Just a couple of questions

[1beastnstl]

I have jumped into a couple 3rd gen threads here/there so my search is TRULY on. I have a couple questions that I have not seen asked in a thread as of yet, and if it has, I do apologize for redundancy but where did you purchase your t4r from? I'm going to a stealership today and will be talking to a buddy who can go to car auctions. ALSO, how many miles is TOO many for a t4r in "general" to make you pass and move on to the next one in a "new truck search?


Dave
(One the way back to the family)

 

[T4R_Finally]

I just finished my search. I would be very careful about buying an auction car with high miles unless you can somehow check it out first. On mileage, I drew the line at 200k, depending on price, and was trying to get closer to 100k. I bought one at 125k. BUT, I made sure it had needed work done to it, such as new axle seals, belts, hoses, timing belt, water pump, etc. I would have either bought one at a good enough price, without all of that, and immediately had it done myself, or paid a little more for one that already had it all done.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I prefer to buy these privately becuase of the age and miles. I think you can get a lot more of the history from a private seller as opposed to a dealer. Nothing against dealers, if they were newer I would say it doesn't really matter but with the age and mileage I would look for one owned by someone that loved it and took care of it.

As afr as the mileage, IMO, High miles don't really mean anything if well cared for just like low miles don't mean anything if it hasn't been.

 

[LittleCaesar]

+1 with Pitbull, private is the way to go. Mine was a one owner, and these folks were so meticulous that they had every gas receipt for the gas they put in the 4runner. Every single one. So I bought it despite it being the less than attractive Autumn Blaze Mica color.

I had seen another one with more miles at a dealership. It was the IJM color, but had no records and looked like the kids that rode in it used the back seat as a makeshift jump castle.

 

[habanero]

The 96 was at Jay Wolfe, a rust-free trade in fresh from life in California.
The 99 from a private party in Wisconsin. It had been in Arizona, then Texas, then a couple of years in WI. Had it not been mostly south we wouldn't have bought it because if rust issues up that way, even worse than StL, I think.

I did pretty good on the 96 but comparatively we paid less for the 99 though it was more hassle overall. We almost bought a very clean non-lockered 98 instead of the 99 from a private seller in Arkansas but he sold it the evening before we were to drive down to get it. Ended up with the 99 so it worked out better anyway.
For that second 4Runner our goal was very clean manual w/4x4 >150,000 miles and under 6,000. Got it and it's a Highlander to boot.

 

[1beastnstl]

The 96 was at Jay Wolfe, a rust-free trade in fresh from life in California.
The 99 from a private party in Wisconsin. It had been in Arizona, then Texas, then a couple of years in WI. Had it not been mostly south we wouldn't have bought it because if rust issues up that way, even worse than StL, I think.

I did pretty good on the 96 but comparatively we paid less for the 99 though it was more hassle overall. We almost bought a very clean non-lockered 98 instead of the 99 from a private seller in Arkansas but he sold it the evening before we were to drive down to get it. Ended up with the 99 so it worked out better anyway.
For that second 4Runner our goal was very clean manual w/4x4 >150,000 miles and under 6,000. Got it and it's a Highlander to boot.

Thanks for the input since you are in my home town (St Charles here). I have seen a few options and just want to get the best looking (for the age) and mechanically sound for less than 9k (if possible)

 

[Hepar]

I think miles can be a little deceiving. I would choose one that was well taken care of and from a rust-free area with higher miles over one with low miles that wasn't taken care of.

That being said, I found the best of both worlds. Low low miles and a Cali vehicle. Private seller. :biggrin2:

 

[1beastnstl]

I think miles can be a little deceiving. I would choose one that was well taken care of and from a rust-free area with higher miles over one with low miles that wasn't taken care of.

That being said, I found the best of both worlds. Low low miles and a Cali vehicle. Private seller. :biggrin2:

I'm not opposed to traveling to pick her up or having her shipped back to Mo. :driving:

 

[1beastnstl]

I'm going to look at this one today!!!! :trophy:

2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 SPORT, TINTED, 4X4, NEW TIRES, CLEAN HISTORY!!

