Looking for a little help/advice here

[jreask]

I have been searching for a used 4Runner in great condition here in the Midwestern U.S. I would like to buy a '99 but other 3rd gens are OK too.
Anyway, after months of searching and only finding overpriced Runners, I stumbled upon a 2002 SR5 with 143K on it. The 4Runner looks absolutely brand new on the inside and out. It has a great Carfax with very good maintenance records for the first two owners. The first owner actually changed the timing belt at 56K miles. All of the maintenance was performed at the dealer. The 2nd and 3Rd owners did a respectable job of maintenance, just not at the dealer. The Carfax shows no damage of any kind. This 2002 SR5 has lots of options, including the oak trim and leather seats (don't know if the seats are heated or not). Here is my question, it has 143K miles on it and they are asking $7800 for it. Do you more experienced 4Runner owners think that this is a good price for a vehicle with 143K miles? Also, how many miles do you think this 4Runner will go?
TIA

JR

 

[FoneRunner]

Sounds like you like it, but maybe looking for that extra nudge....so first thing I would do is figure out if you can why somebody would replace the timing belt at 56k...then if you're ok with that keep in mind that the timing belt service is a 100k service. Its a case by case thing, so you might not need it at 156k, but you might. Any well maintained(and that doesn't have to mean dealer maintained) 3rd gen is gonna run 300-400k or more, so no worries there. So bottom line is, have it checked for major issues by a mechanic that is familiar with Toyota products and then make a decision...:cowboy:

 

[alaskaflyer]

The price seems reasonable too, a lot of the 01 and 02 runners I was looking at were around the 10k range and not in as good of shape as the one you are looking at. The mileage should not be an issue.

 

[jreask]

Sounds like you like it, but maybe looking for that extra nudge....so first thing I would do is figure out if you can why somebody would replace the timing belt at 56k...then if you're ok with that keep in mind that the timing belt service is a 100k service. Its a case by case thing, so you might not need it at 156k, but you might. Any well maintained(and that doesn't have to mean dealer maintained) 3rd gen is gonna run 300-400k or more, so no worries there. So bottom line is, have it checked for major issues by a mechanic that is familiar with Toyota products and then make a decision...:cowboy:

The Carfax says that all of the coolant hoses and the timing belt was changed at about 56K and then the Runner was listed for sale as a "Toyota Certified Vehicle". Perhaps this maintenance was done to meet the specs for TCV ? The water pump was also replaced at this time. Perhaps just an anal owner?

Here is a list of maintenance that was performed in 1/2009:

Differential fluid flushed/changed
Brakes serviced
Engine checked
Air filter replaced
Induction system serviced
Fuel injection system flushed/serviced
Drivability/performance checked
Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
Transfer case operation checked
Front differential fluid flushed/changed
Rear brakes serviced/adjusted
Transfer case fluid changed

This was all done at 130K. I think you are right, I am just looking for a little nudge and some advice from experienced owners. The mileage was the thing that worried me the most, because $7800 is a lot of money to me and I need the vehicle to last a few years. We only drive about 15K per year.

Thanks for your input. It is greatly appreciated. I hope to be a 4Runner owner this week !!

 

[FoneRunner]

You're right about $7800, it is a lot of money...but anybody here will tell you it's money well spent on a good 4Runner. That list of maintenance items is a good indicator that the previous owner(s) were good about the routine stuff. If it runs and drives good then it probably is ok...look for leaks and listen for whines...beyond that just negotiate a price that you're comfortable with. I can tell you that I am always checking prices on 4Runners and that price sounds about right, maybe even a little low...Hope that helps!

 

[jreask]

You're right about $7800, it is a lot of money...but anybody here will tell you it's money well spent on a good 4Runner. That list of maintenance items is a good indicator that the previous owner(s) were good about the routine stuff. If it runs and drives good then it probably is ok...look for leaks and listen for whines...beyond that just negotiate a price that you're comfortable with. I can tell you that I am always checking prices on 4Runners and that price sounds about right, maybe even a little low...Hope that helps!

Thanks very much for your input. I will post this week when I purchase the 2002 if I can negotiate it down just a little. I might even buy it at $7800 if the seller is staunch about the price.

JR

 

[jreask]

What do you think?

 

[alaskaflyer]

I think you should drive it home, I'm tellin ya, for an 02 and the maintenance records provided its a hell of a deal!

