My neighbor has a 3rd Gen I want to buy

[Bumbo]

I have a neighbor that has a really clean, pretty much immaculate 3rd Gen Limited 4runner 4WD that I was always admired.

We don't talk much at all, but I'm trying to figure out the best way to approach him to let him know I am interested.

Guy doesn't need the money... has plenty of other cars, and probably keeps the 4Runner around because its cool, or because they have had it forever. I dont seem them drive it around much, perhaps once every week or two.

How would you express interest? Knock on the door and make an offer, or just let him know what if/when he is ready to sell to think of me first?

 

[averyislost]

I'd probably do a bit of both, express interest and ask him if he'd ever think about letting it go. If he replies with something like "yeah for the right price" or similar, make him an offer based on average cost in your area. If he declines or counters with an enormous asking price just ask him to think of you whenever he does want to let it go.

 

[BrianSD_42]

personally I would probably say hi when he is in his yard sometime and chat him up about it before he goes in house. I think that is much more comfortable than knocking on their door when you don't really know the home situation.

 

[ZionXIX]

I have a neighbor that has a really clean, pretty much immaculate 3rd Gen Limited 4runner 4WD that I was always admired.

We don't talk much at all, but I'm trying to figure out the best way to approach him to let him know I am interested.

Guy doesn't need the money... has plenty of other cars, and probably keeps the 4Runner around because its cool, or because they have had it forever. I dont seem them drive it around much, perhaps once every week or two.

How would you express interest? Knock on the door and make an offer, or just let him know what if/when he is ready to sell to think of me first?

In the past I have had people leave a note on my windshield. It felt kind of stalkery so I don't recommend that. There is always the direct approach knocking on the door and starting off the conversation with some neighborly things then easing into the subject of the 4runner. The indirect approach may be to leave a note in the mailbox (Maybe in an envelope) expressing your interest in the 4runner with your name, number and email address. Sometimes you just gotta ask, you might be surprised. Maybe he is just waiting for someone he deems worthy enough to carry on the 4runner torch.

 

[aa.allen]

I agree no notes, when I had my ‘65 Chevy people were always leaving notes wanting to buy it even with decent offers but all it did was piss me off and I threw the notes away.

I good hi in passing now and then or small conversation I think is a good start then when you have a bit of a neighborly relationship built up then you can swing for the fence on a possible purchase

 

[jbrentd]

I bought our old LJ from a neighbor. One day, we were both out doing some yard work and I just told him I liked those quite a bit and to let me know if he was ever thinking of selling it. Several months later, he came home with a new JKU and I saw him outside not long after and reminded him of our conversation. A couple days later, it was in my driveway.

 

[MSRP.]

I'd probably do a bit of both, express interest and ask him if he'd ever think about letting it go. If he replies with something like "yeah for the right price" or similar, make him an offer based on average cost in your area. If he declines or counters with an enormous asking price just ask him to think of you whenever he does want to let it go.

I like the approach, but add a 6-pack of beer to that approach and you've got yourself a great ice-breaker.

 

[octanejunkie]

You should always get to know your neighbors, it's a good idea to at least have a cordial relationship with the people near/around you - you never know when you might be able to help each other out.

That being said, if you are on a first-name basis with someone, or at least have waved and said hi before, then it's not awkward to say something like "I've always admired that 4runner" and see how they respond. Based on the response, you know if it's cool to let him know you're interested.

Personally I would not go meet my neighbor of x years based on that interest alone, it might be interpreted as purposeful and disingenuous; like "why is that guy only coming over now?" but I'm funny that way.

Good luck!

 

[Bumbo]

Good advise on this thread... thanks

I think Ill start by just saying Hello more often and put in the time to develop that cordial relationship. I'm not in a hurry to buy, but I do want first dibs if it ever happened.

 

[octanejunkie]

Good advise on this thread... thanks

I think Ill start by just saying Hello more often and put in the time to develop that cordial relationship. I'm not in a hurry to buy, but I do want first dibs if it ever happened.

On the genuine tip, you could start a conversation based on the 4runner "hey man, just wanted to say hello and tell you that's a fine looking 4runner you've got there... are you the original owner?"

After he answers, introduce yourself and make a new friend. It never hurts to be nice, nor complimentary. Seems our society has little time for either lately.

 

[Korey C.]

Dash lights

Hey octanejunkie any idea what this part is called?

 

[amalik]

I have a neighbor that has a really clean, pretty much immaculate 3rd Gen Limited 4runner 4WD that I was always admired.

We don't talk much at all, but I'm trying to figure out the best way to approach him to let him know I am interested.

Guy doesn't need the money... has plenty of other cars, and probably keeps the 4Runner around because its cool, or because they have had it forever. I dont seem them drive it around much, perhaps once every week or two.

How would you express interest? Knock on the door and make an offer, or just let him know what if/when he is ready to sell to think of me first?

Ask him what he'd sell it for, give you a number. And don't ask for his wife. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife; only thy neighbor's 3rd gen.

 

[octanejunkie]

Hey octanejunkie any idea what this part is called?

Ask [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION]

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

 

[Korey C.]

Ask [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION]

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Thanks!

 

[thecole1098]

Hey octanejunkie any idea what this part is called?

That would be the dimmer switch, called the rheostat in the FSM

 

[Beaumont67]

Good advise on this thread... thanks

I think Ill start by just saying Hello more often and put in the time to develop that cordial relationship. I'm not in a hurry to buy, but I do want first dibs if it ever happened.

Bumbo ^^ Great start - person to person / only way to do it, plus you live in the neighborhood.

TIPS:
- Swap cell phone numbers & take some Gen3 photos of his T4R
- NEVER talk price before vehicle is being put up for Sale
- avoid Seller having a starting price #, well in advance...or someone will up the anti by $100
- owner may want $5,000 or $10,000 next year ...early offers can often loose out
- keep your $$ offer, close to your chest / as long as it takes
- with his cell phone #, send owner a photos of his 4Runner and all your contact information...in a new text

^^ I did exactly this on an original 2002 Z71 4x4 6.0L pickup truck, last week after following guy into Walmart parking lot.
- first words out of my mouth / "hey there, I like your truck, is it a 2001?" ...and we chatted for 10 good minutes
- had 307,000 Km & rust free frame, mint bucket interior, AC worked, his father was 2nd owner...learned all kinds of stuff
- even sent him a text, to keep in serious touch
I'll more than likely get it, when the owner wants to upgrade.
I even said - whenever the Z71 needs major expenses or may become a money pit...I'm still interested, & have good friends in the mechanic trade.
- obviously mileage will get higher over time, and a premature offer...is foolish, until the will to sell is present

 

[Mark_BC]

Send him flowers first and keep him guessing where they came from. It will increase his anticipation when he finally finds out who they are from.

 

[octanejunkie]

Send him flowers first and keep him guessing where they came from. It will increase his anticipation when he finally finds out who they are from.

Such a Canadian thing to do :llama:

 

[Korey C.]

That would be the dimmer switch, called the rheostat in the FSM

I can't find it on rockauto.com. I can usually find everything on there.

 

[3bears]

Hey octanejunkie any idea what this part is called?

and this fits this thread how ?