Looking to buy... what should I be looking for?

[jrm27]

So, looking around, I think something like a 2001 SR5 Sport... Seems to have a combination of features I like (at least aesthetically), as well as the multi-mode 4wd and the sport options.

MIght you provide me some thoughts on this one?
Neat Auto Sales, New Hampshire Dealership

It'd be a a serious trip for me to go get that one, but I'd love to hear what your thoughts might be on it. Do you see anything of concern? Are there specific questions I would need to ask in a situation like this? Do you think the price is reasonable?

-jon

 

[Fireball]

So, looking around, I think something like a 2001 SR5 Sport... Seems to have a combination of features I like (at least aesthetically), as well as the multi-mode 4wd and the sport options.

MIght you provide me some thoughts on this one?
Neat Auto Sales, New Hampshire Dealership

It'd be a a serious trip for me to go get that one, but I'd love to hear what your thoughts might be on it. Do you see anything of concern? Are there specific questions I would need to ask in a situation like this? Do you think the price is reasonable?

-jon

New Hampshire? The underside of that thing is probably covered in rust. I couldn't think of a worse idea then to travel from CO to NH to buy a car. If you're going to travel, find one down south that will be in much better condition.

 

[AKAndy]

New Hampshire? The underside of that thing is probably covered in rust. I couldn't think of a worse idea then to travel from CO to NH to buy a car. If you're going to travel, find one down south that will be in much better condition.

+1
I bought a 4R a couple of years ago that spent most of it's life in NY before it came to CO, and even though it was a great truck, it had a crapload of rust. The guy I bought my current 4R from brought it up from TX, and it has no rust on it at all. It's a 96, and people are always commenting on how it looks brand new. You'll probably find prices in TX to be 1-2K less than the Denver area too, at least that's what I saw when I was looking.

 

[rjaudi]

If you want a rear diff lock find a 99 to 2000 limited. A fair amount of those have the diff lock. Heated seats were available on the 02 limiteds if you didn't want to lose those. I would shoot for a limited as they are loaded up. I believe a sport is mainly the hood scoop and limited fender flares if I am not mistaken.

 

[jrm27]

Thanks guys... the idea of rust hadn't even crossed my mind! the last time I really thought about rust on a car was with my '67 mustang! Always helps to be reminded...

I'm looking south, but not finding much. I found another similar one up in WI... but am assuming that rust is a major concern there as well.

What are the best resources for finding quality 4runners? I'm scouring Craigslist and various websites, just wondering if I'm missing out on another good place to be checking!

 

[Fireball]

Are you checking autotrader.com?

Lots of search criteria makes it easier to sift through all that is out there. Good luck!

 

[410toy]

4x2 = waste of money !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[puckoach]

New Hampshire? The underside of that thing is probably covered in rust. I couldn't think of a worse idea then to travel from CO to NH to buy a car. If you're going to travel, find one down south that will be in much better condition.

While it might not be Arizona pristine, don't make an assmption that everything here is covered in rust.

Can't harm anything to ask for pictures of the underside.

I would suggest that you ask for the ownership history, and then make a few calls to previous owners. As NH doesn't have the reporting laws some other states do. In fact, there is/was a 4r for sale in Seabrook NH that was a rebuilt wreck, that was sitting for 4-5 years.

Good Luck !

 

[RonMAIDEN]

If you off road then look for a locker since aftermarket is pricey.

 

[jrm27]

RE New Hampshire.. I figured no harm in asking for pics of the underside but have yet to hear back from the dealer. I'm not holding my breath. But figured theres no harm in asking!

Yep, I'm keeping an eye on autotrader... I guess I just need to exercise some patience!

I'm not much of an offroader... just no time for it... so the locker (though nice) seems to be a lower priority for my needs. Just gotta keep my eyes open!

***

edit: I've found one that looks pretty good. The person (dealer) selling it states that they have no record of the timing chain being replaced (its at about 110k), and that the "tailpipe" needs to be replaced. I guess the muffler is there, but the tailpipe is not. Is that a semi involved fix? I'd definitely need to get it put on before I drove 1000 miles or so to bring it home.

 

[jrm27]

Waht do you fellas think of this one?

I called up and had the person on the phone take a look underneath for rust. That search came back negative. The only thing is that it needs a new tailpipe. It also appears that the front bumper may be a little wonky. Thoughts?

 

[Fireball]

Waht do you fellas think of this one?

I called up and had the person on the phone take a look underneath for rust. That search came back negative. The only thing is that it needs a new tailpipe. It also appears that the front bumper may be a little wonky. Thoughts?

The ad says "NO ACCIDENTS" That is obviously a big load of B.S. because that front bumper is pushed in and the driver front quarter panel is bent as well. Otherwise it looks pretty clean, but it's no great deal, especially considering the front end damage.

My $.02

 

[Justin727]

buy it

 

[jrm27]

any particular reason Justin? Look like a good deal to you?

 

[SafariRNR]

It's a lot easier to get a sport hood for a limited than get limited level options on a sport. Buy a limited, then find a sport hood to give you that look if that's what your after.

 

[Justin727]

any particular reason Justin? Look like a good deal to you?

I retract that statement. After further observation I saw a good bit of rust around the engine bay meaning there is probably a good bit under the truck.

Try to find some in florida, texas, arizona, cali.

 

[jrm27]

Thanks fellas. It's always good to have someone more knowledgeable helping me out and keeping an eye on everything. Most everything down south seems to be 2WD! I must be patient!

RE: Limited vs non-Limited.. really I could care less. Most of the Limited I am finding have their leather in pretty crappy shape anyway so cloth would be fine. I really like the psort options and my wife likes the "metal" bezel on the dash and control panels... she likes the "shiney-ness". Ha (secretly, so do I)

 

[Justin727]

I came across a silver SR5 4wd 01 at Allen Toyota in gulfport, ms. that's in real good shape. Might want to call them 228-896-8220 if you wouldnt mind traveling to pick it up.

 

[jrm27]

I dont mind traveling at all. Thanks Justin!

 

[Justin727]

Not a problem ask them to take pictures and send them to ya.

I'd buy it in a heart beat if I didn't already buy mine.