Never bought used before - what years to avoid? What about this particular Limited?

[amheck]

Hi everyone,

I am currently driving a 2004 Limited and I'm thinking its about time to upgrade. I have been just looking a bit online for Limiteds in the 2013-2015 range.

I'm a bit nervous about buying used as I've never done it before. All of my previous cars were purchased new or leased and this was the first vehicle I've kept more then 3-4 years. I've become accustomed to not having a payment but the wife is pushing for me to modernize a little bit.

Are there any better years to look at with the 4Runner Limited?

Also, I came across this one, in particular, because of the hood scoop, which I really like.

https://www.wallaceautogroup.com/us...-4Runner-1bb84f3b0a0e0a6b128cb909ffc82131.htm

The price is substantially lower than others the same year, which is a good thing, I suppose, but then my mind goes into asking why. The hood being different is a question to me. The wheels are also different than I've ever seen, but I don't think that's a big problem. The ad mentions Navigation but looking at the pictures, I don't think so. The other thing I can't figure out is what is that decal on the doors? They show a close up picture of it but I can't seem to make it out.

Any thoughts on this truck and price? I'm guessing adding an aftermarket radio to get some sort of touch screen wouldn't be that difficult. But then on the flip side, finding another truck with Nav and then adding a hood scoop would be an option, too.....

 

[stamonkey]

I could be wrong but I thought all Limiteds had nav and ACC. It's also rwd, and the hood scoop in probably one of those double sided tape things not a Trail hood.

I would keep looking.

 

[17KT4R]

I think the pricing is on par with what what I see in these parts for them with 100,000 kilometres. Looks just like they say it is, one owner vehicle trade in likely and they decided to keep it on the lot and sell it. VW dealers up here would immediately unload it to a reseller.

Anyway as for the hood and wheel, friend of mine at work has the exact same aftermarket hood, it was repainted to match the truck. They did another set of rims too so I would say those are common mods. I would drop into the dealer and check to see if this vehicle indeed has a good service history - go to a Toyota dealer and ask them to run the VIN for service history. May just turn out to be a local car, serviced on schedule. That should be enough for you to decide right there. The sticker thing looks like something you can buy at Walmart who knows, get the dealer to remove it before the sale. Good luck!

 

[Jhalko]

[MENTION=718]amheck[/MENTION] that is a 2wd first and it is not a Limited, it’s an SR5. There is no 4wd knob, there is no dual zone climate control which is standard on the LE, and that hood scoop is the stick on version. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

There isn’t any model year that has had more issues than another, it’s a question of whether you want 10-13 styling or the refresh in 14. Then pick which model you want, I thought you posted elsewhere you wanted a Limited. Plus if you are going to be on this site, you want 4wd so you can go out with all the new friends you’ll make in here. Haha

Good luck.

 

[amheck]

Thanks for the thoughts. It's listed as a limited everywhere I search and even in the description, but yeah, something was a little different about this one. The problem is....the dealer is across the state, about 3 hours away so not super easy just to go take a look.

If the hood scoop is a stick on, that would def be a no go. I emailed the dealer last nite that exact question and have not heard back. But then the bumper seem to have the same chrome accents as I've seen on other 2013 Limiteds, so I just wasn't sure what to make of this one. Will the VIN tell you for sure what model/make this is?

I can't imagine I'd ever have the need for 4WD. I mean, that would be fun and all but I would have no where to go and no friends to do it with. I just need a nice people and grocery hauler. :nerd:

Thanks for the tip on the 2013 to 2014 refresh. I'm going to read up on that. Definitely looking for the least amount of chrome as a start.

For price comparison, this truck is almost identical (year and miles) and is in the $27k range. This is the price range I tend to be seeing, I think and the dealer is right up the road.
https://www.autonationtoyotapinella...-4Runner-a78445050a0d0c1420623e2981bc126e.htm

 

[17KT4R]

[MENTION=718]amheck[/MENTION] that is a 2wd first and it is not a Limited, it’s an SR5. There is no 4wd knob, there is no dual zone climate control which is standard on the LE, and that hood scoop is the stick on version. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

Interesting, 2nd look and now I get it. We don't see 2WD models in Canada or at least I've never seen one yet, the chrome package and leather trim I've never seen on an SR5 up here either, or the lower front and rear facias like that with the parking sensors. Keep forgetting they outfit vehicles quite differently geographically.

 

[hasoon2000]

Just ran the VIN for you with AutoCheck. It was in an accident on 5-1-17 and it is reported as moderate damage. Left-rear impact with another vehicle.

 

[amheck]

Just ran the VIN for you with AutoCheck. It was in an accident on 5-1-17 and it is reported as moderate damage. Left-rear impact with another vehicle.

thanks for running that. Good to know.

I did hear back from the dealer. Apparently this was a SE Toyota port installed package.

N Charlotte Toyota 4Runner XSPS sneak peek | Toyota of N Charlotte

Nice looking truck and I think the hood and wheels are better than the std stuff, but I'm also looking for less chrome, not more, as well as the touchscreen stereo, so I'm not sure if this is the one. Price is right though.