Low mileage premium worth it?

[Clemson]

I know this topic is somewhat beat to death in the "How many Miles" threads, but I want to focus specifically on value. Unless you plan on a lengthy wait and search, you are going to see low mileage (100-150k) runners for 8-11k.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 200k+ rigs typically go for 3-5k in my area.

What is the best value? Age is a factor in all of them. If a runner has 200k miles, you pick it up for 4k and invest another 4k into it. Are you a head of where you would be had you bought a 130k runner for 8k?

I know this is a hard topic to nail down. The maintenance the PO did to the vehicle is a huge factor. But there has to be a value point in this crazy Toyota market.

 

[Trojan4x4]

I don't know what area you are from, but I'm from Nor Cal.
Here, 4runners 4x4 with 170-180k miles go for around 5.5k (after negotiating)
Anything below 5 is a good deal. For 200+ I wouldn't pay more than 3500 (after negotiating)
Anything that has less is usually close to 8-9k. You just have to be patient, I bought mine for 8k with 67k miles.
Keep in mind with vehicles close to 100k-200k timing belt is due and it's not exhactly cheap

 

[Clemson]

I don't know what area you are from, but I'm from Nor Cal.
Here, 4runners 4x4 with 170-180k miles go for around 5.5k (after negotiating)
Anything below 5 is a good deal. For 200+ I wouldn't pay more than 3500 (after negotiating)
Anything that has less is usually close to 8-9k. You just have to be patient, I bought mine for 8k with 67k miles.
Keep in mind with vehicles close to 100k-200k timing belt is due and it's not exhactly cheap

I seen your thread (If I am not confusing you with someone else). First thought in my head was to call you up and offer you 11 LOL.

I'm tired of looking. I began my search at the beginning of December. I am not trying to look for a whole year before I find one. We have kayaking, fishing, and trips to take this summer!

I just don't want to get into a money pit. I need a reliable vehicle. I'll put in the money upfront. I don't want to have an issue every other week.

 

[jgue467]

...

I'm tired of looking. I began my search at the beginning of December....

In my experience, regardless of the type of used vehicle I look for in the 'wholesale' price range, features, condition, ect, I've never found/settled on one in under 6 months. The moment you select/buy one, many sweet ones will pop up, just watch. Naturally excess miles (over 250k) and age will both do a vehicle in eventually.

As to your question of which is he 'better' deal (higher mileage/lower price vs. lower mileage/higher price), I'd say go with a 'medium' mileage because you'll want to do lots of maintenace, upgrades and so forth to Your liking not someone elses. Luck and enjoy but don't be in a hurry. :cowboy:

 

[JWaldz]

I don't feel any stock 3rd gen is worth over 8k now days, I don't care how many miles are on it. That is also taking into factor if it's a limited with all the bells and whistles, supercharger, locker, etc... A basic, stock SR5 with under 100k on it I still wouldn't pay over 7 for it, but someone might.

Slightly (high end) modified with low mileage I'd feel better paying that 8k.

The highly modified and lower mileage ones just depends what's done to it.

I paid 8k for mine nearly 8 years ago and it had 130k on it. Limited with everything short of a supercharger and rear locker. After I bought it I put nearly 1k into some light maintenance it needed. But, that was 8 years ago!!

People are forgetting these, depending on year, are nearly 20 years old now. I get some have the nostalgic factor but after-all, it's just your general SUV. It's not a land cruiser with solid axles or something similar. Soccer moms and accountant dads are still driving these on the road. As much as I love my 3rd gen, there is nothing CRAZY special about them that makes me want to fork over 12k on a bone stock one with 80k miles on it.

 

[AntleredRuin]

Not quite an answer to your question, but if you're willing to put up to $11k for a low mileage one in your area, then consider broadening your search range. Sounds like you have the bad luck of living in a place where 4x4 vehicles demand a pretty penny.
I've seen 4wd low mileage (140kish)go for $4500-$5000 here in Houston before. Do your homework beforehand to make sure it's not a scam, then plane ticket and a couple days off work to drive it back will cost significantly less than the $5000 to break even.
A bit of extra maintenance afterwards to make sure things are up to date will only be a few hundred bucks if you can do it yourself.

That will definitely shorten your search length.

