Potential purchase...what should I pay?

[Trialrun]

Good Afternoon All,

So I’m making the transition from the Land Rover world as I’m tired of always having to fix these things on a weekly/monthly basis and would rather spend more time enjoying my rigs.

I’ve gone through the buyer’s guide and have spent multiple hours on the forums reading through threads and over-thinking things as I’ve been known to do prior to a “new to me” vehicle purchase.

Originally I started my search for a 99-00 4runner sport or limited just based on the options and I do like a good trail ride every now and then, but have expanded my search to the 01-02 as I can always add in a rear locker later down the road.

Living in New England, everything is a complete rust bucket, however I was able to source a 2001 SR5 in Thundercloud metallic (exact color I wanted) in Maryland, although it’s not the limited or sport I wanted, it seems to fit my needs less the rear locker. It has a clear car fax, I obtained photos of the undercarriage and there is little to no surface rust, OME lift installed 9k miles ago and duratracs, timing below and water pump at 71k miles, no accidents, all the maintenance records from this owner and the 1st owner, manual, both key fobs, garage kept, rear axle rebuilt by the dealer

I’ve been in communications with the seller and am looking to make the drive down this Sunday to inspect and test drive the rig.

My question to the gurus is what I should pay where both the seller is content and I’m not over paying for what I‘m getting?

Here is the CL ad ( I also have some more photos from the seller) 2001 Toyota 4Runner (two owner, low miles, garage kept)

Your input is much appreciated

Cheers
Chris

 

[jgue467]

...
My question to the gurus is what I should pay where both the seller is content and I’m not over paying for what I‘m getting?

For that super well taken care of machine, I'd offer $7k. And I'd be running to it now...

 

[KidVermicious]

$7500 seems a little steep, but maybe not if it's seriously clean, and if a seriously clean vehicle is worth that to you. You'll be looking at a minimum of $400-$500 extra if you retrofit a used elocker, much more if you go with an ARB.

Why did it need a rear axle rebuild?

 

[Trialrun]

this was the sellers response to me regarding the rear axle:

Timing belt was done at 71K (see attached photo) and will not need done again until 140-150K. Ball joints are still good (and tight). I had them go over the ENTIRE suspension when they installed the lift and told them to replace anything that was worn. They found a leaking axle seal and it needed rear brakes so the entire rear axle was rebuilt at the time of the lift install (for an additional $1200.00...ouch).

 

[Sisente]

That looks like a clean ride. Tires alone are about 1K

 

[gamefreakgc]

Rear axle seals are common. There was a design flaw in the original seals causing them to fail (regardless of the state of the bearings). Ask me how I know, I just did another last week.

 

[ajonesnv]

I'd pay what he asks.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I'd pay what he asks.

True, if you really like it and mess around with low-balling him someone else is going to get it.

For my rig, I paid full price and had to contact the seller within hours of his posting. He said he had many other offers pending if I didn't want it but he gave me first look since I wasn't trying to get him to lower the price.

 

[96LTDrus]

Honestly, I'd say that asking price is perfectly fair, especially considering the lift and tires, but moreso just looking at the condition of things and judging by the tone of the seller and the maintenance records.

 

[jeremyc74]

He can get what he's asking all day long. If he'd advertised that truck on this forum it would already be sold. That's a nice example, and if you're OK without the e-locker you better jump on it because if you don't, someone else will. :spy:

 

[Trialrun]

so the sad news is he just reached back out to me and said he has a local guy coming first thing in the morning with cash for his asking price if the rig checks out. :fear:

Guess I just cross my fingers, hope that falls through and it's still available for me to make the drive down on Sunday morning to make the purchase

 

[jeremyc74]

so the sad news is he just reached back out to me and said he has a local guy coming first thing in the morning with cash for his asking price if the rig checks out. :fear:

Guess I just cross my fingers, hope that falls through and it's still available for me to make the drive down on Sunday morning to make the purchase

That sucks. These things are getting extremely hard to find in good shape with less than 150k miles on them. They go quick. One popped up on CL here a while back and I saw it around 10am and was going to post it here. Before I could post the thread the ad was taken down.

 

[cajunboy]

i bought 2001 black 4x4 a month ago at 8k with 146k miles. As soon you see the color, trim and condition you like, jump on it. I have seen cheaper cars when i was searching but if its not black or not 4x4, i didn't want it.

 

[jeremyc74]

Here's a decent looking one for someone who's willing to travel. Higher miles, but cheaper, and it's in FL.

2001 Toyota 4Runner

 

[gamefreakgc]

so the sad news is he just reached back out to me and said he has a local guy coming first thing in the morning with cash for his asking price if the rig checks out. :fear:

Guess I just cross my fingers, hope that falls through and it's still available for me to make the drive down on Sunday morning to make the purchase

Aww, yeah that what I figured might happen. If you're not the first one to contact and get there then it's gone. Sorry bro, maybe another will show up soon!

 

[Trialrun]

Lesson learned, i'm sure something will pop up that fits the bill. Now I know to call in sick to work and haul a$$ out there when the right rig comes along.