My search continues..hoping this is the one

[MattDyer94]

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 $4,985 - Memphis Auto Sales Memphis Tennessee 38112

It's a 2001 Sr5 with 194k miles for 4.9k. It's about four hours from where I'm located so I'm gonna try and get all the information I can from the car lot before I go out and hopefully get it.

What do you guys think of it from the pictures? The carfax says everything is good..but I'm no 4runner expert.

By the way, I really appreciate all the responses and tips you guys have given me thus far. It has been very helpful in narrowing my search down!

 

[A.Wilson013]

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 $4,985 - Memphis Auto Sales Memphis Tennessee 38112

It's a 2001 Sr5 with 194k miles for 4.9k. It's about four hours from where I'm located so I'm gonna try and get all the information I can from the car lot before I go out and hopefully get it.

What do you guys think of it from the pictures? The carfax says everything is good..but I'm no 4runner expert.

By the way, I really appreciate all the responses and tips you guys have given me thus far. It has been very helpful in narrowing my search down!

Remember that Carfax is a voluntary service... A clean carfax doesn't mean much if the people in the vehicles past are less than honest.

From just a quick look, a couple things stand out:

Antenna is broken (common issue)
It's 2WD (I am sure you know this)
Dash pad above glove box is peeling
Check Engine/VSC/TRAC Lights are on

 

[A.Wilson013]

I would pass on it. Don't let the dealer lie to you and say it hit a sensor while steam cleaning the engine setting the lights off.

 

[4Running Daily]

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 $3,785 - Memphis Auto Sales Memphis Tennessee 38112

 

[A.Wilson013]

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 $3,785 - Memphis Auto Sales Memphis Tennessee 38112

I would bet my paycheck that the front bumper and valence have been replaced... Far too clean for how faded the rest of the plastics are.

 

[MattDyer94]

I appreciate the part about the sensor, Wilson! I noticed the dash..didn't phase me to be honest. I'm not particularly expecting to get a mint 4runner on my budget..but the engine light and such does raise question. I'll call and see if they'll be straight forward with me or not. I've got a buddy in Memphis who I could get to go take a look at it. Would definitely haggle the price a little bit.

 

[BrianSD_42]

CF is absolutely worthless. Ask a mechanic or someone who works at an autobody shop what they think about their service.

 

[MattDyer94]

Just got off the phone with a guy at the car lot..He sounded rather uneducated. He said it was a clean title and that the check engine light had been taken care of..but he told me he didn't know about the timing belt. Sounded a little sketchy. I'm gonna call later and try to speak with someone else and give them all my questions. If that stuff is sorted out and the timing belt has been taken care of, I'll have a buddy go check it out and see how it drives. Definitely gonna talk the guy down or I won't take it.

 

[cfranck1]

From just a quick look, a couple things stand out:

Antenna is broken (common issue)
It's 2WD (I am sure you know this)
Dash pad above glove box is peeling
Check Engine/VSC/TRAC Lights are on

I would also add that the paint under the VIN sticker looks like it has a lot of "Orange Peel" paint under it, like it was painted or they blended it there. Also the VIN sticker might have been taken off and put back on because you can see some of the word "Toyota" in white letters. Sorta like a "Void" sticker.
Sounds kinda fishy..

 

[A.Wilson013]

I would also add that the paint under the VIN sticker looks like it has a lot of "Orange Peel" paint under it, like it was painted or they blended it there. Also the VIN sticker might have been taken off and put back on because you can see some of the word "Toyota" in white letters. Sorta like a "Void" sticker.
Sounds kinda fishy..

Good catch! I totally missed that.

I would pass on it man... Lots of red flags.

How did they "deal with" the CEL? Take the bulbs out? It's not unheard of.

 

[MattDyer94]

Yeah, after the talk and thinking I've decided it's just not worth it. Even if I talked him down seems way too risky. Especially because the guy knew less about the 4runner than I did..that's pathetic haha. I appreciate the help guys! I'll be sure to post whenever I finally find the right 4runner.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Yeah, after the talk and thinking I've decided it's just not worth it. Even if I talked him down seems way too risky. Especially because the guy knew less about the 4runner than I did..that's pathetic haha. I appreciate the help guys! I'll be sure to post whenever I finally find the right 4runner.

Make sure you post the prospects before you seal the deal as well. We'll be harder than your father was on your sisters first boyfriend.

 

[MattDyer94]

Sure thing!