Replacement 4Runner

[StaccySpeck]

Hello, I crashed my 2000 4Runner and would like to replace it with another 4Runner.

I am looking at this 2002 4Runner. 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD ! JUST IN ! LEATHER ! MOON ! TOW ! CLEAN !

Is there anything about the 2002 or this model to look closely at? What do you think about the price?

Thanks

 

[4runnerHokie]

Hello, I crashed my 2000 4Runner and would like to replace it with another 4Runner.

I am looking at this 2002 4Runner. 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD ! JUST IN ! LEATHER ! MOON ! TOW ! CLEAN !

Is there anything about the 2002 or this model to look closely at? What do you think about the price?

Thanks

I dont know about your specific market, but that is a bit overpriced here. It has the positives of having leather and being a sport edition, but miles are higher than most at that price. Also, I hate the thought of buying from used dealerships, but thats up to you

 

[96LTDrus]

I am likewise always leery of used car lots. I'd check it over thoroughly for rust, as well as check the condition of ball joints, status of the timing belt history if available, rear axle seals. The advantage of buying trucks from forum members (at least some forum members) is that they're well aware of the maintenance and common issues and have taken care of them. For any non-enthusiast owned (or meticulous older owner that takes it to the dealer religiously) 3rd gen, I'd just budget for all of the standard maintenance and issues to bring it to a 'baseline' level.

I'd say prioritize finding a rust free truck and be willing to drive/fly out of state to get it. It'll pay dividends later, all the other mechanical stuff isn't that hard to catch up on.

EDIT: pretty obvious the truck's been given a once over with flat black paint on the hitch and probably inside the wheelwells. However you can see some rust stains on the paint coming from the rear wiper. This indicates to me that the truck will have some pretty serious, but not necessarily structural rust on the frame and body underneath.

 

[StaccySpeck]

I am with you on the used car lots. I also noticed the spray paint and streaking. I would fly out to buy one if I had someone on the ground inspect it first.

Thanks

 

[azcat90]

Frame rust?

Check real close for frame rust esp around the rear control arms, check that the coolant did not mix with the ATF, make sure rear axle seals are good and make sure they have the master key.

 

[Road Bull]

The rear hatch pic: Seems to be a fair amount of rust in the latch area at the bottom where the rear hatch locks. Check that out thoroughly. And check underneath for rust on the frame. Be suspicious of new paint underneath. Maybe test drive it to Autozone, O"Reilly's, or similar, and plug their scanner into the vehicle to see if it is throwing any codes. Good luck!