My Soon New To Me T4R: Pics

[lem14]

So I just put down a deposit on a '02 Sport Edition 4wd in Sunfire Red Pearl.

Here are the details: Maintenance and Mileages confirmed both on Carfax and through Toyota's Owner's Website

• Miles: 67,147 (Heck yeah!!!)
• 2 owner (1st owner: lease return to the current Toyota selling dealer, 2nd owner meticulous oil changes at the current Toyota selling dealer, every 3 months and as you can expect about every 500-1500 miles !!!)
• Tow package
• 35,005 LBJ recall in 2005 (so 32,000 on the LBJ, Nice !!!)
• 48,600 New Battery in 2008 (timeline is a little old, but better than the original)
• 57,190 Spark plugs, differential service, 4 wheel alignment, and of course oil change
• 64,355 Air filter
• 64,383 T-belt done !!!, water pump and pulleys were not replaced at that time
• Power antenna does not appear to be working in the images

So everything above is all awesome sounding, the big thing is that I am yet to see it (other than pictures) as it is ~4 hours away, so I put down my refundable deposit to claim it. I hope that it lives up to the expectations in the images and the maintenance records. It has been in 1 accident per Cafax with "It hit a tree, moderate damage reported."

I know that buying a vehicle that has not been in an accident is a way better way to go, but if everything checks out there is no way that I can beat a 67 thousand mile T4r.

The reasons an '02 is the best year for me:

• Newest possible 3rd gen.
• Multimode as I occasionally off-road, but definitely do not rock crawl and in my opinion Multimode is better for regular snow driving.
• Again, I only off road occasionally so I do not need a locker.
• Can get a Sport Edition (I just like the scoop and the interior changes, but I guess this is possible with a highlander and an '01 as well)

My sister has had my previous T4r for a while now, so I have been in withdrawal, haha. Wish me luck on Thursday when I go see it that everything checks out with this T4r.

Also, as promised pictures: What do you think? Cheers!!!

 

[sod2010]

love the color......i'm jealous!

 

[IanB]

Looks really nice, see if you can find out more about the accident (where was it damaged), and have a good look around that area, and make sure it has OEM (Koito) headlights and not some TYC junk.

 

[TOY2G]

The headlights look to have been replaced and the reflectors look like aftermarket with the horizontal breaks. Just an FYI, aftermarket lights MAY leak easier and yellow faster.

Congrats on the new ride.

 

[lem14]

Looks really nice, see if you can find out more about the accident (where was it damaged), and have a good look around that area, and make sure it has OEM (Koito) headlights and not some TYC junk.

The headlights look to have been replaced and the reflectors look like aftermarket with the horizontal breaks. Just an FYI, aftermarket lights MAY leak easier and yellow faster.

--Thanks. I definitely was going to try to learn where on the vehicle the accident occurred and then give it a good look over for signs of work both exteriorly and interiorly, on frame supports, underlying mechanical components, etc. I would have never looked at the headlights... guys thanks.

Along those same lines after owning an '02 4runner that never was in an accident, I feel I have a good idea and will not miss the big things. However, with some of the small things (ex: light manufacturer) I have less experience. Any other cheap "OEM appearing" parts that I should be on the lookout for?

 

[2002tii]

Very clean and in an unusual color, too. There's going to be rust underneath it, even with such low mileage, so inspect very closely.

From the auto check listing, the wreck was in 2011 - that's potentially a good sign. If it was when the vehicle was much newer, it could have been a much more serious wreck and they would have repaired it without salvaging it. As a 9 year old vehicle, it wouldn't have taken that much for insurance to call it a salvage.

Also interesting points above about the headlights. I'm going to go look at my 4Runner's now!

 

[TOY2G]

--Thanks. I definitely was going to try to learn where on the vehicle the accident occurred and then give it a good look over for signs of work both exteriorly and interiorly, on frame supports, underlying mechanical components, etc. I would have never looked at the headlights... guys thanks.

Along those same lines after owning an '02 4runner that never was in an accident, I feel I have a good idea and will not miss the big things. However, with some of the small things (ex: light manufacturer) I have less experience. Any other cheap "OEM appearing" parts that I should be on the lookout for?

On that year vehicle there will be a Toyota vin number tag on every section of sheet metal. On the front fenders it will be in the drain channel and easy to see on both sides, every door will have them in the jam. if it has all 5 doors, the hood and the fenders original with the matching Toyota vin tags, you can be pretty sure it was not a serious accident.

 

[lem14]

Nice. You are full of all kinds of great info. Thank you greatly. Keep the recommendations coming, but if no one replies I will update on Thursday regarding whether I purchased it or not.

 

[lem14]

Hey all, thanks for your help.

I ended up not buying it. There was oil leaking from the rear seal, rust in the door jams, the valve cover gaskets were leaking, and like mentioned above the headlights did not match. It drove well and I could have owned it for a better price, however it was at the top of my price range and I would not have been able to put the money into it that it needs.

Again, thanks for the help and wish me luck as I am on to search for the next T4r.