Is this a good buy??

C

Clumsy me

New member
Hey guys I am brand new to the 4runner world I have been doing my research for the past few weeks and I think I found a winner this is the car I found let me know what you think

The truck is a 2000 4runner

Packages:
SR5
Sport
4x4
Tow package
Sunroof
Sliding rear window
3.4 liter V6

Maintenance: with in the past 3 months
timing belt
head gasket
new oil change
spark plugs
battery
Newer exhaust

Brakes and Tires at 70%
Car has 152k miles

No rust
No major red flags of pink milkshake and everything seems to be in order

Pics





I have a huge favor to ask someone, If anyone of you guys have a subscription to carfax and can run the VIN for me please let me know I'll paypal you a few bucks

Thanks guys

-Max
 
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Clean truck, and certainly a nice price. Curious as to why the Sport Edition badges aren't on the doors though - did you look closely for any signs of body work?
 
MONTYMTB said:
Clean truck, and certainly a nice price. Curious as to why the Sport Edition badges aren't on the doors though - did you look closely for any signs of body work?
Click to expand...

I just noticed that. Hmmm I will ask him.

EDIT: I was just looking online and I found some other ones that didnt have sports badges.
 
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It does look good, and a good price too. If it checks out on carfax I'd say go for it.

You can also check for maintenance done at Toyota dealers (including bodywork) by registering at toyota.com/owners and enter the VIN. It will give you complete maintenance history back to about 2005.
 
Two things:

1. Head gasket replacement. That is a concern for me. I would want to see paperwork.

2. If the 4runner has 156k on it, why in the pics is it only showing 152k and change on it?

Overall though it is a good price for the 4runner.
 
Don't rely too much on carfax. Can you verify work done? How may previous owners? Look the seller in the eye when you ask questions so you can get a read on him. Climb under the car and grab stuff, except the hot muffler. Yank on it to see if any components are loose and worn. Find the best mechanic/garage you can and pay the $100-200 to get thorough pre purchase inspection. If it all checks out then i'd say you found your 4R. Looks great. Good price. I have actually started asking sellers why their asking price is so low. Seems odd but it is another way to get relevant info from the seller.
 
LittleCaesar said:
Two things:

1. Head gasket replacement. That is a concern for me. I would want to see paperwork.

2. If the 4runner has 156k on it, why in the pics is it only showing 152k and change on it?

Overall though it is a good price for the 4runner.
Click to expand...

What concerns you about the head gasket?

Also the 156k is a typo on my part. The original add its 152k
 
Have a trusted mechanic check it out, do NOT rely on Carfax.

If this is from a used car dealer my biggest concern would be why are they asking so little for it?
Around here that same truck would have a $8,900 price on it from a dealer.
 
Nunyabiz said:
Have a trusted mechanic check it out, do NOT rely on Carfax.

If this is from a used car dealer my biggest concern would be why are they asking so little for it?
Around here that same truck would have a $8,900 price on it from a dealer.
Click to expand...

Its not from a used car lot. The guy that is selling it works at a high end Euro car place North Bay Imports but it is not being sold through the business.
When I looked it up on KBB it said 5k for good condition so idk what to think.
Should I just out right ask why so cheap?
 
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Clumsy me said:
Its not from a used car lot. The guy that is selling it works at a high end Euro car place North Bay Imports but it is not being sold through the business.
When I looked it up on KBB it said 5k for good condition so idk what to think.
Should I just out right ask why so cheap?
Click to expand...

Well if it is a private party then it could just be a good deal, although the guy still works for a car dealer.
I am surprised the difference between a 2000 Vs 2002 sport though.
I did KBB on that one with 152K ($5000) Vs mine a 2002 with 171K ($7400)

Regardless of KBB , around here I know one in what appears to be that good of condition would sell for more than $5200.
Maybe Florida is a totally different market though.

Could just be a good deal, get it checked out and offer him $5k
 
Nunyabiz said:
Well if it is a private party then it could just be a good deal, although the guy still works for a car dealer.
I am surprised the difference between a 2000 Vs 2002 sport though.
I did KBB on that one with 152K ($5000) Vs mine a 2002 with 171K ($7400)

Regardless of KBB , around here I know one in what appears to be that good of condition would sell for more than $5200.
Maybe Florida is a totally different market though.

Could just be a good deal, get it checked out and offer him $5k
Click to expand...

The car is actually in CT, my parents lives just across the border in NY, I go to school in FL and pretty much live down here.
 
You say 'no major red flags re pink milkshake'. There is no middle ground. It either did or did not have radiator failure. Is there a new radiator? Have you taken it for a serious test drive, 1/2 hour +, during which you take an exit ramp at 60mph, hit the brakes at 70, mash the throttle so it kicks down a gear and and accelerates under load from 30 to 70? Shifted from D to R, R to D, D to R and parallel parked it?
I have learned over my 40+ years that there is an endless supply of used vehicles for sale. do NOT be afraid to walk away. There is rarely 'the one'. I cannot stress this enough. It would be better to pay more initially for the right vehicle.
Also, not to be patronizing but I reiterate: Calmly look him in the eyes, ask him a question (as many as you want, of whatever nature you want, simple or complex), and watch him answer it. Even if its a bit uncomfortable, just do this simple thing. I promise you will start to get a real sense of the guy's character and figure out how reliable his info may be. Take any "I don't know" as "thats worn out, damaged, needs $500+ repair". We've all been sellers and we've all been buyers. Legitimate sellers are always willing, even happy, to answer any and all questions from a legitimate buyer.
The dealership connection, to me, is a red flag, even if it is a 'high end euro' one. Just because his dressed and groomed better than an average salesman does not mean he is more reliable. In fact, he may be more practiced at prevaricating and equivocating.
Where did it come from? Has the plastic and rubber been 'armor all'ed'? Because this can temporarily hide degraded appearance of plastic trim and rubber pieces/bushings. If it was serviced at a dealer they usually keep all records associated with the vehicle. Some used vehicles are flood vehicles, which may or may not be discoverable via paperwork. Ask your mechanic to look for any signs of this specifically.
Want to really put him to the test. Write down each of his answers and have him initial each item, sign and date the paper.
I am not asserting this 4R is not what it appears to be. I am saying you can 1) get a sense of sellers integrity, and 2) determine actual current condition of vehicle and its repair history via a GOOD mechanic with the right equipment.
On of my favorite reference sources is 'Yelp'.
May the Force be with you.
Here endeth the sermon of the day.
 
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Previous owner over heated it. Otherwise there is no reason to replace the head gasket.

Try this. When the engine is cold open the radiator cap. Make sure radiator is full to the top. Ask some one to start the car and check for any bubbles coming out of the radiator. Check this for few minutes. There shouldn't be any bubbles.

Check underneath too. Corrosion is pain and cost $$$ to fix it.

Also check the engine. While engine is running, pull the dip stick. if there is oil vapor coming, severe by-pass.

Check the Air filter too. Make sure no dust particles between the air filter and engine.
 
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