident (expect scratches), $4200, no modification etc. I've checked out the truck myself. It looks good inside and out. Owner is an old lady in her 70's (but she definitely drives a lot!!). Said she has taken a very good care of the truck.

Here are some of the maintenance records I've got (from the seller and checked the VIN on toyota.com):
1.timing belt change at 90k and 170k
2.1 yr old tires
3.transmission fluid, differential fluid and engine coolant change seems regular
4.lower ball joint replaced at recall
5.regular brake change (250k last time), but several times of rotor warp issues
6.no radiator change, may have potential milkshake strawberry issue
7.engine oil change only at 15k interval, several times of check engine light lit up and taken to dealership. I worried about this one and wonder if the engine has been abused this way.

Sorry about the long post. I'm debating with myself about the mileage, post maintenance cost etc, but I know I have to compromise something given my tight budget, and know if everything is good then it'll be $8000. Appreciate if someone can weigh these factors for me and see if it's worth it.

Thank you guys in advance!

If the transmission seems to check out, then its no big deal and you can replace the radiator if you feel the need to. I guess the only factor that is a bit scary is the huge intervals between oil changes. Check how much sludge you can see the in the crankcase fill area, and if you can get a compression test.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[downpour11]

x2 and you're coming right up on another timing belt change

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

that truly is an odd thing to wait that long for oil changes, a sludge check would be good but really wont tell you much. i would get her down to closer to 3k. timing belt is not a huge deal if you can turn a wrench, plenty of affordable kits out there that'll let you get it done in a weekend.

 

[Hepar]

Has it been in the NE its whole life? If so, $8k is a ridiculous price for a 4Runner with 250k no matter how good of shape it's in.

Or is $8k your budget?



*edit* just saw the price. Sorry, glanced over it. If you have an $8k budget, I'd pass on it personally.

 

[nissanh]

15 K oil change? Is it Synthetic oil? Even if it is synthetic, you use a filter to catch all the bits and pieces and it will get clogged by the time it reaches 15 K.

Who invented the synthetic? good idea but let the users know to replace the filter at least every 4K miles!

 

[graf]

I'll try to ask the owner and see if she actually did the oil changes every 3k but at somewhere else rather than a toyota dealership, so it wasn't recorded in toyota's service history.

 

[graf]

And does $4200 seems reasonable given the high mileage and the condition of the truck?

 

[Hepar]

And does $4200 seems reasonable given the high mileage and the condition of the truck?

If it's rusty, I wouldn't go above $3k. You have to keep in mind that yes, these engines do last a long time when properly maintained, but there's quite a bit else that is going to need work when you've got a 10+ year old vehicle. The rust is just going to make it that much harder to deal with.

 

[Qjake]

Got pics? Link to Craigslist ad?

15k oil changes is long especially when you get up over 150k, looks like all the other maintenance was done though. How many 4Runners have you looked at? For $4-5k i'm thinking you should be able to find something with a lot less miles, personally I would keep looking.

 

[Bishard]

Too many miles IMO. After new t-belt and radiator your just about $5,000 in assuming professional installation. Be patient and you could probably find one with 100k less miles for $1-2k more. Here's an example of one I test drove myself and would have bought if it weren't for auto tran.

1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5

 

[graf]

Got pics? Link to Craigslist ad?

15k oil changes is long especially when you get up over 150k, looks like all the other maintenance was done though. How many 4Runners have you looked at? For $4-5k i'm thinking you should be able to find something with a lot less miles, personally I would keep looking.

Here is the Craiglist ad
2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 SE 4X4

The services record did mention a few times about rust they found at the dealership. Seems like I should keep looking.

 

[T4R2014]

Have you seen it in person? Go take a look at it and check underneath for rust. It doesn't look terrible from the pics. Offer 3,500 if you see some decent rust. It's hard to find a rust free truck up here anyway.

 

[graf]

I'll try to ask the owner and see if she actually did the oil changes every 3k but at somewhere else rather than a toyota dealership, so it wasn't recorded in toyota's service history.

The owner emailed me today that he did do oil change in shops rather than dealership about every 5k-7k and used synthetic blend.