Ongoing Search For A 4th Gen Ride Continues

[Last Man Standing]

Well, been watching a bunch of 4th. Gen units for sale
most are not selling as the price point / to age / mileage
seems to be out of whack. Many dealers are holding out
for the long buck and imo they will have museum pieces on
their hands. The private folks selling seem to understand what
the marketplace is telling them and they are slowly reducing their
asking prices, but don't see much selling at this point.

This one caught my attention because of price point, but very wary
due to mileage ( 230K ) and what service costs would be associated
with such a purchase. The last unit I looked at (06 sport 175K $7600) required
a lot of basic maintenance totaling $5K from dealer estimate so I turned that
deal down after $150 worth of investigation costs ( Carfax / dealer inspect )

What would you all do if you saw this deal?
2005 Toyota 4Runner - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive sale

 

[TenTwelve]

Ask them to provide dealer records on all the maintenance and see if you can take it for your own inspection. If all looks good then start negotiating. At that price even if you have to do a timing belt it's worth it.

 

[LOSTR4]

I wouldn't have fear unless they cannot provide you the maintenance records...or "proof" TB, WP, and other bits have been swapped in new...Much of what TenTwelve stated...It's a good price, but you WILL no matter what one buys, have to throw money towards it a bit when buying a car for that good of a price...looks clean tho!

 

[Burt]

Forget the stealerships.... check out CraigsList and find a broker. I got a 2008 1 year old w/34K miles for $18.5K.

 

[techno]

When I was shopping for my 4th gen, I kept a spreadsheet of everything that met my specs that came available across the entire country. I watched virtually every auto sales service out there for over 6 months while I saved up funds. My spreadsheet had an average of about 25 vehicles on it. I saw no pattern to sales at all. Some good deals (by my standards) sat on lots for months and months, while others were snapped up with days. Prices varied massively. The only common thing I noticed was dealers have no clue what they're selling and mistakes on listings was rampant.

It's hard to give a useful opinion on that Craigslist item, because the pre-facelift 4th gens don't interest me at all, but based purely on miles and price, it's definitely worth looking at.

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

When I was shopping for my 4th gen, I kept a spreadsheet of everything that met my specs that came available across the entire country. I watched virtually every auto sales service out there for over 6 months while I saved up funds. My spreadsheet had an average of about 25 vehicles on it. I saw no pattern to sales at all. Some good deals (by my standards) sat on lots for months and months, while others were snapped up with days. Prices varied massively. The only common thing I noticed was dealers have no clue what they're selling and mistakes on listings was rampant.

It's hard to give a useful opinion on that Craigslist item, because the pre-facelift 4th gens don't interest me at all, but based purely on miles and price, it's definitely worth looking at.

I definitely agree with the pre-facelift statement..and you're totally right when you say the dealers have NO IDEA what they have. The dealer I bought from was positive that the V8 had a timing chain and not a belt until I showed him proof online.

 

[hinmo24t]

i prefer the squared off fenders of the prefacelift like my 04 has - but the transmission and headlights performance i wouldnt mind in the later ones.

I had to look at 4 or 5 different trucks in MA because of rust, and I found one with very low rust, 130k miles White v6 4x4, $7300 cash and its been great for the last 6 mos.

 

[WhiteBoomer04]

Looks like that is a good deal!

Check
- the transfer case can switch easily.
- Steering rack is not leaking
- CV axles aren't clicking. If they are leaking that's an easy fix.
- If you need to smog for your area, make sure it will pass. Cats are expensive and "hacks" aren't a guarantee.
- Rust?

I'd buy this if it was in CA.

 

[MikeinNH67]

Being in NY make sure you go over the frame with a fine tooth comb. Don't be surprised to find the spare tire rusted in place. Check that everything in the rear hatch works, wiper/window/defrost/hatch opens as it should. Otherwise that's a good deal in my opinion.