 

[jreask]

Here is what was done at about 56K:

Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
Cooling system hoses replaced
Water pump replaced
Steering/suspension checked
Timing belt and drive belts replaced

This was at 112K:

Automatic transmission checked
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
High mount brake light bulb replaced
Air filter replaced
Battery replaced

This maintenance at 130K:

Differential fluid flushed/changed
Brakes serviced
Engine checked
Air filter replaced
Induction system serviced
Fuel injection system flushed/serviced
Drivability/performance checked
Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
Transfer case operation checked
Front differential fluid flushed/changed
Rear brakes serviced/adjusted
Transfer case fluid changed


Of course, there are plenty of oil changes and lubes between these dates.



You think that the belt was replaced with the "manufacturers recommended maintenance" at 130k ? I wonder if the dealer would have the records?
Shouldn't the belt replacement be documented somewhere on the engine?

TIA

JR

 

[FoneRunner]

If the timing belt was replaced it would be specifically mentioned and there would be a sticker on the engine with the date and mileage. It is usually stuck to the plastic part right up near where the 3400 V6 is on your block. I thought you were told it was done at 56k? There should be a sticker if so...very nice looking ride though either way!

 

[quicksilvr]

Buy that sucker! Super clean 4runners are hard to find in the midwest, especially with good maintenance records. I went to Texas to buy my first 4runner, and to Massachussets for my second. Couldn't ever find one in the midwest. I'd buy that one you're looking at in a heartbeat!

 

[jreask]

I sent him a $500 deposit to hold it until I can get over there to buy it. We are very excited about the 4Runner. It will be our first but we have always wanted one.

Thanks for all the input.

JR

 

[jreask]

Absolutely overpriced for an sr5. I could go buy a '99 Limited 143k with the same mileage for $800 less without any negotiation (I have not gone to see this one in person though). I had the opportunity to buy a '99 Limited 146k with every imaginable record, supercharger, headers, exhaust, and no accidents with an asking price of $7,900 in fantastic condition. The only meaningful services you have listed there are the timing belt/water pump. Everything else is just padding to make it look good. Where's the transmission service? Where's the coolant, brake fluid, power steering flush? Where's the spark plug change? Maybe this has been taken care of and you just didn't list it. Carfax showing no accidents is almost completely meaningless. Sorry to be a downer, but that's the truth. I found a '99 sr5 with 80,000 miles accident free for $8,300 2 months ago for a friend (pretty sure he ended up paying $8000). That's not worth anymore than $6,500. Then again, you are looking in the middle of winter so selection is not always out there. I know what I put here is harsh, but if you like it and it is worth that much to you definitely buy it.

Have you had it inspected? If not, you really need to have that done before ever putting down any amount of money on a car.

Again, sorry for being so blunt but I am just trying to give you some meaningful information.

Can you guide me to the '99 Limited with 143K for $7000? It is very easy to pull numbers out of the sky. If you could show me where these are , I would be willing to take a look at them.

Everyone has their opinion I presume. I know KBB is inflated pricing, but it comes in over 9K. If the price is inflated 15%, this Runner falls into the 7500 range. I have been looking for about six months through three seasons and I really haven't found the kind of deals you are talking about. I think it was priced reasonably. Perhaps not. I will get it inspected and let you know what the findings are. Anyone else think that the 4Runner is overpriced? Looking for opinions here.

Thanks
JR

 

[Fireball]

I disagree with bootown. That sounds like a good price to me.

I spent a lot of time searching before I bought my 4R, and was looking at the 99 and 02s specifically. That sounds like a very solid car for a fair price. I wouldn't hesitate paying it.

Someone will always get a better deal than you. Someone will always tell you you're overpaying, even if you buy it for five bucks. Don't let it bother you!

You also say it looks absolutely brand new inside and out. That's not easy to find in an 8 year old vehicle. Go for it!

 

[Y2KSR5]

I paid $9K for my 2000 SR5 with 96,000 miles from a Toyota dealer in St Louis, MO. Not even a scratch or door ding on it. It looks about new.

 

[jreask]

I disagree with bootown. That sounds like a good price to me.

I spent a lot of time searching before I bought my 4R, and was looking at the 99 and 02s specifically. That sounds like a very solid car for a fair price. I wouldn't hesitate paying it.

Someone will always get a better deal than you. Someone will always tell you you're overpaying, even if you buy it for five bucks. Don't let it bother you!

You also say it looks absolutely brand new inside and out. That's not easy to find in an 8 year old vehicle. Go for it!

I think it is a fair price also, and I have done a lot of looking. This weekend will tell the story. I will let you know. Thanks for the reassurance.

JR

 

[jspagna1]

That's a fair price and it is in great shape. As long as it's got a clean CarFax, that truck should last a long time and many more miles.