Purchase Advice 4th gen V8 SR5

[Chupto]

Hey guys-

Looking at buying this beast: 2003 Toyota 4Runner | KDK Auto Brokers Inc. | Brunswick, OH

Seems to run well and is clean, yet the mileage is worrisome. I think it will need at least a timing belt in the very near future. Other than that, I miss having a runner for the pup.

Troubling part is I heard bad things about the dealership and then they offered me a purchase of the "Preferred Warranties" aftermarket warranty for $1,500. That's a scam warranty, so I walked away and said I would call today.

Price is at for $6,900 out the door without the warranty. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[GrampsT4R]

Get it checked out by a mechanic you trust. See what he says.

You could stick that $1500 in an interest bearing account and hold it as your own "warranty" against any repairs down the road and probably be ok.

It's always a gamble on the higher mileage vehicles.

If you trust their mechanic, they may give you a discount on the timing belt job.

 

[ARunner]

Not a bad price at all if it's clean and mechanically checks out. Timing belt would be a good idea. In your neck of the woods, corrosion may be an issue. However, that may be why it's priced as it is. Down here in the south I would expect the vehicle, if no rust issues, to be worth about $2k more.

 

[Chupto]

Thank you

I'm going to try to negotiate and see what happens. I'll post again if I actually purchase. You guys rock!

 

[WI_4Runner]

Do the normal stuff, ie carfax it, take it to an independent mechanic and have a buyers inspection done, sleep on it for a night or two.

Don't ignore your gut feeling though. If it ain't right, walk away and keep searching. Took me a while, but am happy as I ended up with a great vehicle. I looked at dozens of 4Runners, and never liked the ones from the smaller auto brokers who buy all their cars via auctions. May work for some, but I wanted (and was rewarded with) a local one owner from a reputable dealership. Was not against buying private party, but the right one popped up and I sprung after searching hard for 6 months.

 

[Atlanta_man]

special attention to the 4wd on/off actuators

price and pictures sound and look good

one owner is also super good (especially if you can track them down for a few questions)

 

[Chupto]

Thanks

Ended up buying the T4R. Now I'm scheduling some basic maintenance. They're doing the timing belt and water pump for $300.

Do you think a transmission flush is in order?

 

[M1911]

Ended up buying the T4R. Now I'm scheduling some basic maintenance. They're doing the timing belt and water pump for $300.

That's quite a bargain.

Do you think a transmission flush is in order?

Different people have different views on this. I had the transmission fluid replaced on my '03.

 

[Threev8s]

Ended up buying the T4R. Now I'm scheduling some basic maintenance. They're doing the timing belt and water pump for $300.

Do you think a transmission flush is in order?

Congrats!

As far as the trans, I would do a drain and fill. A flush could be risky with that many miles. Also, since it's an '03 it is most likely not WS trans fluid and not horribly expensive.

 

[delz05]

Curious.... are they doing timing belt and pump (a 800.00 to 1200.00 job) or a drive belt (serpentine) and water pump (about a 300.00 job)?

Make sure it is clear...

Trans fluid should be Toyota type 4, (about 6 qts with filter and gasket) rear end is 75w90 synthetic (about 3 qts) and 2 more for the front. Don't forget new crush washers for the rear and front fill/drain plugs...

 

[Chupto]

Thanks for all of your input guys!

Delz- They are doing a timing belt and water pump change for $300, I put that in the writing. I knew the vehicle had issues and pretty much just wanted it.

I took it to a reputable dealer yesterday, Summit Toyota in Akron, and Ian was my mechanic. He did a great job, and showed me the issues:

1) Tranny looked great - don't touch it or the fluid
2) Power Steering was brown/black sludge - flushed
3) humming noise was the right wheel bearing - I replaced it, watched how he did it, got pointers, and will change the left myself

Overall, the shop thought it was a great truck and said the previous owner took outstanding care of it.

I'm going to love this forum!