 

[AuSeeker]

V8 4WD T4Rs are hard to find for a good price, the mileage wouldn't deter me...IF you check it out and it appears to have been well maintained....AND the 4WD system works flawlessly, not leaking at the transfer case and most importantly the frame is in good condition, I would jump all over it at that price, if the last three mentioned items are a big issue, walk away fast, those are a BIG deal breakers if any of the three are not in good shape, they're just too exspesive to fix or impossible to fix in the case of a bad frame!!

 

[Last Man Standing]

Well, work came out of the walls this past week and had to hump this old mans a$$ off went back to look at the 4runner and it sold / delisted so it just goes to show if you have aggressive pricing there is a market that is alive and well out there.

Thanks to everyone who made comments and their points of view, I appreciate it and you all seem to be on the same page. I am just not totally up to speed on all the nuisances of the 4runner market and issues they have. I seem to grasp price point, so at least thats good!

The search continues.......................

 

[3gunshooter]

fourth gen

A 2005 Limited, all original 66,000 miles. 6 cylinder. 4x4. Leather looks good.This was one owner until he died and it was passed to his grandson. He had no use for it and passed it on to a very good friend of mine. Who then offered it to me. I have a 1st gen Tundra now that is enough of a project, so I passed on it . He is going to take a few pictures when it stops raining and then I will list it. If it's something you might be interested in please let me know and I will get you guys together before its listed. It has no accidents, clean carfax minor body scuffs but no collision damage and no rust A suburb SUV. Located in Westchester, New York.

 

[Last Man Standing]

A 2005 Limited, all original 66,000 miles. 6 cylinder. 4x4. Leather looks good.This was one owner until he died and it was passed to his grandson. He had no use for it and passed it on to a very good friend of mine. Who then offered it to me. I have a 1st gen Tundra now that is enough of a project, so I passed on it . He is going to take a few pictures when it stops raining and then I will list it. If it's something you might be interested in please let me know and I will get you guys together before its listed. It has no accidents, clean carfax minor body scuffs but no collision damage and no rust A suburb SUV. Located in Westchester, New York.

3Gunshooter,

That is very kind of you to chime in with this suggestion! Many thanks.....
I would like to hear where you price this at, it will be interesting to see how it compares to others I have tracked. Seems the 8K-10K market isn't doing well in these parts. With having only 66K miles on it, that may be it's strongest selling point and may get you into the 8-10K price point? I'm trying to stay under the 6,500.00 range as with all old vehicles time and mileage and or lack of use tends to ramp up service issues. Thanks again and look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

LMS

 

[Last Man Standing]

When I was shopping for my 4th gen, I kept a spreadsheet of everything that met my specs that came available across the entire country. I watched virtually every auto sales service out there for over 6 months while I saved up funds. My spreadsheet had an average of about 25 vehicles on it. I saw no pattern to sales at all. Some good deals (by my standards) sat on lots for months and months, while others were snapped up with days. Prices varied massively. The only common thing I noticed was dealers have no clue what they're selling and mistakes on listings was rampant.

It's hard to give a useful opinion on that Craigslist item, because the pre-facelift 4th gens don't interest me at all, but based purely on miles and price, it's definitely worth looking at.

Techno,

You have just added a definition to my 4runner vocabulary " Pre-Facelift "
Could you clarify this description for me please? Yes, my spreadsheet is interesting as well and however folks decide what their selling point is befuddles me for sure. Like I mentioned to 3Gun, the 8-10K is a dead market and they slowly lower their price, but usually in 500 increments which seems to be a painful death on Craigslist. I don't follow dealers too much but most of what they offer is overpriced imo. The 2002 - 2007 range seems to be most prevalent for sale at the moment besides leasebacks but those don't interest me as the squarish look isn't my cup of tea, besides the cost of newer models are too rich for my blood....Thanks for chiming in!

