Planing on purchasing a 2004 4runner SR5

[notfromtheuk]

I'm looking at purchasing a 2004 SR5 v8 with 157kms on it for $12k. The vehicle is in great shape cosmetically, and was well taken care of. I'm buying a well reviewed, but new to me, used car dealership. It is far from home and I wasn't able to get my mechanic to come out and look at it. I took it for a test drive and everything worked and ran smoothly. The only issue I had, which I brought up to the dealership was an issue I had while trying out the 4lo feature. It wouldn't shift into 4lo, it would just flash on the dash and make a warning sound when I switch into drive. I brought the issue up to the dealer and they said they would repair it. Speaking with them, they told me that they needed to replace the transfer case and that they would do it at their cost.

Should I be concerned at all or should I continue the purchase pending the fact that it operates properly? Any help/advice would be great. This will be my first 4runner and I want to make sure I'm getting something that will last me many years.

 

[28.]

If they replace it Im all for giving it another test drive and going for it if the price seems fair to you. Not sure if thats not too much in Canada but a decent 04 4WD can be found for about 8 or 9 thousand around here depending on mileage and condition..

 

[notfromtheuk]

I think 4runners go for a bit more up here in Canada, or maybe its because they're rarer. Regardless, there isn't much in my price range. I'm getting a base model, but it has 30,000kms less than most in this area. I have the option of going higher milage (180-200,000kms) for the same price and getting things like leather seats and better sound. But i'm not sure thats worth it.

To be honest I'm having doubts regardless now of purchasing an older 4runner. I'm wondering if it'd be wise to wait a few years and get a 5th gen used. Just can't help but think about the crazy adventures I'd miss out on.

 

[derekdevasia]

I wasn't aware of the price difference being that huge. I bought my 04 4runner sr. v8 back in 2011, when it had 79 thousand miles on it, for 13,200 from a dealership.

 

[notfromtheuk]

The Canadian auto market is a fraction of the US hence speciality vehicles like the 4runner are harder to find. I noticed the same thing when I was looking at FJs.

 

[fdbyrne]

There's probably also a difference just because of the conversion rate between American Dollars and Canadian Dollars. $9000 American is just shy of $11,000 Canadian based on today's exchange rate.

Then again I don't get out of the country much so maybe I'm completely mistaken.

 

[notfromtheuk]

There's probably also a difference just because of the conversion rate between American Dollars and Canadian Dollars. $9000 American is just shy of $11,000 Canadian based on today's exchange rate.

Then again I don't get out of the country much so maybe I'm completely mistaken.

You're right. I didn't account for that but it would make complete sense. Duties/Import Fees are another area where we may get hit. I know when purchasing things like electronics etc from the states, there's usually a significant price difference.

Anyways, I've done my fair share of research in terms of 4runners for sale in my area and I'm getting an alright deal.