Looking at a '99 T4R

[smp258]

I am looking to buy a '99 T4R. The truck has 180k on it.

I just got back from the test drive and noted to following:

Runs perfect
No timing belt sticker
When i pushed the electronic locker it just blinked
A little shake while applying brakes
A handful of cosmetic issues (crack in the dash, crack on the center arm rest, rr window does not work, dent in the hatch, dent in the rear bumper, holes in the interior trunk area panels from what looks like was shitty stereo wiring)

So because there is no known timing belt change, that makes me think that other maintenance may have been negelcted. If the timing belt has never been replaced, i would also assume that the original transmission, differential, etc... oil has also never been replaced.

Do only toyota dealerships put that sticker on there when they change the t-belt or do most shops do it?

E-Locker what does the blinking mean? Is there something wrong with it or did I engage it incorrectly?

Does the shake while on the breaks mean the rotors need machined, or could it be something else?

What would you guys do? I think I can probably get this truck for around 5k.

I appreciate any help.

-Sean

 

[Shoke]

Diff lock will only engage if youre in 4lo.

 

[runrunner]

Runs perfect

No timing belt sticker

I have a timing belt sticker on mine, however when looking up the VIN at the Toyota dealer they have record of it being done at a Toyota dealership so I assume mine was done at an indi shop. I bet not all shops put stickers on so it is possible that it was replaced. Regardless, it is due again .

When i pushed the electronic locker it just blinked

Has to be in 4-lo

A little shake while applying brakes

Rotors are most likely warped, however could be something suspension/steering related

A handful of cosmetic issues (crack in the dash, crack on the center arm rest, rr window does not work, dent in the hatch, dent in the rear bumper, holes in the interior trunk area panels from what looks like was shitty stereo wiring)

180k, 11 years old, and $5k cant expect perfection.

I just bought mine for $8775 from a dealer with a trade in. It has 163k, one owner, timing belt, new brakes, starter, antenna and has no rips, tears, or cracks. However it was $3,700 more than the one you are looing at. $5k seems like a decent price.

 

[Fireball]

Sounds like it needs a fair bit of work. $5k is a decent price, but you have to factor in all the work that it needs then compare that to what you could just buy.

If you had to pay to have the t-belt service done, new pads and rotors all around and fix all the little issues you're looking at a couple grand easy. For a few thousand more you can buy something nicer.

If those items worry you and you can't handle them all yourself, this probably isn't a great deal. If you're mechanically inclined and can tackle a bit of a project, then go for it. Keep in mind though, Toyota or not, 180k is a lot of miles for any vehicle you'll pay $5k for.

 

[arracado]

I got my '99 4x4 SR5 for $8300 with 153k. If you can afford a little more it might be worth it to hold out for something in better shape with less miles.