 

[Last Man Standing]

V8 4WD T4Rs are hard to find for a good price, the mileage wouldn't deter me...IF you check it out and it appears to have been well maintained....AND the 4WD system works flawlessly, not leaking at the transfer case and most importantly the frame is in good condition, I would jump all over it at that price, if the last three mentioned items are a big issue, walk away fast, those are a BIG deal breakers if any of the three are not in good shape, they're just too exspesive to fix or impossible to fix in the case of a bad frame!!

AuSeeker,

As always I appreciate your time in posting your thoughts to my questions / naivety with these 4runners. You guys are correct in needing to pay close attention to the peculiar issues of these vehicles. My time has been very limited this past month due to a spike in business and with the building / remodeling business pulsating so badly in the Great State of NY I have to put the pedal to the metal when it ramps up to catch as much work as I am able to push out the door. The frame issue scares me the most, but like others have mentioned here I lean towards a dealer shop examination prior to a purchase offer w/deposit.

Well, I'm off to one of the biggest party's of the year at our gun club as I work the party so have to get the digs ready, we have over 100 folks enjoying the evening at or annual fund raiser which is a reverse raffle...

Regards,

LMS

 

[3gunshooter]

3Gunshooter,

That is very kind of you to chime in with this suggestion! Many thanks.....
I would like to hear where you price this at, it will be interesting to see how it compares to others I have tracked. Seems the 8K-10K market isn't doing well in these parts. With having only 66K miles on it, that may be it's strongest selling point and may get you into the 8-10K price point? I'm trying to stay under the 6,500.00 range as with all old vehicles time and mileage and or lack of use tends to ramp up service issues. Thanks again and look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

LMS

NO, thats not going to happen, already been offered 9k by a dealer, best of luck.

 

[Last Man Standing]

NO, thats not going to happen, already been offered 9k by a dealer, best of luck.

3Gun,

I was not offering you $6500, I noted that as where I'm trying to stay with in
for my needs? I was spot on your offered price point of between 8-10K! Good luck to you as well.

 

[Last Man Standing]

Just wanted to update my ongoing search for a 4Runner.
To date two dealers had SR5's 100K miles in the high 9K range sell
while most other dealers are sitting with inventory in that price range
with mid 100K range miles on them. I caught an ad for a 2004 Sport with
a bit of mod's ( tires, roof rack, lift ) for $2500.00 nice looking shape and hit
them an email within 4 hours and they took ad down? Most likely a mistake but
have not seen it relisted.

Found a 2006 Sport w/120K asking $8700.00 looks like a nice candidate with lots
of service work requirements taken care of and one owner, but he has only had it
out for sale for 2 weeks and sitting, my max on that unit would be $7500.00 if it
checks out? Also found a 2002 160K for $4200.00 but a bit aged for my needs,
but I do like the body style of this period.

My guess with the used market in the 10K price range and above from private sellers
is financing. Banks are not interested in decent rates for this breed of auto ( 5-7% ) is
what I have found available on my limited search. Most of the private sellers I have been
monitoring are lowering their asking prices after a month of sitting for sale and especially
those with 160K miles or higher.

Sorry for the delay in keeping the thread up, tis the season for replacing firewood and
outdoor activities are ramping up, besides work getting in the way of the search.

LMS

 

[ac1617]

Low mileage 4th gens are getting harder to find. Recently picked up a 2007 V8 with 138k kms (85k miles) up here in Canada and paid a hefty premium.. $17.5k. Pretty pricey but low mileage examples sell within hours here

 

[Last Man Standing]

Low mileage 4th gens are getting harder to find. Recently picked up a 2007 V8 with 138k kms (85k miles) up here in Canada and paid a hefty premium.. $17.5k. Pretty pricey but low mileage examples sell within hours here

Thanks ac1617!

Appreciate the market info in your area.
I did see one 2006 on Ebay 60K miles sell for 15,900.00 US
My only concern with that is they are sitting not being used
and that has it's service issues as well. How's it preform for
you in the winter months in your neck of the woods? Where
about are you in Canada?

LMS