I'd say a high price low mileage specimen is worth it if you plan on meticulously caring for it and driving it until the wheels fall off (but not from failed LBJs). Make sure you have every record ever for it and it would not hurt to have a mechanic check it out first. You WILL have buyer's remorse though, because a few weeks after 'settling', you'll find one even better (lower price/mileage).

 

[Collkid]

Knowing where you're at will really help us with your question.

I think the big question is, what are you going to do with this 4R?
Have it as a DD for 10 years?
Modify it for wheeling?
Keep it as a 3rd car?


For me, this car is my wife's daily and our adventure vehicle, so we wanted something we could keep for the next 100k miles and beat on it a few times a year.

Anyway, check eBay.

When I was looking, we got lucky, $4,700 for 160k on our local Craigslist.

 

[Kanoe]

I think it depends on the situation. Low mileage does not mean well maintained. A 60K mile unit may not have been looked after and may still require a lot of cash infusion.

I think the sweet spot is to find one that has had a meticulous caring owner with reasonable mileage. Having the lowest mileage at this point is really just a bragging point.

That being said, I got my 75k miles '96 for $4,700 CAD which is like monopoly money for you guys. Mine was average cond. It needed all the basic maint. done.

 

[Clemson]

90% of the time, the vehicle is going to be for around town. I live in a very small town. I like to hunt and fish. Just bought a little pup for a duck/dove dog and will be carting him around a lot to different training spots.

Would be nice to have something to drive 4-6 hours way when we go skiing. Gets hairy in the BMW, but I don't trust my truck to drive that far. Plus a single cab sucks for storage. I want a camper top, but the wife says they are for grandpas

 

[jtnumberthree]

Just saw in my local craigslist(San Luis Obispo, CA) a 2000 SR5 2wd 6 cyl with 90,000(lowest mileage I've seen yet) offered at $6500. It was removed in 1 day so I'll assume buyer got asking or close to it.

Currently listed is a 2000 2wd 6 cyl with 113,000. Asking $6000

Currently listed is a 1999 2wd 6 cyl with 142,000. Asking $4950.

1998 Salvage Title 4wd 6 cyl with 187,000 for $3500

 

[Beaumont67]

I don't know what area you are from, but I'm from Nor Cal.
Here, 4runners 4x4 with 170-180k miles go for around 5.5k (after negotiating)
Anything below 5 is a good deal. For 200+ I wouldn't pay more than 3500 (after negotiating)
Anything that has less is usually close to 8-9k. You just have to be patient, I bought mine for 8k with 67k miles.
Keep in mind with vehicles close to 100k-200k timing belt is due and it's not exactly cheap

When it comes to RUST FREE and LOW MILES - Kelley Blue Book T4R evaluations, sort of useless...for those living in a winter snow/salt rust belt.
- I will pay what it takes, to get the much better vehicle / often a small premium ($$), will close the deal...but I buy private, 99% of the time
- searching 6-12 months or longer (if needed), to find the cleanest one possible for the money...Patience is key

My driveway always has a spare vehicle plated with insurance - I don't rush into vehicles with condition issues.
- extra DD'er gives me valuable time / to find a solid replacement vehicle or do regular maintenance...I source my own premium parts, cheap
- once I'm done with a used vehicle, I also sell it privately / son bought a new Lexus RX350 and I sold his used 2008 Nissan, for an extra $5,000
Treat upgrading vehicles like a system / control the buy-sell-parts-labor process & "total costs of ownership" is relatively minimum.
Low mileage premium worth it?
^^ YES

Kind of a similar deal here, paid $9,000 Cdn. = $7k US for 89,xxx miles...fully safety certified & E-tested.
- timing belt change, Denso radiator & new BFG tires done previously @ Lexus/Toyota dealership
- purchased Mint dealership maintained, 1 senior owner, garage kept: 2000 4Runner SR5, 4x4 auto...129,xxx Km & rust free.

My dealer friend knew I was looking for his customers 2008 FJ Trail Edition...to replace a 2002 Volvo v70.
- wife had the Volvo wagon for 8 years, but in the last year...$4,500 in repairs, given its 225,000 miles <<----- aka "money pit"
- drove v70 one year to long, but the right Toyota used replacement, didn't materialize quick enough
When FJ was sold through another party, dealer friend started looking for an older & pristine Toyota, that would suit my exact needs.

