jjklongisland
New member
Hi guys, first I would like to introduce myself. I am Joe from Long Island and being that I belong to a few forums with my collection of vehicles I figured what better place to get advice about a new purchase than here...
Anyway, I am trying to help my brother out who just sold his ghetto cruiser (02 Lincoln LS) and needs a vehicle to get to college with (Geneseo). He needs something 4wd and that will not give him much problems. I am going to purchase it for him, let him use it for his last year of college and that take it back when he buys is own dam car...
It just so happens a buddy I work with just had his father-in-law pass away who was 81 years old. He was the original owner of this 1999 4Runner SR5 that he is looking to get rid of cheap. It has alot of miles, 213,000 to be exact. Alot more than I have ever put on a car/truck and I have owned tons of vehicles. So I started doing research and went and drove the truck. It is ridiculously clean. Looks brand new, garaged since day 1. Retired Navy man who was so anal that he bought his own Mobil 1 synthetic oil, brought it to the dealer, and he watched them change it religiously every 5000 miles since new. I have seen all the maintenance records. The service manual was followed to the letter by the dealer. He recently had an axle seal go so he changed both just in case and put brand new Good Years on her.
I drove the truck a short distance since the registration was expired and it drove awesome. No motor ticking, ice cold air conditioning, no check engine lights, every thing worked including the moon roof and power antenna. I did not engage the 4wd but he assures me it works. He told me if he didnt trust the truck to drive back and forth upstate 8 hrs each way, he wouldnt have even suggested it.
Now I know its a automobile and 2 days after I buy it the tranny could blow. There has been no major component replacements at all to date. He only wants $2500 for it.
Should I take the chance and buy it hoping it will not have any major issues especially while my brother has it far far away. Or should a spend $5000 (max budget) on a vehicle that I have know known history to and could have been abused.
With the v6 4wd, what kind of average mpg could I expect? After my brother gives it back to me it will only be used as a spare vehicle and train station car and maybe only see 2500 miles per year.
I just need something reliable and am nervous about the mileage. I know these things run forever but I dont want to make a poor decision just because its cheap and then I need to throw another $2500 into her if something major breaks.
Its a 99, silver SR5 213k miles, every option I could see except leather, new rubber, exterior and interior wise a 9 out of 10 for $2500. Motor super clean, no leaks in garage floor or noticeable shakes or rattles.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Anyway, I am trying to help my brother out who just sold his ghetto cruiser (02 Lincoln LS) and needs a vehicle to get to college with (Geneseo). He needs something 4wd and that will not give him much problems. I am going to purchase it for him, let him use it for his last year of college and that take it back when he buys is own dam car...
It just so happens a buddy I work with just had his father-in-law pass away who was 81 years old. He was the original owner of this 1999 4Runner SR5 that he is looking to get rid of cheap. It has alot of miles, 213,000 to be exact. Alot more than I have ever put on a car/truck and I have owned tons of vehicles. So I started doing research and went and drove the truck. It is ridiculously clean. Looks brand new, garaged since day 1. Retired Navy man who was so anal that he bought his own Mobil 1 synthetic oil, brought it to the dealer, and he watched them change it religiously every 5000 miles since new. I have seen all the maintenance records. The service manual was followed to the letter by the dealer. He recently had an axle seal go so he changed both just in case and put brand new Good Years on her.
I drove the truck a short distance since the registration was expired and it drove awesome. No motor ticking, ice cold air conditioning, no check engine lights, every thing worked including the moon roof and power antenna. I did not engage the 4wd but he assures me it works. He told me if he didnt trust the truck to drive back and forth upstate 8 hrs each way, he wouldnt have even suggested it.
Now I know its a automobile and 2 days after I buy it the tranny could blow. There has been no major component replacements at all to date. He only wants $2500 for it.
Should I take the chance and buy it hoping it will not have any major issues especially while my brother has it far far away. Or should a spend $5000 (max budget) on a vehicle that I have know known history to and could have been abused.
With the v6 4wd, what kind of average mpg could I expect? After my brother gives it back to me it will only be used as a spare vehicle and train station car and maybe only see 2500 miles per year.
I just need something reliable and am nervous about the mileage. I know these things run forever but I dont want to make a poor decision just because its cheap and then I need to throw another $2500 into her if something major breaks.
Its a 99, silver SR5 213k miles, every option I could see except leather, new rubber, exterior and interior wise a 9 out of 10 for $2500. Motor super clean, no leaks in garage floor or noticeable shakes or rattles.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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