Looking to buy a 4-runner today.. READ.

[Sqweak97]

Ok I'm looking at buying a 4runner today, can anyone let me know if this is a good deal. It's a 2001 limited, fully loaded even has heated seats(which I haver seen any many) traction control, leather, Reese hitch. With 141,000 miles car looks to be in great shape timing belt was changed at 23,000 miles ago, tires are less than 6months old.. Is $8500 a god price

Thanks I'm ew at this and I'm very neriovs with spending that kind of money for a car with 141k miles, but it seems to be the average mileage.. If I buy this what should I do to make sure I get more miles out of it and what mileage does most 4runners last too...

 

[topdown4runner]

Hmmm miles are a bit high for an '01, but not unsurmountable.
These trucks can go 300K miles easily with proper maintainence.
See if the radiator has been replaced. If not, get it done. Immediately. Search " Strawberry Milkshake of Death", there is an issue with the tranny cooler which is integrated into the radiator. They go bad & kill the tranny. Replace the radiator and problem is solved.
Look for oily residue at the rear brakes. If present, could be either rear brake cylinders ( no biggie ) or rear axle seals ( A Biggie, 5-600 a side for dealer repair )

Rust???

4x4? If not, $8,500 is too much in my opinion.
Different parts of the country have different pricing. Do your research for your area.
Start with $7,300 and work your way up from there for 4x4.
Be willing to walk away if you feel uneasy at any point.

 

[fightman80]

X2 on what Topdown Runner said....all of it!

 

[Sqweak97]

I too think it's a little high but in my area that's about the avarage, there is an 98 with 130. Ut it's the lower end model, and not in good shape, I found an 02 with 140k one owner and is in great shape.. It's stating to get hard cause m in crunch mode o find a car,

 

[doubleA]

i paid 8k for a 4x4 '00 Sr5 with new tires/new pipe/muffler...has 111k miles. your call really... get on your back and look for rust under the car. check the back of the rear bumper, frame, everything!

 

[JSbeagle]

I bought my 99 Limited 4x4 in 2009 for $8000
It had 78,000 miles


It has around 120,000 now and I wouldn't sell it for $8000

 

[Rc4r]

96 limited 4x4
134k miles
$4500

 

[Hepar]

The numbers sounds pretty good, but I think way too many people look at them. Have you seen it in person? If so, what's the condition like? Does it look like it's been taken good care of? Rust? A friend of mine has an '01 Xterra with less than 60k on it, but I'd never buy it because he treats it like sh*t. You know what I mean?

 

[MAD 69]

It seems like this topic is posted every single day by someone who just joined the site, doesn't anyone read any threads before posting? there must be hundreds of the same exact thing, same questions, etc...

 

[J-money$$$]

It seems like this topic is posted every single day by someone who just joined the site, doesn't anyone read any threads before posting? there must be hundreds of the same exact thing, same questions, etc...

and i always am surprised at the insane numbers people are asking for old 3rd gens!

 

[BrianSD_42]

why no KBB.com reference?

Hi,

Have you gone to Kelly Blue Book's website?

You can see the value of your car FOR FREE. You don't even have to register. Go there and type in all the details.

They will provide 3 prices: retail (dealer), private owner, trade-in.

Go there because this thread is pointless. Sorry but it is... I mean "is this a good deal?" none of us can see the truck or its condition.

Your best bet is to use KBB and just know if you are buying from a dealer you are getting screwed because that is how they make money by screwing people.

Example: a $8000 dealer priced 4Runner can probably be found in same or better condition by a private owner for $6500. I won't go into why the private owner could be better but just know that the same $8000 4Runner the dealer is selling, he only paid $5k for it via a trade in.

:zoom:

 

[4-Ripcord]

It seems like this topic is posted every single day by someone who just joined the site, doesn't anyone read any threads before posting? there must be hundreds of the same exact thing, same questions, etc...

Which is why I will continue to link this on every one of them I see.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

Ive been brainstorming about a way to add a pricing section and somehow keep it region specific and frequently updated..

 

[BrianSD_42]

4-Ripcord 's thread is amazing!

Good advice for anyone looking to buy a 4-Runner. As far as pricing goes, I would really, really, really, recommend you wait until you can find one that is < 150,000. Although these trucks can last a lot longer than 200k (I am at 197 and going great) you probably should try to buy one at 150k or less.

After 150k there are so many problems that can occur, many of them can be hidden or "stalled" for long enough for the owner to ditch the vehicle.

I would do whatever you can to find one that is still semi-middle-aged.

-Brian

:guitar3: