Looking at an 03 4Runner...

[today]

This is a great site. I have learned a lot from you guys.

I am in the market for a new vehicle. I found an 03 4Runner Sport, V8, 4x4 with 75k miles. It is pretty loaded up. Perforated leather, 10 spkr JBL, etc. 1 owner vehicle. He is asking $16k for it.

What do you guys think? Is there anything I should look for? Does that price seem about right? I have done some research about the price. The vehicle is 6 yrs old now, but I have seen some similarly equipped 04-05 running around $20k.

I'd love to hear your opinions.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I am not real good with $$$ aspect. The deal doesn't sound terrible but a little high to me. The other thing to keep in mind is that used 4Runner prices seem to vary a lot by region.

Have it looked over for evidence of crashes etc and financially plan for a timing belt at 90k.
:cheers:

 

[today]

I am not real good with $$$ aspect. The deal doesn't sound terrible but a little high to me. The other thing to keep in mind is that used 4Runner prices seem to vary a lot by region.

Have it looked over for evidence of crashes etc and financially plan for a timing belt at 90k.
:cheers:

Thanks for the reply. What does the timing belt typically cost? I also read that its a good idea to change the water pump at the same time. Is that correct?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I can't remember, but I've got a receipt on mine from when the belt was done at the dealer. I want to say it was in the neighborhood of $1200. It was done by the previous owner, and I haven't looked real closely yet to see what all was done. As far as the price, that seems a little on the high side to me, but as mentioned your region has a lot to do with it.

 

[scottm]

I've been looking all summer for a crazy good deal on a 4th-gen 4x4. I check the usual websites regularly, watch eBay, and use SearchTempest to search Craigslist all over the country. I had an '03 Sport with 98k for $10,500, but his BMW died the evening before I was flying out to get it, and he wisely decided to keep it. That was a few weeks ago. A local dealer/friend has been looking for one at dealer auctions, just found an '03 SR5 with 52k very cheap, I'm waiting for it to arrive. It's been keyed and repaired poorly, so I'll have to take care of that, clean CarFax, don't know much else.

Your deal sounds like nothing special compared to what I've been finding, about average. If you're a super cheapskate like me, and enjoy pouring through car ads, and have time to search, you can do better. Winter is coming, and the good deals I saw this summer are drying up. Prices will go up with the economy unless gas prices go up significantly.

 

[progress4m]

I think this is high priced. Last year, I got my 2005 SR5 V8 4x4 leather with 27K for $17.500 + TTl. However, I have looked for over a year for deal like that.
Also, in 2005 V8 got extra 35 HP vs 2003 and 2004 models.

 

[James_T]

I think this is high priced. Last year, I got my 2005 SR5 V8 4x4 leather with 27K for $17.500 + TTl. However, I have looked for over a year for deal like that.
Also, in 2005 V8 got extra 35 HP vs 2003 and 2004 models.

Wasn't the increase in HP just due to a new industry standard in testing engine power? Correct me if I'm wrong

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I thought they added the VVTI which gave the increase.

 

[Uneek]

Wasn't the increase in HP just due to a new industry standard in testing engine power? Correct me if I'm wrong

In 2005 the V8 got VVT-i. I believe HP was rated for 270hp with VVT-i from 235hp (non VVT-i that's in the 2003-04) under the old standard.

In 2006 Toyota adopted the new SAE ratings. Under the new rating, I believe it's at 260hp for the V8 with VVT-i.

I don't have my brochures handy to pull up the exact specs.

 

[747ifly]

It sounds like a good price for a 4*4. I spent over a month looking at 4th gen runners. Check the carfax. Check it out in person! I wish I could have paid that much. Mine was much less but more miles and a lot of rust! Good shape, that many miles and 4*4. It is about right in my opinion. Timing belt I believe is only about 400 really. But, you may want to do both belts, both tensioners, the water pump and the seals. They are all right there. (when you decide to do the T-belt).If you do all that then you are up to the higher price. Man, I need to do mine!! 137,500! Never been done! Not my fault! Just got it.

 

[MikesToy]

I'd offer $11K since it's: private party, As-is, no warranty, etc.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

After further inspection the bill for the timing belt was $499.95 from the Toyota dealer. That was the timing belt alone, not counting the other belts and such that probably need to be done at the same time.

 

[today]

I am going to take a look at this 4Runner this afternoon. I got the price down already. The asking price was right in line with KBB and NADA.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Good luck! Just take your time to thoroughly look it over and you should be fine.