Looking at a 1999

[KevH]

So after an eleven year hiatus I'm looking at another 4Runner (last was a '91).

A local Toyota dealer has a 1999 4x4 with V6 that just came in the lot. It has a 187k miles on it and according to carfax four previous owners and was originally sold in Washington.

Carfax doesn't show any previous accidents, but you know how that goes. It did show a Toyota dealer replaced the front brake pads and machined the rotors, replaced the timing belt , the water pump, timing belt idler at about 141k miles.

I couldn't get in it (I will this afternoon), but took some pics from the outside. The body has some dings in it appropriate with its age, but nothing too horrible.

It has a sliding sunroof, running boards, "Value Package #4" (whatever that means...power stuff I assume) and a 4.100 differential.

I crawled underneath and see a bit of surface rust on everything and the rear hitch has surface rust as well. I took some pics I'm posting below.

Dealership basically wants $6k before tax and won't negotiate price any further.

What do you think?

Here are some pics (dealer hadn't had a chance to clean it up yet):

 

[Bigspender101]

I would offer 4500 cash. If they don't except that, walk away! I would look at private party first, Its easier to negotiate on price. Dealers always ask too high because they know eventually some sucker will buy it for the asking price. Just my 2 cents.

 

[KevH]

More pics..now with engine compartment...











Anything that looks alarming? I took it for a test drive and it felt very similar (but more powerful) to what I remember my 1991 feeling like.

I climbed in the driver's seat and got an ear to ear grin. It felt like being home again after 11 years!

 

[brosama]

I climbed in the driver's seat and got an ear to ear grin. It felt like being home again after 11 years!

Be careful, bro. Don't form an emotional attachment. I'd add this one to the collection of the ones you test drive before you settle.

IMHO, that thing is way too dirty/rusty for 6K in the bay. There are a ton of them around here, just keep looking. You will have no problem finding one for a reasonable price with zero rust (yes, even no surface rust).

Pass on this one!

 

[Ol'Blue]

I was thinking 4500 also! Like ^^^ said. They did a piss poor job prepping this one for sale. It is not horrid but there are much cleaner truck out there. My 99 has 210 on the clock now and dirty she is cleaner than that one. I would look around more. There are plenty of them out there. I came to this place when I was looking. I found a 5speed 4x4 I was looking at that was clean but had a salvaged title. Glad I passed on that one. Keep us posted on what you find or maybe some of the guys in your area can send you links to trucks also.We have been known to help guys from stuff before.

Blue

 

[2002tii]

Even around here, I'd say $4500 is about right (4x4s are tough to come by)

All that rust on the hitch suggests to me that it was used to tow a boat (and then submerge the tail end of the vehicle on a boat ramp). And fairly often, judging by how much rust there is there.

I'd keep looking. $6,000 should get you a very nice private party 4Runner.

Oh, FWIW, Package 4 got you most of the goodies - power windows/locks, a/c, sport seats, leather steering wheel, 16" wheels, upgraded brakes.

 

[KevH]

Thanks guys. I decided to pass on the dealer one. I'm gonna go take a look at a private party 1998 with the same options and similar mileage on Monday. It doesn't look like it has any rust and the seller wants $5k.

 

[Schargedtaco]

Pass

Any dealer who can't at least pressure wash the engine and give a good detail is not worth buying from! A good detail can be the difference between 4500 and 6000 and showing the vehicle to 10 people or selling it to the first one. I'd say $4k the way it sits and I'd tell them flat out they lost a sale snd you would have considered buying full price had they cleaned it up first. At least they can earn there un negotiable price. Keep looking!

 

[BrianSD_42]

Dealership basically wants $6k before tax and won't negotiate price any further.

I just talked to someone today who bought a 98 with 110K miles for $3600 here in San Diego.

Looking at those pics I would refuse to pay dealer price. What a joke.