Opinions on buying a 4Runner.

[RogueYota]

I went and test drove an '01 Limited Green w/ tan leather interior. It has 240k miles with documentation of a motor rebuild at 210k miles. It has new balljoints, tie rods, water pump and timing belt were done at 210k with the rebuild. Flowmaster exhaust, 3" lift, new Falken Wildpeak AT tires and some cheapo wheels, HIDs, blah blah blah.

I'd give the interior 7/10 and the exterior 8/10.

I really liked how it drove and everything worked as it should but it had a shimmy in the steering wheel between 50 and 60 mph. The owner said he thought it was a tire out of balance. It tracks straight and alignment seems dead on. The valve cover gaskets were also leaking, passenger side was seeping onto the manifold and I could smell oil burning when I got out of the truck. It started up great, idles perfect, and doesn't' seem to be down on power.

The guy is asking $5,500.00 for it. It seems like a decent deal, but the truck does have a lot of miles and the issues I noted. Thoughts?

 

[Jc12]

PNW is an expensive region but that truck is only worth 3-3500. I would say you either throw an offer at him (not 5500) or keep looking. You can definitely find a lower mileage unit in 8-9/10 condition for less.

What is your budget?

 

[JBurt]

Leaking valve covers 30k after a rebuild would have me skeptical about the rebuild. If they didn't tighten the valve cover bolts what else might they have left loose. Is there a warranty on the rebuild? If so is it transferable?

I haven't heard much good about rebuilt 5vz's. I would really want to find out more about what they did.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Leaking valve covers 30k after a rebuild would have me skeptical about the rebuild. If they didn't tighten the valve cover bolts what else might they have left loose. Is there a warranty on the rebuild? If so is it transferable?

I haven't heard much good about rebuilt 5vz's. I would really want to find out more about what they did.

This is exactly what I thought when I read that. Do they have receipts?

 

[RogueYota]

PNW is an expensive region but that truck is only worth 3-3500. I would say you either throw an offer at him (not 5500) or keep looking. You can definitely find a lower mileage unit in 8-9/10 condition for less.

What is your budget?

I appreciate the responses. My gut says avoid it and get one with lower miles and less questions.

My budget is around 8k.

 

[BlackCat914]

Leaking valve covers 30k after a rebuild would have me skeptical about the rebuild. If they didn't tighten the valve cover bolts what else might they have left loose. Is there a warranty on the rebuild? If so is it transferable?

I haven't heard much good about rebuilt 5vz's. I would really want to find out more about what they did.

I did my valve cover gaskets and had to retighten the bolts like 6 months later. Those damn things never stay tight.

 

[mxer]

Seems like a redonkulous price.

 

[Supermoney]

Confirmed insane price.

4Runners that are in really good condition with over 200k+ usually go for $3000-3500.

 

[RogueYota]

4 runners are priced a bit more expensive out here where I live, but after doing more research I agree that 5,500 is a bit much. The NADA value is around 4k.

 

[Seattle_SR5]

Confirmed insane price.

4Runners that are in really good condition with over 200k+ usually go for $3000-3500.

Not in the PNW. "Average" 3rd generation 4Runners with over 200k can easily go for $5k and up. Maybe it's because our region doesn't have the salt-induced rust issues that are present in other parts of the country?

Examples:

*********2001 Toyota 4Runner**************

*********2001 Toyota 4Runner**************

1998 Toyota 4Runner - Clean title - 4X4 - 2nd owner

 

[I-4x4]

The guy is asking $5,500.00 for it. It seems like a decent deal, but the truck does have a lot of miles and the issues I noted. Thoughts?

I think passing on that one is the better move. Not worth paying over blue book for something that may end up having problems all the time.

I looked at a 2003 when I was shopping for mine. 83k and it wasn't over blue book. That said, the clear coat was peeling, the undercarriage was really rusted and the brakes had abnormal issues. In short, one has to be carefuel not to buy a bunch of problems.

 

[mxer]

Not in the PNW. "Average" 3rd generation 4Runners with over 200k can easily go for $5k and up. Maybe it's because our region doesn't have the salt-induced rust issues that are present in other parts of the country?

Examples:

*********2001 Toyota 4Runner**************

*********2001 Toyota 4Runner**************

1998 Toyota 4Runner - Clean title - 4X4 - 2nd owner

They are probably even more in demand in CO and I agree it's a crap price. What people are asking and what they actually get are 2 different things. It seems the typical 4runner owner thinks their truck is worth it's weight in gold or they throw out some insane price then say OBO .

 

[Brilliant]

Not in the PNW. "Average" 3rd generation 4Runners with over 200k can easily go for $5k and up. Maybe it's because our region doesn't have the salt-induced rust issues that are present in other parts of the country?

Examples:

*********2001 Toyota 4Runner**************

*********2001 Toyota 4Runner**************

1998 Toyota 4Runner - Clean title - 4X4 - 2nd owner

I'd agree. Citing out of market price for the truck doesn't make sense. At 3500 your at about a running moderatly clean import anything I'd think.

 

[Ol'Blue]

Remember,

Anything is worth what someone is going to pay for it. NADA and KBB etc are just pricing points period. If you are looking for a really clean 4Runner in the PNW you are going to pay more for it period. Supply and demand. Any 3rd Gen is going to need something. So my advice have a dollar amount that you are willing to spend on repairs on anything you buy. If it is over that then find something else.

I put a little money into my 99 Limited and it was not pretty when I bought it but all the service records were there and it was other than that very solid. Granted I stole it from the owner because he had no idea what he had.

Blue