Looking to buy -- Your opinions please

[me_rikey]

So I'm looking at two runners here in Colorado. First and foremost I'm going to keep this puppy stock, and try to get as many miles out of it as I can -- to have a reliable big dog hauler, camping/ mountain/ 4wd SUV. An e-locker is not essential, but I figured why the heck not .. never know when I may need it..

First one:
2000 SR5
220k miles
3.4 5spd Manual
One owner
Really Clean -- new tires, no dings or dents that I can see from the pictures.
Price is at $7k
Not sure if it has the e-locker
According to Toyota's online service History it has had at 76k the "$190 green service per toyota mailer" which included: Transmission D/F, Rear Diff D/F, Oil change with full syn. At 90k the vehicle had a 30k service with T-belt replacement, new Water pump, radiator flush, new Thermostat, surface rotors and drums. At 120k it had the 30k service.

The Second:
2000 Limited with e-locker
157k miles
3.4 Auto
Price is at $9k
The advertisement from a non-Toyota dealership states the Timing belt has been replaced.
One owner Colorado runner
At 81k the car went in to Toyota for "misc engine lite line" & customer declined factory service/ maintenance. At 87k "misc electrical" and the 30k base service was performed.

Both appear to be bone stock. I had preferred a manual; however, I'd have to get the fiance up to par on driving a stick again -- this will by pass the strawberry milk shake issue, but if I get an auto I would definitely do the mod necessary to prevent that issue. I have thoroughly been searching and reading the buyer's guide here which is a great tool. Both vehicles look good; however, I'm not sure if they're both still available. I will be calling tomorrow. I'm getting out of my nice Acura TL for a nice runner. This way I can have a great hauler/ mountain vehicle that will hopefully be easy on the wallet so I can get that c6 Z06 I've been wanting
Another note: I have been wanting a manual because when I go golfing/ skiing up in the mountains there are lots of steep downhill grades -- I figure some engine braking would be easy on the brakes..

Thanks everyone for the help and I look forward to reading your replies!

 

[4R99JB]

Me thinks that they're both due a timing belt... the SR5 is over due! I think it's 90K.

Get more info on the limited...

Mine came posted on the filter housing, from Toyota. Look for proof and use it during negotiations. The mileage isn't bad on either.

Good luck. Enjoy

If I keep giving my 2 cents, I'll go broke. lol

 

[me_rikey]

Thanks for that man, I wondered where that information would be put under the hood. I'm thinking the limited is a better grab considering the mileage on the SR5 would be indicative of a new timing belt service and what not..

What do you think about the price on the limited?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I think the Limited is priced too high. I'd go with the SR5, and even if the belt is due, who cares? It's not a real difficult DIY nor is it real expensive to have done. Use the fac trust the belt is die in your negotiating though.

 

[me_rikey]

^Agree, the limited is definitely priced too high. It's about a two hour drive away from me, so a four hour round trip to just look at a runner that is already highly priced could be a huge waste of time and gas. Considering my trade is my 05 Acura TL that I owe more then what it's worth, I definitely need to find a good runner that is inexpensive. I don't mind having to do wrenching myself either. I also like the SR5 b/c I don't really want leather since I have a 120 lb Italian Mastiff, and leather just begins to crack, etc. They both look really clean, and the SR5 has a 5 speed manual which is good for going down the steep mountain grades.
Do you think $7,000 is a fair price for the SR5, I think that's kind of high considering the mileage, and that it needs (to my knowledge) a timing belt, and probably some additional servicing.

 

[me_rikey]

Well back to the drawing board.
Just called on the SR5, it sold two days ago!
I don't really want to try and haggle over the phone as it's pointless and I don't want to drive two hours one way for nothing on the limited..

So gotta keep looking!

Thanks

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Are you trying to finance a 4Runner? You're going to have a hell of a time because of the age. Especially if you're upside down on your trade in.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Those are both ridiculously over priced. Base the prices on KBB or Edmunds.

My only thoughts are that when the truck is at 220k miles it doesn't matter very much what maintenance was done at 88k miles. What about the last 5 years?

