Is this a good deal? 2000 SR5 V6 with 137k miles

[varol1]

Hey gang - new member and prospective owner here.

I've been in the market for a 3rd gen with low miles and just stumbled on an SR5 with 137k miles for $7000. Other than what appears to be a decent-sized hole in the front bumper under the passenger-side headlight, it looks to be in relatively good shape.

The truck is not local to me and I would need to fly to pick it up, so hoping to lean on the forum's collective expertise in helping decide whether it's worth the trip and/or what other questions I should be asking. I've got the VIN but have yet to pay for a Carfax report - wanted to get feedback from you all first (VehicleHistory.com report doesn't show any issues). I've also asked if the previous owner (single owner) provided any service records.

Here's an album of photos I've downloaded. Thanks in advance.

 

[jgue467]

Looks very good for the money. Have you read through all this?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ormational-threads-must-read-new-members.html

It will help you answer your own question. But if you want my opinion, I'd say it's probably a good risk to take that flight.

If you want more in person knowledge, hire an auto inspector and get their professional opinion.

Me, I'd just fly out there now.....Luck. :cowboy:

 

[thennen]

I love the color, and the pics look great. Miles are low indeed. But it seems that the vehicle is in a barn full of other great Toyota 'finds'. Is it possible that this is a body shop special?

 

[97Cruiser40th]

Looks like good amount of paint fade on bumper and roof or maybe thats a reflection and if my eyes are good looks like PA inspection, as such Id be weary of rust. Cant offer much else other than that sorry other than asking local T4R to do a driveby if in PA.

 

[JpAdct]

If it all checks out and seems clean, I’d jump on it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[varol1]

I love the color, and the pics look great. Miles are low indeed. But it seems that the vehicle is in a barn full of other great Toyota 'finds'. Is it possible that this is a body shop special?

Good eye - their FAQ page states they're a dealership and they've got very high ratings on Google. Their website is also very professional - I'm purposely not sharing the name so that someone doesn't jump on this before me

 

[varol1]

Looks like good amount of paint fade on bumper and roof or maybe thats a reflection and if my eyes are good looks like PA inspection, as such Id be weary of rust. Cant offer much else other than that sorry other than asking local T4R to do a driveby if in PA.

Not in PA but thanks for the suggestion - I may cross-post to the appropriate subforum.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Its defiantly from PA originally sold at Peruzzi Toyota Hatfield, so I would steer clear if it has rust. Looks like it was involved in a Rear collision back in 2000 in New Jersey so I would steer clear of it depending on the damage.

 

[gogamecocks]

Best next steps after purchase...

Hey guys,

Very first post here - sorry to hijack the thread, just really wanting some practical help and, you know...the 15 post minimum. I'm in the same boat here. I just purchased a 2000 w/ +192K miles on it. It's a 4 cylinder, 2.7 liter, rear wheel drive. Buying it from a friend who says he's been pretty good about maintenance.

Anyways, I've been doing a ton of reading on the site here for the last few hours. Really great stuff here on, excited to tap into more of the resources (like the buying guide). We don't have a great car history (esp. with keeping high mileage cars running) but have been told by many a 4Runner owner that these vehicles are very sturdy.

I'm wondering if you could give me maybe 3-5 next steps for the car that you would do after purchase. Like, what are the first things you're looking at in the car, what parts are you maybe checking or immediately inspecting, etc. Any of your thoughts will be super valuable. I'm very limited in car knowledge so I'm talking like, should I get new spark plugs and things like that. I'm going by to pick it up tomorrow and would love to have some good next steps or even questions to ask the seller.

Thanks in advance for all of the help!

 

[128keaton]

Hey guys,

Very first post here - sorry to hijack the thread, just really wanting some practical help and, you know...the 15 post minimum. I'm in the same boat here. I just purchased a 2000 w/ +192K miles on it. It's a 4 cylinder, 2.7 liter, rear wheel drive. Buying it from a friend who says he's been pretty good about maintenance.

Anyways, I've been doing a ton of reading on the site here for the last few hours. Really great stuff here on, excited to tap into more of the resources (like the buying guide). We don't have a great car history (esp. with keeping high mileage cars running) but have been told by many a 4Runner owner that these vehicles are very sturdy.

I'm wondering if you could give me maybe 3-5 next steps for the car that you would do after purchase. Like, what are the first things you're looking at in the car, what parts are you maybe checking or immediately inspecting, etc. Any of your thoughts will be super valuable. I'm very limited in car knowledge so I'm talking like, should I get new spark plugs and things like that. I'm going by to pick it up tomorrow and would love to have some good next steps or even questions to ask the seller.

