Potentially buying my first car ever today. A used 4th Gen 4Runner. Help?!

[Dylan]

Dude, that White V8 looks like a good one to check out though. It's like mine, except a limited. For a comparison, I bought my SR5 V8 with 147k miles for $10k. That one has about 30k less miles, limited package (leather, sunroof, etc) for only $1k more. I would go check that one out. Look at the under carriage, check the frame for rust. The hitch doesn't have any flaking, peeling or visible rust, which is usually an indicator if it does not have rust elsewhere, but not always.

Man, I would be peeping that one so fast. :rockon:

 

[njfastlife]

Dude, that White V8 looks like a good one to check out though. It's like mine, except a limited. For a comparison, I bought my SR5 V8 with 147k miles for $10k. That one has about 30k less miles, limited package (leather, sunroof, etc) for only $1k more. I would go check that one out. Look at the under carriage, check the frame for rust. The hitch doesn't have any flaking, peeling or visible rust, which is usually an indicator if it does not have rust elsewhere, but not always.

Man, I would be peeping that one so fast. :rockon:

Seeing it Sunday. Will update thread with pics.

 

[RPS13]

I feel like you missed the point of discrepancy in miles. Yes for the price and claimed miles its a steal, but as someone pointed out if it's too good to be true it usually is. Not asking for a brand new car and multiple history records. Just some. And for the owner to push off any other blue collar mechanic to look it over is an automatic flag. Dealerships screw people over, hoping the general population of private sellers doesn't as well. Also as stated the OP isnt a backyard mechanic so,the last thing he needs is a vehicle with fraudulent miles and service history. Just trying to help him out so this deal doesn't give him a bad taste in his mouth about the vehicle if in fact Its a lemon from the seller.

You guys completely missed MY point.

I never said he should blindly buy the vehicle even though it's got dodgy mileage history.

But the PPI thing for a used vehicle that's pretty old but drives ok is going to tell you... 99% of the time nothing. If the thing runs, it runs. They're going to put it up on a lift and look for something blatantly wrong (majorly leaking fluids, torn something etc.). The pics he posted show none of that.

So what else is the mechanic going to do??? Take the engine apart and report wear levels?


I've done dozens upon dozens of PPI-level inspections on lots of cars. It's basically a "jiggle wheels to make sure suspension is ok, glance at brake pads, glance at undercarriage." Done.

He's already done most of that. Hence I say don't bother with a PPI. It won't reveal anything you won't already know 99% of the time if you're willing to glance underneath the vehicle and test drive it.


The mileage thing is a separate issue - when you buy the car you buy the issue. Up to the OP to determine if he's cool with that.

 

[Dylan]

It's basically a "jiggle wheels to make sure suspension is ok, glance at brake pads, glance at undercarriage." Done.

To your point, it reinforces how disturbing it would be that the owner wouldn't allow for this simple, seemingly useless procedure to be done, no? I know what you're saying though. The PPI may not turn up anything, but the fact that the owner wont allow it to be performed tells a story.

 

[RPS13]

To your point, it reinforces how disturbing it would be that the owner wouldn't allow for this simple, seemingly useless procedure to be done, no? I know what you're saying though. The PPI may not turn up anything, but the fact that the owner wont allow it to be performed tells a story.

It honestly just sounds like an old guy that doesn't want to take the time to mess with it. Maybe there's something crazy going on, but most likely not if it drives ok.

Again, the PPI thing for "straight forward daily driver transportation" is somewhat of a newer thing. The old guy is probably wondering what the angle is, and if the OP is going to want to barter further on price when the mechanic says the rear tires are at 6/32". (i.e. taking a "fair" purchase price of a used vehicle then nickel and diming little things off that price that are already included in the general valuation)



OP, I think you'd be more comfortable buying a vehicle from a dealer from what you're posting on here.

 

[rich045]

It honestly just sounds like an old guy that doesn't want to take the time to mess with it. Maybe there's something crazy going on, but most likely not if it drives ok.

