n00b question -- advice appreciated

[Hamburglar]

I have the opportunity to pick up a 2002 4Runner with ~ 68200 miles. Everything looks, sounds and performs well on test drive, but there seems to be some significant rust on the muffler. I've basically told the dealer that there is no way that I'm going to buy the vehicle until / unless the exhaust issue is resolved.

Today, the manager sent me an e-mail stating that his service director put the vehicle up on a lift and inspected the muffler himself. His conclusion was that the muffler, which is stainless, is not affected, but instead, the discoloration or "rust" is on the heat shield covering the muffler. The service director insists that no repair, other than a light cosmetic cleaning of the shield, is required in this case.

Does this sound right to you guys and girls? A quick search of these forums indicates that the 02 4Runner is, in fact, equipped with a muffler shield. But is the manager correct that there is no cause for concern? Is it likely that the muffler is unaffected? I have to say that the rest of the underside of the vehicle is exceptionally clean. Should I insist that the car be seen by an independent muffler shop or mechanic before buying the car?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ohio4R]

No you should be fine. Just make sure its not rusted through or anything.

 

[gapboi210]

If it is a good price, I'd get the 4Runner; a muffler isn't a major mechanical issue.

 

[Hamburglar]

Thanks for the quick replies

I appreciate the input. Sounds like the service director was on point. His explanation certainly sounded plausible, but obviously, he has a vested interest. Good to hear some independent verification.

If it is a good price, I'd get the 4Runner; a muffler isn't a major mechanical issue.

Agreed. However, I'd still rather enter the deal with a reasonable level of confidence that the parts won't need replacement. The price on the car is good right now, but doesn't look as sweet if we throw in a repair bill on top of everything else!

 

[p nut]

Re: Thanks for the quick replies

Since you're in Jersey, there will be some rust on the exhaust and other parts. No biggie, though. But be sure to pull a carfax and get a PPI before the purchase.

What is the price, BTW?

 

[MxChase]

I'd also like to know what you're paying for it..

 

[Hamburglar]

I'd also like to know what you're paying for it..

Right now, we're at $14,499. Hoping to squeeze out a couple hundred more before it's all over. This would leave me in the neighborhood of $1500 below KBB and NADA out-the-door, even in tax-happy Jersey. Probably not as good as I could do on a comparable private party sale, but I'm very pleased with the vehicle overall, and the dealership has been extremely courteous and accommodating. Oh, CARFAX is clean by the way.

 

[p nut]

What trim is it? (SR5, Sport Edition, Limited) And color, options, etc? 4x4?

 

[Hamburglar]

Hi again

What trim is it? (SR5, Sport Edition, Limited) And color, options, etc? 4x4?

SR5, Millenium Metallic Silver, 4x4, Power Moonroof, Tow Hitch, Running Boards, Roof Rails, Rear Deflector, Cloth Interior, Keyless Entry

 

[p nut]

Re: Hi again

SR5, Millenium Metallic Silver, 4x4, Power Moonroof, Tow Hitch, Running Boards, Roof Rails, Rear Deflector, Cloth Interior, Keyless Entry

Hmm...so just the base model... Well, it's not a bad price, but not a steal either, seeing that you're on the East coast.

Just for comparison, last year, I almost bought a black 2002 Sport Edition with 70k miles that was CPO (Certified Pre-Owned which means 7yr/100k warranty) for $16k on the East coast.

The gas prices are on the rise right now, so the dealerships are probably willing to negotiate more on the SUV's. I don't know if you care or not, but personally, I'd try to find a Sport Edition or a Limited. The Sport comes with a hood scoop, better looking interior, as well as power moonroof, etc. I'm sure you can find one for about the same price.

 

[Hamburglar]

Good points

it's not a bad price, but not a steal either

This is pretty much why I posted with my original concerns about the muffler and pipe. Any additional costs will make this no better than an average deal.

 

[Hamburglar]

More thoughts

personally, I'd try to find a Sport Edition or a Limited. The Sport comes with a hood scoop, better looking interior, as well as power moonroof, etc. I'm sure you can find one for about the same price.

I've looked at several 4Runners to get both a sense of pricing in my region and also to determine what trim level and features I like best. I actually prefer the base model. Definitely don't want leather, nor do I want the wood grain interior.

 

[p nut]

Re: More thoughts

I've looked at several 4Runners to get both a sense of pricing in my region and also to determine what trim level and features I like best. I actually prefer the base model. Definitely don't want leather, nor do I want the wood grain interior.

Yeah, I didn't want to go with leather and woodgrain trim, either (had it in my old 98 Limited). That's why I went with a Sport Edition.

Take a look at this Sport Edition:

2002 Sport

See how much better the aluminum trim and the Sport seats look?

Also, it's very important to ask about the OTD (Out The Door) price that includes taxes, title fees and license fees all included. Dealerships will tend to throw some extra BS fees in there.

 

[Hamburglar]

Grateful for your advice

See how much better the aluminum trim and the Sport seats look?

Also, it's very important to ask about the OTD (Out The Door) price that includes taxes, title fees and license fees all included. Dealerships will tend to throw some extra BS fees in there.

I do like the Sport interior, but not the wheels. And I have been targeting an OTD figure during the course of these negotiations (even though I reported price of unit above). I appreciate the tips!

 

[p nut]

Trust me, man, everyone has hood scoop envy. You need to pick up a Sport. You should look at the 99-00's with the rear locker. The wheels look better, too.

99 "Sport" (really called Highlander)

Not saying get that one, but just giving you an example.