Thanks in advance for all of the help!

1. Radiator (look up pink milkshake) - Might need to be replaced. The separation between the transmission cooler and the radiator degrades and the fluids mix and thats a big no no.
2. Lower ball joints. These can fail and cause major damage if it fails at speed.
3. Tune up -- Can't help to go thru with DENSO (dual electrode) plugs, wires, and an oil change with 5W-30.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Hey guys,

Very first post here - sorry to hijack the thread, just really wanting some practical help and, you know...the 15 post minimum. I'm in the same boat here. I just purchased a 2000 w/ +192K miles on it. It's a 4 cylinder, 2.7 liter, rear wheel drive. Buying it from a friend who says he's been pretty good about maintenance.

Anyways, I've been doing a ton of reading on the site here for the last few hours. Really great stuff here on, excited to tap into more of the resources (like the buying guide). We don't have a great car history (esp. with keeping high mileage cars running) but have been told by many a 4Runner owner that these vehicles are very sturdy.

I'm wondering if you could give me maybe 3-5 next steps for the car that you would do after purchase. Like, what are the first things you're looking at in the car, what parts are you maybe checking or immediately inspecting, etc. Any of your thoughts will be super valuable. I'm very limited in car knowledge so I'm talking like, should I get new spark plugs and things like that. I'm going by to pick it up tomorrow and would love to have some good next steps or even questions to ask the seller.

Thanks in advance for all of the help!

What the vin and run a car fax on it

 

[varol1]

Its defiantly from PA originally sold at Peruzzi Toyota Hatfield, so I would steer clear if it has rust. Looks like it was involved in a Rear collision back in 2000 in New Jersey so I would steer clear of it depending on the damage.

I didn't share a VIN or any other identifiable info - how were you able to determine all of this?

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

I didn't share a VIN or any other identifiable info - how were you able to determine all of this?

Well based off the pic I was able to determine the details. I didn't share them just gathered the facts to determine my final thoughts. 2000 SR5 V6 with 137k miles not to tough to narrow down

 

[varol1]

Very first post here - sorry to hijack the thread, just really wanting some practical help and, you know...the 15 post minimum.

There's a thread on appropriate ways to reach the min post threshold. Specific to your question, there's a 3rd gen must-read thread in the second post.

 

[gogamecocks]

There's a thread on appropriate ways to reach the min post threshold. Specific to your question, there's a 3rd gen must-read thread in the second post.

yup, got it. appreciate the feedback. basically looking for some of the same input you were in your first post. i've been working through the must-read as well. will be especially useful after i'm in possession of the vehicle. just looking for some literal "here's the very 1st thing you should do after you get the car" thoughts.

 

[Lastplace]

Doors, hood and tailgate are numbered, make sure they match. Ask for frame pics. Has the timing belt and water pump been changed?

 

[Hepar]

If it's not local to you, get a shot at minimum of the engine bay. That they didn't have one is a big red flag to me. That will give you a really good idea of how much (if any) rust you are dealing with. And determine if it's a good deal or one you should avoid.

 

[Dropzone]

other than the fat lip bumper (easy fix) that is a great deal (comparing prices in PNW)
if it's in the rust belt (NY, PA etc I would say screw it)
i would buy it if I was in the market and it checked out

gonna need tires, somebody was trying to make redneck whitewalls on the passenger side

Find out what they want for the Tacoma in the background lane:

 

[97Cruiser40th]

Its defiantly from PA originally sold at Peruzzi Toyota Hatfield, so I would steer clear if it has rust. Looks like it was involved in a Rear collision back in 2000 in New Jersey so I would steer clear of it depending on the damage.

Thanks didnt think I was wrong.

OP - not saying to avoid but we wary if it lived most of its life in PA area. If local to me in tri state VA metro area Id be happy to do a drive by if not I strongly encourage you to view it or at east get some high res pics of areas folks mentioned from the dealer. Good luck and dont waste much time

 

[eleven14]

The dealer in question is local to me, reputable and generally known as Toyota specialists. They do a number of mild- to mid-level Toyota builds, primarily on 2010+ 4runners/GX.

I've talked to them in the past and gotten solid mechanic referrals from them as well, I wouldn't hesitate to contact them for more pics or with questions. That said, I've never purchased a vehicle from them so can't speak to that.

I won't post any additional info unless you want it, but feel free to PM me if you have questions.