Again, the PPI thing for "straight forward daily driver transportation" is somewhat of a newer thing. The old guy is probably wondering what the angle is, and if the OP is going to want to barter further on price when the mechanic says the rear tires are at 6/32". (i.e. taking a "fair" purchase price of a used vehicle then nickel and diming little things off that price that are already included in the general valuation)



OP, I think you'd be more comfortable buying a vehicle from a dealer from what you're posting on here.

i agree with you, also he said "the wife" aka BOSS didnt want to bother with a PPI, so if the wife was cool with it, the old man would've been ok with it? thats what i understood.

 

[njfastlife]

It honestly just sounds like an old guy that doesn't want to take the time to mess with it. Maybe there's something crazy going on, but most likely not if it drives ok.

Again, the PPI thing for "straight forward daily driver transportation" is somewhat of a newer thing. The old guy is probably wondering what the angle is, and if the OP is going to want to barter further on price when the mechanic says the rear tires are at 6/32". (i.e. taking a "fair" purchase price of a used vehicle then nickel and diming little things off that price that are already included in the general valuation)



OP, I think you'd be more comfortable buying a vehicle from a dealer from what you're posting on here.

i agree with you, also he said "the wife" aka BOSS didnt want to bother with a PPI, so if the wife was cool with it, the old man would've been ok with it? thats what i understood.

I'm not disagreeing with either of you. I wish I knew slightly more about the vehicle in order to make at least a half informed decision.

The guy did seem legit. Very nice dude.

Do we have any long standing CT members here that might be willing to take a look (he's in New Haven).

I'd buy lunch, beers, pay $200. Whatever.

 

[Dylan]

i agree with you, also he said "the wife" aka BOSS didnt want to bother with a PPI, so if the wife was cool with it, the old man would've been ok with it? thats what i understood.

These people sound like boneheads honestly, but oh well. They are trying to make a sale yet not being helpful. Its not unusual (cue the Tom Jones) to have an inspection like this before a such a large purchase. Either way, OP...I would just wait til Sunday for that white V8.

 

[RPS13]

I'm not disagreeing with either of you. I wish I knew slightly more about the vehicle in order to make at least a half informed decision.

The guy did seem legit. Very nice dude.

Do we have any long standing CT members here that might be willing to take a look (he's in New Haven).

I'd buy lunch, beers, pay $200. Whatever.

Wait... you haven't even looked at the car in person?

 

[njfastlife]

Wait... you haven't even looked at the car in person?

no, i did this week. drove 3 hours round trip to do so.

he seemed open to the PPI in person, but then over the phone afterwards he retracted.

i was half joking but if anyone was in the direct vicinity (West Haven, CT) that knows about cars (since I know very little) and wanted to give me another opinion, i would pay for their time.

in my heart i don't think the guy was trying to get over on me. but my brain tells me to let it go - unless i had another opinion.

sidenote: i really appreciate all the advice, insight, etc. here. as you can tell i'm not only a noob to the 4Runner world, but really cars in general. i'd like to grab a solid and reliable truck (around my $15k budget) and learn about cars in the process. seems this is the place to be to help me with both. so thanks again.





UPDATE:

setting up a time to go see the other vehicle tomorrow. where do you guys typically like to meet? i guess just the most public place available with some free space?

supermarket/mall parking lots, etc.

i also ask for VIN to run the service check/Carfax - also declines "until i see it". i suppose that is reasonable, right?

as i proceed through this process, i can't help but think how helpful a "Craigslist Tutorial" thread would be.

 

[earthrealm]

watching and learing..interesting thread.

 

[RPS13]

The VIN should be given before you see the car. If someone doesn't provide it ahead of time, I'm betting it has a salvage title.

Just meet in a public place, bring a flashlight to look around for fluid leaks.


IMO, I've sold cars off craigslist (where it sounds like you're finding these) because I make professional looking ads and clearly describe the condition of the car. But most of the ads/sellers of cars on there are flaky. I tend to buy off Autotrader most often because it requires a little bit of money to list the car. The quality therefore tends to be a little higher.

