Looking at buying 03 Sport Edition w/152K

[blindloser1080]

Looking at buying 03 Sport Edition w/152K...opinions please!!!

Hey all, I am currently looking at purchasing an 03 Sport Edition v6 with 152K on it. What do you guys think about the price and story? I'm very curious as it is high on the miles.

So I looked at this truck a few weeks ago that got traded in at a dealership. The dealership wanted $11,997 for it. I liked everything about it, but decided to pass because of a "tick" (which i later found out is normal on these).

I found about a week ago at a tiny dealership for $8,950 (dropped from $9,950) test drove it today and it's the exact same vehicle. The dealer is very professional and since i was only able to look in the dark, he is holding for me and we are meeting Saturday morning at 10am so i can see in daylight..."You're very interested in it, i won't sell it to anybody until you get a chance to see in daylight so i will see you Saturday morning."

Here's the vehicle:

kirkland Used 2003 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SR5 Sport V6 Auto 4WD

I actually called and talked to the original owner when originally looked at it, and this is what she told me:

New tires and brakes as of August, Transmission and Differential serviced early September. Pro-Comp leveling kit was professionally installed locally about 6 months ago. She loved the vehicle but had to get rid of for 50mi trip each way and never had a problem with it.

It does have two accidents, both which were rear-ended. There was no frame damage, and everything was replaced with genuine Toyota parts. She didn't tell me how much she was given for it, but "$9-10k is a fair price."

What do you guys think? My loan won't go above 125k, but i am approved for $15k @ 3.29%...this might end up being around 5-8%, and i'm curious if it would be better to wait for something with less mileage and a little bit newer.

Thank you guys for your input and time!

P.S.- Please don't try to steer me away from the Sport Edition. I have hoodscoop envy and want a Sport Edition...plus the gf won't let me go away from that Sport Edition either ;D

 

[4rs]

I have a factory cd radio if you buy that truck:wink2:

 

[blindloser1080]

lol, what's wrong with the radio?

 

[4rs]

lol, what's wrong with the radio?

you still use tapes?

 

[4rs]

thats not galactic grey too.

 

[blindloser1080]

Lol no. And yea, i saw that on there and chuckled a bit. I'd get something aftermarket anyways that i can hook my Android up to.

 

[Radial GT]

That is a great price for good looking rig. Higher mileage, yes, but it looks like it was well taken care of.

Mine has 131k now, still drives like new.

 

[4rs]

Decent price. But,
1. Personal preference of the cladding.
2. 1st model year.
3. 2 accidents.

I personally would save more. But, that's just me.

 

[NewVillains]

I'd hold out for the V8. It's stronger engine. Especially with that many miles. I have the exact same one, with V8, with 165,000 miles. Runs like the day I bought it. I'll be driving this thing until it hits 400K.

 

[zachb_NW]

Looks like its rustyyyy. Not very typical for the Northwest.
If you are approved for 15K is would try to find one for that price. But it might be hard given that 4runners sell for a lot in this area. Also it not a good buyers market for SUV's in the winter.

 

[Presta24]

x2 on the v8. Especially with the mileage. Too be honest, I dont think that price is all that great considering v6+152k

 

[blindloser1080]

I can tell you there is actually no rust on the undercarriage. It's so hard to find a decent sport edition up here in Seattle area because everybody wants your first born because "it's a 4runner". I've been looking for two months now and haven't found many. Hell i even have 3 dealerships looking and they have all turned out to find nothing so far. Toyota of Seattle has an 03 v8 with 113k on it for $10,750 that was local from Cle Elum, and that thing was a rust pile, not to mention the white under the oil cap.

 

[OHP]

I can tell you there is actually no rust on the undercarriage. It's so hard to find a decent sport edition up here in Seattle area because everybody wants your first born because "it's a 4runner". I've been looking for two months now and haven't found many. Hell i even have 3 dealerships looking and they have all turned out to find nothing so far. Toyota of Seattle has an 03 v8 with 113k on it for $10,750 that was local from Cle Elum, and that thing was a rust pile, not to mention the white under the oil cap.

Buy it somewhere else and go get it. I bought mine off CL, flew to Baltimore, and drove 11 hours back home. By doing that I got exactly what I wanted at the price I wanted.

I personally would pass on this one. I think you could find less miles with a v8 for not a lot more.

 

[chris360hawks]

Looks like a fair price. If everything looks good and the Runner market is slow where you are just get it. The V6's are still good motors.

 

[G.I.G.]

As much as I love my V8, I wouldn't steer you away from the V6. There are members here who have 200k+ miles on their 4th gen V6's.

I know I am going against conventional wisdom here, but I wouldn't be scared off by the fact that it has had a couple of fender benders (if what you say is true and there was no frame damage). Try driving 150k miles anywhere on the planet without some A-hole rear ending you at some point. It doesn't make the car worthless after it happens.

I think a plus is that it already has a lift and a good set of A/T tires. Those seem to be the first two upgrades that a lot of members here make to their 4R. A spacer lift, a good set of tires, installation, and alignment can cost you over $1k if you were to do it yourself.

If you like this 4Runner and you're having a hard time finding a better one in your price range, I would say go for it.

 

[blindloser1080]

So checking cars.com and autotrader, the closest vehicle that has everything i want in my price range is in Littleton, CO at a Lexus dealership....06 black SE for 15k but that is way too far for me as it's like a 22 hour drive.

 

[chaz]

i also wouldnt worry to much about the fender bender, but to me the price does seem a bit high for that many miles, it does look clean & has had some things done recently, id try &see if they would lower the price a bit. since you want a sport, you have been checking the xreas for leaks, right?

 

[blindloser1080]

G.I.G. You are very correct on that. The original owner actually couldn't sell it for $10,500 and traded it in.

I haven't checked on this one. If i remember right she said they replaced the shocks when they did the leveling. I'll double check that tomorrow when i take it in for an inspection.

 

[zachb_NW]

G.I.G. You are very correct on that. The original owner actually couldn't sell it for $10,500 and traded it in.

I haven't checked on this one. If i remember right she said they replaced the shocks when they did the leveling. I'll double check that tomorrow when i take it in for an inspection.

Get it if it checks out. Do you have know who you are taking it to for the inspection? If you don't maybe I'll pick it up
There's 3rd gens with that more miles in the area for more $$

 

[blindloser1080]

Lol yeah. I'm going to take it to Bothell Toyota Specialists. It's only $50 for a buyers inspection instead of $100 like the big Toyota dealerships.

If i decide not to pick it up I'll let you know first thing yeah I've noticed 3rd gen are so expensive around here! Not that i don't mind them, but even with 160k they go for $10-12k