Looking at a 4Runner today

H

HeshBen

New member
Hello all, I'm looking to pick some brains before checking out this T4R this afternoon. We already own a '99 4WD 2.7L, so this one would be used for my commute (50 miles a day).

2001 Toyota 4runner sr5

I know clean T4R's command a premium, but with this one being 2WD, does that affect how much over KBB I should expect to pay? Excellent condition is around $5800. Assuming it's clean, what would you try to get it for?

The owner states they recently did a transmission flush and replaced the radiator hoses. Since the radiator seems to not have been replaced, does that mean they're not trying to cover up pink milkshake happening previously? I thought that the radiator failing is the cause of pink milkshake, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Being a lurker here and already owning another one, I know to check for rust, brake wobble, etc. But anything else I should watch for specific to an '01 and/or the 3.4L?
 
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My 2 cents.

Some great things going for it are the front brush guard, the updated rims, the timing belt done at 75k (Although they didn't mention water pump which is also important), the low mileage (It's nearly impossible to find a 3rd gen in the low 100's), the hood scoop, and what appears to be an excellent paint condition.

But to me, $2k above excellent KBB should *NOT* fly for a 2WD. That rig at that price would get NO love in CO, I dunno about you AZ folks. On the other hand, if it was a 4WD drivetrain, this thing would probably sell for between $9-$11k or so in CO. 4Runners do differ market to market. Texas and AZ for example, I've seen a lot more 2WD folks than here in CO or some of the east coast guys with heavy snow.

Not replacing the radiator doesn't mean he has or doesn't have the milkshake. It doesn't always happen or it would likely have been an official recall from Toyota. It *can* happen is the more important point. You can replace the radiator or do an aux transmission cooler if you end up buying it. But obviously check the oil/transmission fluid colors and let him know you are concerned about the milkshake etc. Many 3rd gen owners who aren't enthusiasts on sites like this don't have any idea what the milkshake even is, so I wouldn't give him a hard time for that point.

In summary.. if you don't have a 4WD requirement (Snow/etc) -- you may consider dropping him down a bit by letting him know he is $2k above the excellent KBB price. If you can live with $6-7k if he'll negotiate that low, this is an awesome buy that will last you many, many miles to come if you take care of her.
 
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For commuting, I would buy that in a heartbeat, assuming it checks out mechanically. The degree to which you can confirm its condition is the only guarantee you are going to get! Nice find...
 
Bstrom said:
For commuting, I would buy that in a heartbeat, assuming it checks out mechanically. The degree to which you can confirm its condition is the only guarantee you are going to get! Nice find...
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2wd!!!! Kill it!!, Kill it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :ak472:
 
You don't have any photos of interior condition. I wouldn't spend more than 5-6k on any 2wd 4runner.

To me I'd keep looking to find one with more miles and at a better price.
Don't go over KBB excellent. There are plenty of them out there in good condition and it isn't worth it. 2wd do not command a premium like 4wd. MAYBE if this was supercharged.....MAYBE.
 
HeshBen said:
Hello all, I'm looking to pick some brains before checking out this T4R this afternoon. We already own a '99 4WD 2.7L, so this one would be used for my commute (50 miles a day).

2001 Toyota 4runner sr5

I know clean T4R's command a premium, but with this one being 2WD, does that affect how much over KBB I should expect to pay? Excellent condition is around $5800. Assuming it's clean, what would you try to get it for?

The owner states they recently did a transmission flush and replaced the radiator hoses. Since the radiator seems to not have been replaced, does that mean they're not trying to cover up pink milkshake happening previously? I thought that the radiator failing is the cause of pink milkshake, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Being a lurker here and already owning another one, I know to check for rust, brake wobble, etc. But anything else I should watch for specific to an '01 and/or the 3.4L?
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2WD has no resale value. I wouldn't buy it. Buy a 4cyl car for commuting. Get a Corolla that gets 34 mpg. I commute with a sexy Black Accord Coupe that get 28 mpg.
It is a good looking truck though.
 
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If I needed a commuter vehicle, it would be more like a 2006-12 Toyota RAV4, with v6.
- but since I live in Canada, 4x4 is nice to have

Further you go North, AWD or 4x4 in clear demand & depreciate a lot less than FWD or RWD.
I would hardly ever pay over red book, blue book or black book - for 2WD.

Next week I get keys to a mint/one owner 2000 SR5, 4x4 auto, with 80,000 miles (129,xxx Km) and garage kept/rust free.
I'm probably paying 50% over USA book value, but in Canadian funds (with a 72 cent CDN dollar)
^^ So it works out, to about American Book Value.
- currently only 2-3 good ones advertised across Canada, any given time
Clean 4x4's with very low mileage, command a nice premium / 2WD doesn't here.
 
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I always wondered why Toyota released the 2wd but I guess there was a market at some point. Albeit in great exterior condition I would pass. The first time you go up to the mountains you'll regret it. Just my opinion.
 
snowninja said:
I always wondered why Toyota released the 2wd but I guess there was a market at some point. Albeit in great exterior condition I would pass. The first time you go up to the mountains you'll regret it. Just my opinion.
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There's a lot of RWD trucks in the south.
 
I concur with another response, get a vehicle that does great on gas mileage. Just because gas is cheaper now doesn't mean it will always be so. If you're really looking for a commuter, get a commuter, everything on it will be cheaper, especially smaller passenger car tires. Research theft rates and repair costs as these factor into insurance costs, too, which could be cheaper with a different vehicle as well.
 
Scramble said:
There's a lot of RWD trucks in the south.
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You know i grew up in North Dakota and my dad never had a 4wd truck. Once I grew up i always wondered why but he managed just fine with 2nd all those years. Hmm I guess I kinda just negated my last comment. [emoji16]
 
Thanks for all the responses. I went and looked at it and the interior and exterior were in rough shape. Cigarette burns, rips, smells, stains everywhere. Definitely not well kept and I'm of the opinion that how well a vehicle is taken care of cosmetically is a good indication of how it is taken care of mechanically.

That being said, I already have a Hyundai Accent that gets 37mpg. I also have been rear-ended on my commute and when you're combating semis, work trucks, etc for an hour and half to two hours every day, driving a little car get stressful. That's why I'm looking for something a little larger and a little quicker to help me avoid getting killed. Insurance is high for the Accent for some reason, so any mpg loss by getting something bigger will be offset by cheaper insurance.
 
HeshBen said:
Thanks for all the responses. I went and looked at it and the interior and exterior were in rough shape. Cigarette burns, rips, smells, stains everywhere. Definitely not well kept and I'm of the opinion that how well a vehicle is taken care of cosmetically is a good indication of how it is taken care of mechanically.

That being said, I already have a Hyundai Accent that gets 37mpg. I also have been rear-ended on my commute and when you're combating semis, work trucks, etc for an hour and half to two hours every day, driving a little car get stressful. That's why I'm looking for something a little larger and a little quicker to help me avoid getting killed. Insurance is high for the Accent for some reason, so any mpg loss by getting something bigger will be offset by cheaper insurance.
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The 4runner is a great commuter I have put 75 miles a day on mine for the last 10 years. I have considered buying a new smaller car that gets better mpg but your reasons for wanting a bigger vehicle are exactly mine for not getting a smaller one. I actually drove a geo metro for about 6 months and while I loved the 45mpg I ditched it cuz the thing felt so dangerous and thin.

Best of luck on your search. Be patient and you will find a good one. I spent 9 months looking for my 7.3L F350..
 
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