But it also scares off a lot of private party sellers due to that.

 

[ben550]

[MENTION=129601]njfastlife[/MENTION]

What's the latest update? Did you look at any more?

 

[njfastlife]

[MENTION=129601]njfastlife[/MENTION]

What's the latest update? Did you look at any more?

Not yet. A real lack of inventory for what I'm looking for. 2005+ (pref 2006+), 4wd, ~100k miles, ~$15k.

 

[njfastlife]

Thinking out loud here but am starting to wonder if the chips are inherently stacked against me from the gate.

Think about it. The 4Runner is an extremely popular vehicle. They sell sometimes instantaneously after being listed. Many people buying used 4Runners know how to turn a wrench (I don't) and might not even need to bother the seller with a PPI.

Now I come along knowing nothing, wanting validation from the forum AND a PPI. The time wasted there alone might result in me losing a good vehicle.

So that brings me to my question: what is THE most efficient way of getting a PPI (private party or dealer) quickly assuming one doesn't know/have a mechanic and/or the vehicle isn't local? One of those travelling services?

 

[BillyBoost]

Look forward to seeing what you end up getting. You are asking all the right questions. I am the one form vw vortex forum that sent you to this forum.

Bill

 

[bdubbin]

...You are asking all the right questions. I am the one form vw vortex forum that sent you to this forum.

Bill

Good people! I came from vwvortex, too!

Thinking out loud here but am starting to wonder if the chips are inherently stacked against me from the gate...

Yes, you're right. You will lose out to the expert mechanic and those willing to risk not getting their purchase inspected.

It's a bit like the project management triangle of scope/time, cost, quality. Changing any input affects any one or both of the other inputs.

To get around your problem you have 4 choices: 1) pay more (cost) 2) risk a bad purchase (quality) 3) spend more time looking or 4) settle for less vehicle for your money (scope/time). Maybe there's more but that's the analogy I used.

So while I agree you're not in the best position to purchase a great vehicle at rock bottom price, you're positioning yourself to get solid value.

I recommend being patient and working through the process you've already identified. I did the same with my 4Runner but I cheated a little. I increased my cost parameter by $700 and broadened my scope (increased my color options) before I closed on my 4Runner.

Best of luck to you!!! This is an exciting time in your life! Enjoy it!

 

[ben550]

So that brings me to my question: what is THE most efficient way of getting a PPI (private party or dealer) quickly assuming one doesn't know/have a mechanic and/or the vehicle isn't local? One of those travelling services?

When you find your next potential buy, do not go to their house. Ask to meet at a Toyota Dealership close to their location. Schedule a PPI with the dealer for the time you are meeting them. Meet the seller at the dealer, look it over, test drive it, and if you are interested run it through the inspection. If it passes to your liking, buy it. That eliminates them having to go to an unknown mechanic, and most sellers/drivers are not afraid of having a dealer look at their vehicle...

That is what I do. I don't ever go to the seller's location. I always suggest a dealer for whatever make of car I am looking at.

 

[njfastlife]

Can someone put a second set of eyes on this truck? Full service history but multiple "front and rear axle" entries.


VIN: JTEBU14R08K001608

2008 SR5, 70K miles, dealer asking $18,927

I'm also looking at a 2004 Limited. All records, 1 owner (but only 4 spd automatic)

Asking $12,995

VIN: JTEBU17R548015118

THANKS!!

 

[robaroni]

Can someone put a second set of eyes on this truck? Full service history but multiple "front and rear axle" entries.


VIN: JTEBU14R08K001608

2008 SR5, 70K miles, dealer asking $18,927

I'm also looking at a 2004 Limited. All records, 1 owner (but only 4 spd automatic)

Asking $12,995

VIN: JTEBU17R548015118

THANKS!!

Looks good to me. Seems like the owner was conscientious about servicing the vehicle. Looks like some brake maintenance front and rear.