 

[Hepar]

I'm going to look at this one today!!!! :trophy:

2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 SPORT, TINTED, 4X4, NEW TIRES, CLEAN HISTORY!!

Ask if the timing belt and water pump have been done. If they haven't or they aren't sure, you can use that as leverage to lower the price.

 

[lem14]

I agree with Hepar. I say that if it feels right and drives well, buy it. (This is of course after following everything 4ripcord says in his buying a 3rd gen thread). Also make sure you drive it for over 20 min, sometimes it takes about 20 min for CEL to come on.

Good Luck again

 

[1beastnstl]

Talking with sales guy now............

no history on rig
normal fluids have been changed (new brakes as well) since they have had it
they know nothing about timing belt or water pump


I'm doing my own local research now on the cost of the timing belt and water pump as well as a good once over for anything else that may be due....

STAY TUNED.............

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Look under the hood. There is usually a sticker on the timing cover showing the date and mileage the belt was changed. Don't tell him that if you do see it and obviously use the fact that they don't know to your advantage.

As far as "all the fluids being changed" while they had it, doubtful at best. Pull the stick for the tranny fluid, take the cap off the power steering resevoir and master cylinder. Use that to your advantage too. I have a few friends that work at dealers, changing the oil and topping off the washer fluid is what qualifies for "all fluids changed" when they're selling them. If you read closely, they probably even have a disclaimer saying "changed or topped off as needed."

Does look like a nice truck, just beat them down. Last day of the month too, they want that bad boy gone so that it's another unit for their month. Deal, deal, deal and deal some more.

 

[1beastnstl]

Look under the hood. There is usually a sticker on the timing cover showing the date and mileage the belt was changed. Don't tell him that if you do see it and obviously use the fact that they don't know to your advantage.

As far as "all the fluids being changed" while they had it, doubtful at best. Pull the stick for the tranny fluid, take the cap off the power steering resevoir and master cylinder. Use that to your advantage too. I have a few friends that work at dealers, changing the oil and topping off the washer fluid is what qualifies for "all fluids changed" when they're selling them. If you read closely, they probably even have a disclaimer saying "changed or topped off as needed."

Does look like a nice truck, just beat them down. Last day of the month too, they want that bad boy gone so that it's another unit for their month. Deal, deal, deal and deal some more.

Will do! I left the dealership and the guy is emailing me like CRAZY!!! lol

The truck looks REALLY good (better than the photos) and drives GREAT!!

 

[1beastnstl]

I'm now back from test test driving and comparing all 3 trucks (99 SR5, 01 Sport and 02 Sport). I have not purchased one yet but these are my thoughts.....

99 with 197xxx miles - The truck looked REALLY good in the pictures but getting into it and driving drove me nuts!! I could tell that there was something off with the rear of the truck because every bump we hit sounded like the back tailgate was going to fall off along with the back suspension. WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too many rattles back there for me. Looking at the suspension (just walking around) it was SOOOOOOO rusted (almost as if it was original) and EVERY bolt had caked on rust (again as if original). The engine fired right up, pulled VERY strong and was a whisper quiet BUT the exhaust sounded like it may have a small hole. (pretty loud)

01 with 115xxx miles - Sport model, very clean and smooth riding truck. I did not like the black leather (not something I want but if it comes with leather then it does). Timing belt done and possible water pump. No documentation other than a sticker under the hood. This one was the one that was REALLY dented up all over the front and rear bumpers. (not a BIG deal but noted) Again, smooth riding, quiet engine with smooth strong transmission shifts.

02 with 111xxx miles - same is 01 but with grey leather. NO timing belt or water pump work done. VERY clean slate to start with and VERY nice truck. Lots of "little" things missing from the tabs on the pull up straps on the drivers side to buttons missing/rubbed off on the radio. Less denting and no rust I could find............hmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[NachoPitt]

I'm now back from test test driving and comparing all 3 trucks (99 SR5, 01 Sport and 02 Sport). I have not purchased one yet but these are my thoughts.....