Sold south of the Canadian boarder, I internally appraised my purchased SR5 value at $12,000 American tops...would easily bring 10,000 US$.
- but Gen3's with perfect original paint & zero body rust is a very rare find here

PS - Local ford dealer has a rusty Gen3 listed for $4,900 Cdn As-Is...high miles.
- probably worth $1,500 tops, mechanically unfit / clearly would be a real money pit, from day1...LOL

 

[pluton]

I bought in 2013. I looked for 8 months, Nov to June in the L.A. area, and beyond. I got a 120K '97 for $8K. I had budgeted 4K for immediate repairs and improvements, but it wasn't enough. 2 unexpected nearly $1K repairs knocked $2K out of the improvement budget, so no ARB front bumper + winch.

 

[jgue467]

Just saw in my local craigslist(San Luis Obispo, CA)...

I Love SLO! :cowboy:

 

[mtbtim]

I've been looking for a second 3rd Gen for a few months now. My Subaru Outback finally bit the dust and I found I really do like having a second vehicle so I can be working on one while I use the other to get around. So, why not buy another 3rd Gen I can mess around with.

It seems the pricing of these rigs has gotten more and more ridiculous. People are asking for more money for rigs with more miles than when I was searching 3-4 years ago. The problem perpetuates because one dude will ask ridiculous money for his rig and then the next dude sees the price the other dude is asking, and they think, yeah mine has less miles and is in better shape so I'll ask for an even more ridiculous price. 3-4 years ago, private sellers were regularly asking for around $1000 over top Kelly Blue Book and dealerships were anywhere from $2000-3000 over Kelly Blue Book. Now, private sellers are asking around $3000 over KB and some dealers are asking some insane prices. This one place seems to pick up some nice 3rd Gens but they're pricing them around $12-15k and they have around 150,000 miles. This a-hole dealer is not helping guys like me find a reasonably priced rig.

Like I said, the problem perpetuates because of what people list their rigs for on Craigslist and then others follow suit. Have you guys checked the prices on old Land Cruisers? They are even more ridiculous. I'd love to own a FJ40, but I certainly wouldn't want to pay what they're asking and it doesn't seem like anyone else wants to pay those prices either. I check pretty regularly and I see the same rigs reposted over and over again. I guess they're hoping some sucker with more cash than brains will give them close to their asking price.

Anyway, it's going to be a long hard search to find a reasonably priced one in good shape.

 

[amalik]

I've been looking for a second 3rd Gen for a few months now. My Subaru Outback finally bit the dust and I found I really do like having a second vehicle so I can be working on one while I use the other to get around. So, why not buy another 3rd Gen I can mess around with.

It seems the pricing of these rigs has gotten more and more ridiculous. People are asking for more money for rigs with more miles than when I was searching 3-4 years ago. The problem perpetuates because one dude will ask ridiculous money for his rig and then the next dude sees the price the other dude is asking, and they think, yeah mine has less miles and is in better shape so I'll ask for an even more ridiculous price. 3-4 years ago, private sellers were regularly asking for around $1000 over top Kelly Blue Book and dealerships were anywhere from $2000-3000 over Kelly Blue Book. Now, private sellers are asking around $3000 over KB and some dealers are asking some insane prices. This one place seems to pick up some nice 3rd Gens but they're pricing them around $12-15k and they have around 150,000 miles. This a-hole dealer is not helping guys like me find a reasonably priced rig.

Like I said, the problem perpetuates because of what people list their rigs for on Craigslist and then others follow suit. Have you guys checked the prices on old Land Cruisers? They are even more ridiculous. I'd love to own a FJ40, but I certainly wouldn't want to pay what they're asking and it doesn't seem like anyone else wants to pay those prices either. I check pretty regularly and I see the same rigs reposted over and over again. I guess they're hoping some sucker with more cash than brains will give them close to their asking price.

Anyway, it's going to be a long hard search to find a reasonably priced one in good shape.

$15k for 150k miles... i dunno man... that is a tough one, i could see the argument of how its worth it from a sellers pov... think about it, in theory you could run it to 400k miles.

I think you'd appreciate 3rd gen parts over LC part prices.... i'm assuming LC are more expensive as a lot of the older platforms are not as common as T4R's.

 

[T4R2014]

Welcome to the 4Runner market. People know what they are and you need to get into a bidding war to get one. Might I suggest a 3.5L Pathfinder as a cheaper bang for buck alternative?