 

[me_rikey]

Are you trying to finance a 4Runner? You're going to have a hell of a time because of the age. Especially if you're upside down on your trade in.

Yes I am. I don't think it will be a big issue. I've worked with this particular credit union for over 10 years and over 6 vehicles. My credit is good, and my income is as well. I plan on paying of the runner in a decent amount of time. However, I have contemplated just keeping the TL till 100k miles (only 20k miles more to go until that mark).

Those are both ridiculously over priced. Base the prices on KBB or Edmunds.

My only thoughts are that when the truck is at 220k miles it doesn't matter very much what maintenance was done at 88k miles. What about the last 5 years?

I agree with you; however, that seems to be the issue out here in Colorado. Every runner I have found has been priced to the hills, unless you find one that has no maintenance history, on a cheap-o used lot, with dents and dings, and who knows how many owners...

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

we were in the same boat when looking for what is now my wifes 99 limited. there is nothing for 4runner around here, at least that arent plainly neglected and beat-up. finding a clean one is hard but my 250k SR5 gave me peace of mind, if you will, about a higher mileage ride. we found a super clean one with 185k on it and a clean carfax and the bank gave us the nod simply because of my good credit, like they trust my decision making ability (ummm, lol!). 3rd gens get older every day and low mileage rides get more miles put on them. dont fear the mileage (too much...)

 

[me_rikey]

^thanks for the information. good grab on your runner. i know i'll find one soon out here in colorado, hopefully a decent one owner that hasn't been neglected/ molested.

 

[Jc12]

Prices are higher in canada for myself but i do agree both were overpriced.. however if you find "the one" dont let a slightly higher price scare you away. The perfect runner is tough to come across and if you are lucky enough to find it, and have the capital to buy it then IMO dont be afraid to spend a little more. Keep an eye out and from experience be ready to buy, ask questions now and learn everything about them then as soon as that on comes up youll be ready to buy it that afternoon

 

[me_rikey]

Prices are higher in canada for myself but i do agree both were overpriced.. however if you find "the one" dont let a slightly higher price scare you away. The perfect runner is tough to come across and if you are lucky enough to find it, and have the capital to buy it then IMO dont be afraid to spend a little more. Keep an eye out and from experience be ready to buy, ask questions now and learn everything about them then as soon as that on comes up youll be ready to buy it that afternoon

I don't mind paying a premium for a nice runner. That being said I think it's funny that the resources such as KBB.com, Edmunds, etc., when given the mileage, options, year, etc., all give a price of what a retail price should be. I only find runners that are significantly more then that or cheaper.. Makes me wonder two different things: Either dealers have their heads too far up their butts, and/ or they're selling runners that have issues considering runners command a decent price out here in Colorado as it seems.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Get the lowest mileage one you can find if they are very similar even if you have to pay a little of a premium,I don't think you'd regret it.

4Runners command a premium price here in Colorado (Subarus are high also) but be patient and one will be found.

I thought my well kept clean '99 with full maintenence records and a few goodies thrown in and 173k on it was "only" worth $7k.

No,I'm not selling it.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I'm really starting to think the pricing of these vehicles is out of control.

Some new buyers are actually paying $10,000 US for 4Runners with 175,000 miles.

That is crazy when major engine problems are common at or before 200k miles.

If I had to buy a 4Runner again I would try to find one that is a low mileage good condition 4x4 with a blown engine for $3000 and then put a sub 100k engine in it for $2000.

Whatever you do, remember this .... a 3rd Gen with over 200k is not a reliable daily driver. Many people have 4Runners here but a lot of the ones above 200k require work to keep running tip top.


That said, good luck with search. It may take awhile but you will find one.

.

 

[CoMarc]

I'm actually toying selling mine again and thinking of moving to a Tundra or Sequoia for the V8. I'd probably keep mine if I knew how to drop a V8 in there cheaply. This is mostly cause I want to move up in the RV world and out of my smaller pop-up camper that the 4Runner tows pretty nicely here through the mountains. I'm just not sure yet if I want to sell it cause I love it so much, haha. It's been the best vehicle I've ever owned! Good luck with your seach.