99 with 197xxx miles - The truck looked REALLY good in the pictures but getting into it and driving drove me nuts!! I could tell that there was something off with the rear of the truck because every bump we hit sounded like the back tailgate was going to fall off along with the back suspension. WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too many rattles back there for me. Looking at the suspension (just walking around) it was SOOOOOOO rusted (almost as if it was original) and EVERY bolt had caked on rust (again as if original). The engine fired right up, pulled VERY strong and was a whisper quiet BUT the exhaust sounded like it may have a small hole. (pretty loud)

01 with 115xxx miles - Sport model, very clean and smooth riding truck. I did not like the black leather (not something I want but if it comes with leather then it does). Timing belt done and possible water pump. No documentation other than a sticker under the hood. This one was the one that was REALLY dented up all over the front and rear bumpers. (not a BIG deal but noted) Again, smooth riding, quiet engine with smooth strong transmission shifts.

02 with 111xxx miles - same is 01 but with grey leather. NO timing belt or water pump work done. VERY clean slate to start with and VERY nice truck. Lots of "little" things missing from the tabs on the pull up straps on the drivers side to buttons missing/rubbed off on the radio. Less denting and no rust I could find............hmmmmmmmmmmmm

If I had to pick based on your descriptions, it sounds like the 02 (or keep looking). Miles don't scare me as much as a lack of documentation. I would rather pay an extra $500-1k from that neurotic guy (myself included) who has the original window sticker and a copy of the check that he wrote the dealership when new. I always buy private owner - they will negotiate (mostly); you know what you are getting. Always have a prepurchase inspection no matter how much you love the truck.

As for the 02, maybe you can use the fact that the timing belt and water pump hasn't been done as leverage for a lower price. All those little tabs missing etc are great for leverage as well as they are easy to price at 5-10 each and you can find them here used for much less (or even new from toyota).

Good Luck!

 

[pinchshopper]

I'm going to look at this one today!!!! :trophy:

2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 SPORT, TINTED, 4X4, NEW TIRES, CLEAN HISTORY!!

We bought one identical to this one last summer from a dealer. This one looks like thundercloud gray and not silver. We talked them down from $9900 and got it for $9k, but ours had a few more miles on it. We looked everywhere. It was ridiculous what some of the dealers were asking for trucks that were nowhere nearly as nice as ours and a lot more mileage, and ours is a one owner.

We got a carfax with ours that showed it being serviced, which mainly consisted of a transmission flush at the specified mileages. I called that dealership and he told me some other things that they did to it, one of them being that the water pump was leaking, but they didn't repair it there. The previous owner must have had it replaced somewhere because it no longer leaks. You would think that they would have replaced the timing belt at the same time, but there is no sticker anywhere to be found. It would be nice to be able to talk to the previous owner. Heck, one of you guys could be the previous owner. Anyone here trade an 02 sport at Mark Jacobson Toyota in Durham in August of 2010?

 

[Hepar]

02 with 111xxx miles - same is 01 but with grey leather. NO timing belt or water pump work done. VERY clean slate to start with and VERY nice truck. Lots of "little" things missing from the tabs on the pull up straps on the drivers side to buttons missing/rubbed off on the radio. Less denting and no rust I could find............hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Sounds like this one is the best of the bunch depending on price. Just make sure that there is no rust and it's not that they've covered it up. Only thing that would worry me is that in the ad there's no pics of the engine compartment. That's an easy spot to see how rusty it is.

 

[1beastnstl]

Is the leather vs cloth seats a none factor?

I'm working on a deal for the 02..............

 

[Hepar]

Is the leather vs cloth seats a none factor?

I'm working on a deal for the 02..............

I think that all depends on you. Leather was a deal breaker for me, but I'm pretty picky. If you don't like it, throw some nice Wet Okoles on it and call it good.

Good luck with the negotiations!