Noobie here, need buying advice from the experts.

[SemiGamer]

Good evening all.
Long story short I'm in the market for a nice reliable 4x4 SUV or truck around $3000.
I found this on my local CL and I've got an appointment to go see it.
1997 Toyota 4runner Clean

I'm making a checklist for when I'm there and I was wondering if you guys could help me out and add anything that only owners of the same gen would know about?

Also if all checks out well, what is a good offer in your opinions? Note that it has been up on CL for almost 30days.

Thanks!

EDIT: Have been reading through this entire post: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html#post706218
Anything else I should add to the checklist besides whats listed?

 

[541joseph]

Rust rust rust

 

[Run 4 Fun]

Good evening all.
Long story short I'm in the market for a nice reliable 4x4 SUV or truck around $3000.
I found this on my local CL and I've got an appointment to go see it.
1997 Toyota 4runner Clean

I'm making a checklist for when I'm there and I was wondering if you guys could help me out and add anything that only owners of the same gen would know about?

Also if all checks out well, what is a good offer in your opinions? Note that it has been up on CL for almost 30days.

Thanks!



EDIT: Have been reading through this entire post: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html#post706218
Anything else I should add to the checklist besides whats listed?

I just replied to the same question the other day from someone else. I'll copy and paste.

"Check underneath for rust on the frame and rear axle. Also check for any leaks in the engine bay (brake master cylinder, radiator, power steering, valve covers) and underneath (transfer case, axles, engine pan). Check the tire thread for unusual wear. Check if there is play in the steering wheel when going side to side with the steering wheel and test drive on the freeway if possible.
Put it in 4x4 if it has it to make sure its working properly. Oh and kick the tire for good measure

Edit: Ask if and when the timing belt and pump have been done."

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Worth a look. As someone mentioned look for rust, specifically on the frame rail right next to the muffler in front of the lower rear axle frame mount. Also look for evidence of the pink milkshake (newer radiator, trans fluid residue in the coolant reservoir) Take it for a good long test drive on a highway (295, you can get it up to 80MPH on that road and hit the brakes pretty good (exiting the ramp of your choice) One more thing, look for "wetness" on the inner part of the rear tires - axle seals check. I'm in SJ also so if you need any advice just hit me up. Good luck!

 

[SemiGamer]

Thank you very much for the tips you guys!
If everything checks out, what do you believe I should offer?

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Thank you very much for the tips you guys!
If everything checks out, what do you believe I should offer?

If everything checks out that's a pretty good price. I'm kinda thinking there's something going on with it because it's been for sale for a month. Maybe rust. Offer a little less and see what happens. Can't hurt to try.

 

[MattJakobs]

That seems to be a great price for one with that amount of miles. I recently spent $4500 on my second that had more miles than yours. Being a northern vehicle, rust is everything. Talk with the buyer and make sure you can schedule a check at either a toyota dealership or with your mechanic. Also, see if there's a carfax or records available. It looks to be a very clean 4runner but make sure. Keep us posted and get those running boards off!

 

[SemiGamer]

Thanks for the opinions on the price you guys.

I've been talking to him a little more over the phone, They bought it not too long ago and then ended up buying the 04 Sequoia (The wheels from that vehicle are on the 4runner) and so now they're selling it off.
He says the previous owner was a mechanic, I asked if he still had contact with that previous owner and if he would be willing to ask him the history of the vehicle.

I'll keep you all updated!

EDIT: He says he doesn't have any contact information for the Mechanic he bought it from, and that there is "Slight rust but nothing to worry about" when I asked how the under carriage was. Opinions?

EDIT 2: He has only put 1000 miles on it since he bought it.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

EDIT 2: He has only put 1000 miles on it since he bought it.

Things that make you go Hmmmmm........

 

[SemiGamer]

Things that make you go Hmmmmm........

Indeed. I asked if anyone else has went and looked at it, and why they didn't buy it.
He said a couple people have gone and see it but they all offer around $2500 and he said he's not in any rush to sell it so he keeps turning them down.
I asked if the buyers saw anything wrong with it to make them offer that low and he said they found nothing wrong, but they didn't want to pay asking price.

He said price is slightly negotiable but $2500 is too low.
I'm thinking if everything checks out I'd start at $2900 with the intentions of $3000. Opinions?

