Looking to buy a 4R. How does this one look?

[masphx]

Looking to buy a 4R. How does this one look. Seller seems to be willing to sell at $5000-5500. Do you guys think this one is worth it? Only thing I don't like about it is that it's Dark Green.

1997 Toyota 4Runner

Setting up a time with the seller to check it out in person.

Mason

 

[jeeper1]

Really depends on how it drives, but I bet it would be. Good luck!

 

[blcktpgsr]

Looks like it's been religiously maintained with all the service records since ownership, but why bother if the color is something you aren't really happy with?

 

[fightman80]

Looks pretty good, but the seller doesn't really know much about the truck, he's saying it has a 4.0L engine.....they only came in a 4cyl, or the 3.4LV6.

 

[Nunyabiz]

Well its not a 4.0L, should be 3.4l
It is 4X4 so if you take to a trusted mechanic and it checks out then $5000 doesn't sound bad for 136K miles.

 

[NOT ME OR SOMEBODY]

Maybe ok,

When you go look at it tell them you want the engine cold so you can take the radiator cap off ( don't do this if the engine is warm ) look at the coolant should be clean and no rust and not foamy. Check the oil level is it full? is it clean? check the transmission fluid ( while in park and engine running ) is it clean and proper level?

Drive it around does it start easy and does it shift thru ALL the gears
(4 gears ) smoothly and brakes smoothly?

Check the A/C and heat , Does it work?

Ask questions about the service, can they show reciepts? Who performed the services? was the timing belt changed yet? ( Toyota says 90,0000 miles and change it.) ( Its $300.00 to do everything in there yourself maybe $1000.00 to have it done. ) When was it last tuned up? ECT Ect.

Look for oil leaks at rear tires. (axle seals leak sometimes )

Are tires ok?

Basically look it over good and if you feel somethings not right or it has been abused or neglected or that the cost to do what it needs to have done to make it reliable transportation is too much .........walk away.

These are good trucks IF I say IF they have been maintained. 136,000 mile is not too much if it has been.

I bought mine and really wasn't sure about the color but it was in such good condition I bought it anyways and its one of the few this color.

Good luck.

 

[8sm]

Today would be a good day to see if it over heats. Forecast is 117-120 degrees. But it's a dry heat, kinda like the inside of an oven. lol

I agree if the color is not working for ya, as mention above, move on. There will be more to choose from. Having said that, a low miles-less than 150K, what appears to be a well maintained solid 10yr owner history and AZ rust-free, are hard to find. Considering the rarity of finding a solid foundation, with the above mention features, to make your own build. This maybe one to really consider and possiblly overlook the color. The price $5K or less is good if the condition and documentation is as represented.

Keep in mind, do your research, review documentation provided and get it inspected. I found there are alot of misrepresented vehicles on PHX Craiglist. The wholesale flippers are many and will lie lie lie to sell you something pieced together from a junkyard.

Take alook through the various forums for forest green. You will see some of the best looking 4Runners builds out there are forest green, with the acception of........ahhhhh White.

Happy 4th of July, keep yourself & families safe, take the time to say a prayer for the troops past/present and country.

Regards.........8sm

 

[LINY4Runner]

Just to be redundant, 136k is pertty low mileage, and 5k would be a pretty good price. Just check over EVERYTHING, especially the problem areas- check the oil for level and condition, check the tranny fluid for level and condition AND MILKY WHITE RESIDUE (deal braker, truck is junk) check coolant for the same milk. Look at the insides of the rear wheels for oil residue, easy fix but also a good price reduction factor, timing belt and take it for a drive- listen for sqeaks and knocks, suspension rattles, steering- pulling to one side, steering wheel shaking...stomp on the brakes, should be no shimmy and should NOT pull to either side

 

[masphx]

OK,

So I check the 4Runner today. Here are some pictures. Maybe you guys can spot some things I should be concerned about...

This is why I don,t like Green Paint...

Damage to mirror area...

Tires...

Underbody...

Engine...

Interior...

Vin...

 

[masphx]

So overall the truck looks good to me.

Sellers seem nice. Bought 4R in New Mexico and brought it here to good old AZ. As you can see pretty much rust free. 136K like the ad said. Does have a little bit of oxidization on the top but nothing on the hood. Does have some paint chips here and there. Drove nice but not sure what to really look for while driving as I have not drove many of them. Nothing seemed loose though. Interior seems good. Everything power works and no warning lights popping up.

The radiator is my only concern. Looks like there might be a little bit of rust but not really sure. fluid seems good though. Seller said radiator was replaced in 2005 for 'normal maintenance'. I told them about the pink milkshake deal and that I was worried about the radiator. They are cool having it checked out by a mechanic (Just can't do it yet as we are all on holiday).

Mason

 

[SCRunner12]

It looks good to me. The tires look like they have some life in them. The mirror can be replaced and the interior looks clean. But if you don't like the color then don't go for it. I've gone with a color I wasn't too fond of and regretted it in the end.

 

[Ophidian]

If you don't like the color, don't buy it. If you do, you'll regret it later on.

 

[masphx]

Thanks for the tips guys.

I will most likely pass in this 4runner because of the color. Tempting though as it's rust free, only two owners, everything seems to work, and sellers are not flippers. I only wish the color was silver instead of dark green! Silver lasts forever in the AZ sun and is cooler also. Although I would buy a Black 4runner to match my black 350z

Mason

 

[Nunyabiz]

since the paint is in such bad shape anyway you could offer $1000 less and put that towards a new paint job in what ever color you want.

 

[Baja Runner]

Seems the price is too high for me... Car looks nice though.

 

[masphx]

Well... to be honest I was planning on taking a second look at the 4runner and getting it looked at by a mechanic. The seller made a new craiglist add with asking price of $5500. First time I met them I showed them pricing reports by Edmonds at $4000 and KBB at $5000. Maybe I could offer them $4000-4200 and end up at $4500? Color aside it seems like a good truck and getting one sooner then later would help things out. The roof is the only part oxidizing, not sure when it will move to the hood and then onto other body parts.

Would $4500 be a good price to get this one at or should I just wait for the next one to come along?

Mason

 

[masphx]

I just pulled the carfax. Truck is actually a three owner vehicle. First owner was under 'corporate vehicle' and used until 25,000. Then auctioned off and bought again at a dealership. Second owner only had it 9months and put 12,000 more miles on it. Third owners have in fact owned the vehicle for 10 years and have put on the rest of the miles on.

Nothing crazy in the carfax. I guess the 'corporate vehicle' usage and three owners instead of two might give me a little bit more leverage in a offer.