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

[RunningForNow]

I picked mine up last month. 2001 SR5 4WD with 180k miles. Cali car all of its life and mechanically in great condition with zero rust. Consmetically good from about 6 ft., but there are dings, scratches, and light oxidation on the roof. Interior is clean, save for some cigarette burn marks, but the smell wasn’t heavy, so I don’t mind it. I plan to swap out the carpet and get the seats reupholstered, so I can live with the slight hint of smoke smell for now. It’s a good starter car for me to build on, and I paid $6500 OTD from a dealer. I’m happy with the price. I will restore it to a decent condition, but I’m not aiming for showroom.

These 4Runners will never sell for what KBB is listing, because there’s a healthy demand for fans like us. I didn’t go for a new 4Runner because I really liked the third gen, and I didn’t want a car payment. My thought was to get a decent used example, and without a car payment, I can fork out the money to fix or upgrade anything I want to really make it mine. The body will remain imperfect, and I won’t care if I get a parking lot ding here or there. I’m done pampering cars. I’ve got better things to do in my life. As far as price is concerned, get a thick skin and haggle away until you both can be happy with the price. If they won’t settle, then move on. There are plenty of great ones still available around the country.

 

[sctrsk]

Just to give you a point of reference:

I picked up a 1999 sr5 4wd auto with 127,000 miles. It was imperial jade, sport hood, good paint and excellent interior. Everything worked, light surface rust on frame (literally just the paint) and two small rusty rocker spots. Engine was tip top, wallow-y suspension. I'm in MD and rust free ones are hard to come by, I paid $6900. It was a bit steep, but it was in good shape.

I immediately replaced the radiator (preventative), lower ball joints, inner/outer tie rods, all 4 rear control arms, rear panhard bar bushings (poly), steering rack bushings (poly), steering rack guide, did the tack weld in the column, and billy 5100's all around. (also POR15 for the frame and eastwood internal frame coating for the rockers/frame, then scarfed in new patches for the rocker rust.) Even at only 127,000, the suspension was shot. My wife originally hated it saying it had a "wiggly" ride. Now she wants one and my friends comment that it rides incredibly well.

I would expect you to also realistically need to replace all of those aforementioned suspension components, if you are the type that wants a truck to ride so well it gets compliments. If you just don't care, whatever it won't be unsafe but it certainly won't be super pleasant.

I probably replaced all of those items for 1000-1200? maybe a hair more? If i went to a shop it would be astronomical.

 

[varol1]

Thanks, everyone, for all the feedback.

I was able to get the full Carfax this morning and sure enough, the vehicle spent all of its life in PA as well as having been involved in a rear impact accident way back in 2000. They said the rear bumper was replaced but the rest of the paint in the rear (hatch, quarters, etc.) are factory paint. I've asked for photos of the undercarriage and engine bay. The accident doesn't concern me nearly as much as the potential for widespread rust. It seems strange for a single owner to sell at such low miles if the vehicle is otherwise running fine.

 

[GRNT4R00]

It looks good, almost identical to mine except I don't have the hood scoop, I have leather and 20k less in miles. Currently at 114K on the clock. I wouldn't sell mine for $7,000. No wrecks, always garaged and no off road time. Looks like a good deal if all checks out.

 

[97Cruiser40th]

Thanks, everyone, for all the feedback.

I was able to get the full Carfax this morning and sure enough, the vehicle spent all of its life in PA as well as having been involved in a rear impact accident way back in 2000. They said the rear bumper was replaced but the rest of the paint in the rear (hatch, quarters, etc.) are factory paint. I've asked for photos of the undercarriage and engine bay. The accident doesn't concern me nearly as much as the potential for widespread rust. It seems strange for a single owner to sell at such low miles if the vehicle is otherwise running fine.

Not at all. Could be a number of conditions for the sale including an offer he couldnt refuse or death plus the vehicle is coming up on 20years old. The OO of my vehicle decided to trade in on brand new runner in June 2018 with only 36k miles on it. She wanted a new vehicle. Any detail on Carfax on service history if so maybe you can get details from those shops with a call?

Good luck hope it all checks out.

 

[Crusifix]

Wow! I have more miles than that on my 2015. I would jump all over it.

 

[T4R2014]

Thanks, everyone, for all the feedback.

I was able to get the full Carfax this morning and sure enough, the vehicle spent all of its life in PA as well as having been involved in a rear impact accident way back in 2000. They said the rear bumper was replaced but the rest of the paint in the rear (hatch, quarters, etc.) are factory paint. I've asked for photos of the undercarriage and engine bay. The accident doesn't concern me nearly as much as the potential for widespread rust. It seems strange for a single owner to sell at such low miles if the vehicle is otherwise running fine.

A single owner selling at these "low" miles isn't concerning. Think old people. Hell, I bought my used 4Runners from original owners that just wanted something newer so that their teenager could drive it on the weekends and have a way to connect their phone and have a million airbags for when they do something stupid while using their phone.

I wouldn't worry about the accident. It looks like a good repair from the pictures. In other words, the repair aged no worse than a factory finish after 18 years. Give it a chance. It likely has surface rust. But, I see rusty Colorado vehicles too. Just don't let the dealer's talk and cool inventory distract you from an inspection.

 

[spartacus]

There are some good ones in Colorado at that price point.You just have to check it out and be comfortable with your decision.

Here is one that looks good on paper.
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2000-toyota-4runner-4wd/6728336617.html

 

[Hepar]

Thanks, everyone, for all the feedback.

I was able to get the full Carfax this morning and sure enough, the vehicle spent all of its life in PA as well as having been involved in a rear impact accident way back in 2000. They said the rear bumper was replaced but the rest of the paint in the rear (hatch, quarters, etc.) are factory paint. I've asked for photos of the undercarriage and engine bay. The accident doesn't concern me nearly as much as the potential for widespread rust. It seems strange for a single owner to sell at such low miles if the vehicle is otherwise running fine.

Keep an eye out for signs that the undercarriage has been painted.

 

[varol1]

Hijacking my own thread, found another beauty at the same price point and 150k miles here: https://www.tulsaautofactory.com/inventory/view/11266133/

Anything stand out to folks in the plethora of photos? Two owners at eight years a piece, it spent most of its life in Texas and Oklahoma, so not suspecting much rust. TB/WP was replaced at 85k (Carfax confirmed) - I will budget for another replacement before 180k miles and plan to replace lower ball joints after purchase (recommended at 150k miles in the 3rd gen buyer's guide).

Thanks in advance again for all the feedback!

 

[Riceye]

https://www.tulsaautofactory.com/inventory/view/11266133/

You realize that it's 2wd, right?

 

[varol1]

You realize that it's 2wd, right?

Ugh, just called them and the seller was kind enough to point that out without me asking. I completely missed it among all the capitalization, funky colors, and highlighting on their website

They also have a '99 4Runner that's 4x4 albeit wither higher mileage. I guess I need to think about how important 4WD is going to be here in CO. 2WD seems to be frowned upon in this forum, though that's not reason enough to discount it.

Edit: link to the '99 model - seems to have been very well taken care of: https://www.tulsaautofactory.com/inventory/view/11233555

 

[jgue467]

2WDs are pretty capable, ask OctaneJunkie!

On the otherhand, 194k isn't really much difference in those 2 mileages.

Then this one is a Limited. In CO you may appreciate the heated seats some, I do in Texas yet its mostly to keep food toasty hot on the way home!

Then you'll also have the 'thumpies' from those subs, perhaps there are some real amps included to power them.

Limiteds do have some other creature comforts such as built-in garage remotes, electro-chromatic rear/side view mirrors, leather and other goodies.

Read thru the Buyer's guide for more details.

Luck on choosing yet keep in mind they made 90,000 to 110,000 of these per year so there will be more to come..... :cowboy:

 

[Welding Goats]

In CO you may appreciate the heated seats some, I do in Texas yet its mostly to keep food toasty hot on the way home!

Ain't that the truth!

:rockon:

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Ugh, just called them and the seller was kind enough to point that out without me asking. I completely missed it among all the capitalization, funky colors, and highlighting on their website

They also have a '99 4Runner that's 4x4 albeit wither higher mileage. I guess I need to think about how important 4WD is going to be here in CO. 2WD seems to be frowned upon in this forum, though that's not reason enough to discount it.

Edit: link to the '99 model - seems to have been very well taken care of: https://www.tulsaautofactory.com/inventory/view/11233555

That second one has a very good service history I mean it looks like they took really good care of

 

[RobertMolina]

I own a 99 SR5 that had 220,000k miles on it when I got it. It now it has 390,000 I'm just needing to replace valve cover gaskets, ball joints, timing belt, and basic items that have wear and tear. 137k on a 2000 I would consider very low miles. Just tune it up. (Spark plugs/wires, fuel filter, mass air flow sensor, And all 3 ignition coils.) I just did this to my 99 SR5.

 

[varol1]

Any other thoughts on the 99 Limited with 197k miles? I'm planning on flying out to check it out and hopefully take it home this weekend. Carfax service history is immaculate, and I was able to access all the Toyota service records through the owner portal (TB, WP, and valve cover gasket were all replaced at 184k miles, as well various fluid flushes). I'm having a nearby mechanic give it a pre-purchase inspection this afternoon.

 

[97Cruiser40th]

Any other thoughts on the 99 Limited with 197k miles? I'm planning on flying out to check it out and hopefully take it home this weekend. Carfax service history is immaculate, and I was able to access all the Toyota service records through the owner portal (TB, WP, and valve cover gasket were all replaced at 184k miles, as well various fluid flushes). I'm having a nearby mechanic give it a pre-purchase inspection this afternoon.

Presents well for that mileage from a quick glance at the pics, hope PPI comes back solid

 

[varol1]

Presents well for that mileage from a quick glance at the pics, hope PPI comes back solid

Thanks, though I'm not hoping for a lot of information back - the PPI was only $50. The mechanic has very high ratings, hopefully most are from actual customers

 

[Rpreme]

These 4Runners will never sell for what KBB is listing, because there’s a healthy demand for fans like us. I didn’t go for a new 4Runner because I really liked the third gen, and I didn’t want a car payment. My thought was to get a decent used example, and without a car payment, I can fork out the money to fix or upgrade anything I want to really make it mine. The body will remain imperfect, and I won’t care if I get a parking lot ding here or there. I’m done pampering cars. I’ve got better things to do in my life. As far as price is concerned, get a thick skin and haggle away until you both can be happy with the price. If they won’t settle, then move on. There are plenty of great ones still available around the country.

Its funny that you mentioned this, I owned a 2016 quicksand TRD Pro and didn't want to live with payments. I've always wanted a low mileage 4wd 3rd gen and finally found one and then sold the TRD Pro to relieve myself of the burden.

Sorry to Hijacking this thread. But I would say if it has no record of accidents and no major rust concerns, and full maintenance record I would go for it!