Question about buying 2003 4r

[Mongoose272]

http://www.ksl.com/emedia/its/slc/633/63302/6330277.jpg?filter=ksl/gallery3

I can get it for 14,000.
It has 85,000 miles on it, a 2003, V8, leather, SR5
Really good condition all around.
Looks like a good deal, any input from you guys out there?

I was looking to spend under 12,000 for my first 4runner, maybe get a 2001, but I saw this one went out to drive it, and looked real nice.
Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Not too bad. Deals are out there though. I just picked up a 03 limted 4x4, fully loaded, 123k miles, for $11500. You may have to look at one with more miles, but you can definitely get one in your price range. That's not a bad deal on that one I don't think, I'm just saying that if you're set on the 12k budget you can still find a 4th gen for it.

 

[Mongoose272]

Not too bad. Deals are out there though. I just picked up a 03 limted 4x4, fully loaded, 123k miles, for $11500. You may have to look at one with more miles, but you can definitely get one in your price range. That's not a bad deal on that one I don't think, I'm just saying that if you're set on the 12k budget you can still find a 4th gen for it.

Yea, thats a nice one you got there. I suppose I could keep looking and shouldn't rush out there just yet! But man, it gets exciting when you get close.
Any drawbacks to getting the plastic gray trim around the wheels, or is it just for looks? Also, SWAMP, is yours a v8?
Thx

 

[jharris2]

Any drawbacks to getting the plastic gray trim around the wheels, or is it just for looks?

The gray cladding shows that it is an early model 2003... it was updated midyear to the color-keyed cladding.

Mine has it and I like it -- easy to clean, bugs come right off. But some folks have reported that theirs has faded. I keep a coat of 303 on it and it seems to help.

I doubt that the cladding affects the resale value, but it may be an angle to try to negotiate the price down.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

The cladding has it's advantages, but I prefer the color keyed ones. Mine is a v8. Like I said, I don't believe this one is a bad deal if you've got the money. I was in the same boat, I had a 12k max budget. I almost settled for a 3rd gen, but the guys on here kept on me saying I could get a 4th gen with patience. Turns out they were right, and I couldn't be happier. I've not seen many loaded like mine for under $12k, but I have found quite a few that were in that price range.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Save up for a timing belt on the V8. The recommended change is 90k or 72 months whichever comes first.

 

[borgzman]

Save up for a timing belt on the V8. The recommended change is 90k or 72 months whichever comes first.

Good reminder...

and, can you not ask the seller to drop the price? because you will be spending for Timing Belt replacement and a new Water Pump in months.

 

[toyota4life1]

Same

I have the same exact 4runner with a couple mods on it, and I picked up my
4runner for 11,700 and it had only 79,500mi. But if its in good condition you should be fine. Looks nice!

 

[elemint]

I would offer $10k. The prices will fall hard once the new model is available.