 

[TBR415]

I'm also looking to get into a 99-02 as a daily/utility vehicle. The prices are insane, but if you're patient and have the time to wait you can find good deals. I've only been looking really for the last week and I've spotted a couple that are in good shape and at least reasonably priced. It really depends on how picky you are. If you're looking for specific colors/options it will take longer.

Overall I think the prices are very inflated. Not saying these aren't great vehicles, but they aren't made out of unicorn horns like some people seem to think. Toyota made plenty of them, no reason to pay over $7k for a clean(stock) one.

Non enthusiasts are more likely to list at KBB or Nada values, and some smaller dealerships as well. If you buy from an enthusiast and it's a sought after model (99/00 w/locker, sport models, etc) then they are likely to really shoot the asking price up.


Ultimately it's a 15+ year old truck, with above average reliability (but clearly not perfect, I've seen plenty with replaced transmissions and motors). You have to set your price at what you believe it's worth and don't rush to buy the first clean one you spot.

 

[Co4Fun]

Ultimately it's a 15+ year old truck, with above average reliability (but clearly not perfect, I've seen plenty with replaced transmissions and motors). You have to set your price at what you believe it's worth and don't rush to buy the first clean one you spot.

Well unless you are an enthusiast (like I was) then by all means do rush to buy the first clean one because they aren't that easy to find which of course is part of this entire value equation. On the whole you'll find lower mileage and nicer Jeeps that have been kept as some guys hobby while Runners get driven.

I'll admit to paying the premium (for some nice goodies and lower miles) but for what I wanted (a 3rd gen specifically a 99 with mods and rear locker...a toy I intend to keep for a long time) it was the price to play. I could have picked up one with no mods, higher mileage or even a 4th gen if I really wanted but I was picky and when mine came out I rushed out. I had some competition but it was not cheap (the guy knew what he had). He came down a little and we settled on what I though was a very fair price. But I was over looking for a "deal." Even as it is and although it was the nicest I had ever seen I've still spent all year building it even more and working on it. That's part of it too I guess lol.

 

[TBR415]

Well unless you are an enthusiast (like I was) then by all means do rush to buy the first clean one because they aren't that easy to find which of course is part of this entire value equation. On the whole you'll find lower mileage and nicer Jeeps that have been kept as some guys hobby while Runners get driven.

I'll admit to paying the premium (for some nice goodies and lower miles) but for what I wanted (a 3rd gen specifically a 99 with mods and rear locker...a toy I intend to keep for a long time) it was the price to play. I could have picked up one with no mods, higher mileage or even a 4th gen if I really wanted but I was picky and when mine came out I rushed out. I had some competition but it was not cheap (the guy knew what he had). He came down a little and we settled on what I though was a very fair price. But I was over looking for a "deal." Even as it is and although it was the nicest I had ever seen I've still spent all year building it even more and working on it. That's part of it too I guess lol.

Yeah, to an enthusiast it's very much worth it. Especially if you have a pricey market. For others depending on their intended use it might not make sense to spend as much. I would also love to pick up a 99 limited with locker, but personally I'm not willing to spend over a certain amount. Especially when a lot that I see have 200-250k miles. It all comes down to what you personally justify. Certainly it's worth whatever you decide to spend on it.

 

[Co4Fun]

If someone is not after all the off-road prowess and pedigree of the 3rd gen I wonder if a 4th gen wouldn't be a better choice.

I have a buddy with one and he bought it with less miles and for less cost than an equally nice 3rd would have been. And honestly for 90% it's great! I had newer tech, is roomy and powerful and nice on the road and still above average off-road. He put a lift and tires on his and it has the limited slip and he has taken it a LOT of places...everywhere I've gone and some neither of us should have. Sometimes the rear lock and my clearance help me a bit more in certain spots but that 4th gen with those minor mods is no slouch and I fully admit I think his is better on-road for sure. Oh and now he has almost 200k on it and has done very little maintenance so they don't give up anything on that front.

So just saying...on the whole I think a 4th gen can in many ways be an almost better vehicle for a lot of folks that are really going to use it daily and they still can wheel! And, they don't quite command the prices of some of the other generations and could offer more value depending on a persons primary goals (though still not cheap per se...what Toyota is?)