EDIT: I asked if he's tried putting the VIN into Carfax but he said he hasn't. If anyone has unlimited carfax shoot me a message lol

 

[poleclimber63]

All of the above.... whats going on?? A vehicle like that with nothing wrong should sell quickly... Since before I bought my Runner I would stop and look at every 3rd gen 4Runner I came across and since. The only ones that didnt sell within 1-2 weeks had problems. Last Fall I watched one go over a month (it also had a SC!!!)... I stpped and had a look at it and when I peeked under found it was rusted pretty bad! So do your homework and check everything.
I noticed it has the fat lip bumper, those were only on the post 99' 4Runners, also it doesnt have the cup holders in the console =< 99' which would make sense for a 97'. So is this a rebuild? Was the bumper replaced due to rust? Was it in a significant accident?? You must ask these questions. If the seller can't answer or plead ignorance I would either walk away or get it inspected by a mechanic. I would be partiularly interested in evedence of an accident and rust (especially frame). Info on TB/WP replacement would be a bonus. Sorry, just by the ad and the pics something doesnt add up. My 2cents.

 

[SemiGamer]

All of the above.... whats going on?? A vehicle like that with nothing wrong should sell quickly... Since before I bought my Runner I would stop and look at every 3rd gen 4Runner I came across and since. The only ones that didnt sell within 1-2 weeks had problems. Last Fall I watched one go over a month (it also had a SC!!!)... I stpped and had a look at it and when I peeked under found it was rusted pretty bad! So do your homework and check everything.
I noticed it has the fat lip bumper, those were only on the post 99' 4Runners, also it doesnt have the cup holders in the console =< 99' which would make sense for a 97'. So is this a rebuild? Was the bumper replaced due to rust? Was it in a significant accident?? You must ask these questions. If the seller can't answer or plead ignorance I would either walk away or get it inspected by a mechanic. I would be partiularly interested in evedence of an accident and rust (especially frame). Info on TB/WP replacement would be a bonus. Sorry, just by the ad and the pics something doesnt add up. My 2cents.

Exactly the kind of information I came here for! Didn't know anything about the bumper, I'm having him send me under carriage pics today and I will upload them on here for opinions!
Its an hour and a half drive from me so I'm getting as much info as I can before making the trip.

 

[pluton]

I agree with all the suggestions you've gotten here.
I'll add: "New ball joints"---If they are the Lower BJs, and they're not OEM, you are likely to have to replace them again---hopefully not after a catastrophic failure while driving.

 

[SemiGamer]

I agree with all the suggestions you've gotten here.
I'll add: "New ball joints"---If they are the Lower BJs, and they're not OEM, you are likely to have to replace them again---hopefully not after a catastrophic failure while driving.

Thanks I'll try find out about them!

So far its looking like bad news now, the communication was great and prompt until I asked for the VIN number to run through Carfax. Haven't heard back from em since (4 hours currently).
Guessing maybe it was in an accident and that's why it has the new bumper but only time will tell!

 

[ASUMTNEER]

This interests me. That was a great catch on the front bumper being different. If that thing is what it should be, it would be gone by now. Not trying to rain on your parade, but I watch these things all the time on CL and Autotrader and that's a great buy (assuming it checks out). Let us know what you find.

 

[SemiGamer]

This interests me. That was a great catch on the front bumper being different. If that thing is what it should be, it would be gone by now. Not trying to rain on your parade, but I watch these things all the time on CL and Autotrader and that's a great buy (assuming it checks out). Let us know what you find.

Indeed I would have never caught the bumper!

As of right now its been about 6 or 7 hours and he hasn't responded ever since I asked for the VIN.

 

[Tom P.]

Don't fall in love with a car

NEVER fall in love with a car. There are always more to check out. Just keep your cool and another will come along... kind of like girls. That said, I don't know anything about the one you're looking at and whether it a good one or not. But I think you have good instincts. If he won't offer the VIN, walk.

 

[SemiGamer]

NEVER fall in love with a car. There are always more to check out. Just keep your cool and another will come along... kind of like girls. That said, I don't know anything about the one you're looking at and whether it a good one or not. But I think you have good instincts. If he won't offer the VIN, walk.

Thanks for the advice!
Unfortunately its been 24hrs now without a response, seems I have scared off the seller by asking for the VIN. Some times things are just too good to be true!

Going to try my luck and contact this guy, anybody notice anything out of the ordinary on this one?
2001 TOYOTA 4 Runner for SALE!!

 

[ASUMTNEER]

It's cheap! Why the heck are these things not selling in NJ? My guess would be rust issues. Around here that thing would bring close to $7k. Check it out really good, but it being listed for a month doesn't put a lot of good thoughts in my head.