Round Two...'02 4Runner

[T4RBoarder]

Hey guys,

Found another 4Runner that I am planning to go take a look at today. It's an '02 Sport Edition with 135k miles on it. One owner, maintenance records, seems to be in good condition from the pictures BUT the auto check shows an accident (report attached) and they are asking $8k for it. Reading that report should I even bother? I noticed in the pics the badges are incorrect so I'm wondering if they were removed for some paint of if it was major work. Overall opinions/guidance welcome!

https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4653706842.html

Thanks guys!

 

[americancliche]

I wouldnt pay 8K for it. We got our 02' for 5500. It was in excellent condition, I mean immaculate. The only real point of contention was that the frame had 202K Miles on it, but the engine had 135K due to an engine swap at 130K on the original. But 2500 Less than what youre seeing, for similar miles in immaculate condition.

 

[VolcanoT4R]

That is exactly the 4Runner I am looking for, just can't afford to pull the trigger right now. I would at least call about it. Test drive it. Offer $6000 (or less) since it has been in two accidents. All the seller can say is "no" and you can walk away and continue searching for your white whale.

 

[T4RBoarder]

I drove it tonight, it was very nice, had full history from when new. Accident one was the one I listed earlier, the other was another rear ending from merging on the highway. I attached the receipts from the body shops if anyone can decipher all the parts listed. Doesn't seem like much damage was done in either situation, all parts at the rear are still stamped with Toyota as well so it looks like they used original parts too. There was some typical underbody rust but it seems a lot better than the others I've looked at and the body was nearly flawless except for a few chips/dings and a chipped windshield. Overall I think this is a very nice vehicle but the price is definitely too high, I was thinking $6k but wasn't sure and he'll probably think that is insulting?

 

[threadlessclimber]

Don't be afraid to look outside of your geographic region. It is a lot easier to prevent rust then it is to deal with it once it has started. You may find one without rust for less money. I live in NH and traveled to S. Carolina to buy mine. With plane ticket and gas--I paid similar amounts to what I would have paid regionally but I don't have the worry about tackling any rust that was already there.

 

[S2KMR]

I drove it tonight, it was very nice, had full history from when new. Accident one was the one I listed earlier, the other was another rear ending from merging on the highway. I attached the receipts from the body shops if anyone can decipher all the parts listed. Doesn't seem like much damage was done in either situation, all parts at the rear are still stamped with Toyota as well so it looks like they used original parts too. There was some typical underbody rust but it seems a lot better than the others I've looked at and the body was nearly flawless except for a few chips/dings and a chipped windshield. Overall I think this is a very nice vehicle but the price is definitely too high, I was thinking $6k but wasn't sure and he'll probably think that is insulting?]

6k is very reasonable. I picked up 01 limited with 149k, no accident with vin# on every panel for 5k, car is in mint condition, and spend about 1k to get all fluids, belts, bushing, and all plugs and wire replaced. This is my 2nd 3rd gen t4r.

 

[jgue467]

...BUT the auto check shows an accident (report attached)...

https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4653706842.html

Actually is shows 2 accidents. The attached doco covers one of them although its damage scale is only a 3 out of 5, so minor on that one. I'd drive it if its nearby, that will tell you many things. Don't know what the going price is for runners in your area but 8k isn't too bad in central texas IF, big if the chassis is rust free, so don't forget to look under her skirt (that's the first place I'd look Before driving it), ask for pics....Luck!

 

[Hepar]

With the accidents and rust, I wouldn't pay anything over $6k for it. Low mileage to me means squat when there's 200k of rust on it.

 

[wake_rider]

That underbody looks pretty badly rusted, and the paint work looks a little like MAACO quality (not very good), to be honest.

Even at $5500, I don't know that I would buy this car. I think with a little more searching, you can probably find a much better fit with less history for an even better price.

 

[THatfield]

Lord have mercy look at that underbody.

I'd look down south. Even Kentucky is better than the land of Salt and Brine (Thanks ODOT!). I got lucky with mine. Was undercoated at purchase so the undercarriage is clean. I looked at several before I bought mine and it is extremely hard to find one that isn't looking a little scary.

If you were to make an offer, $6k is reasonable IMO. It's been in 2 accidents and is rusty underneath.

Let me know if you pick up a 4R. there's a couple of us in the 614. :rockon:

 

[BlackCat914]

Offer what you're comfortable with paying. Don't worry about insulting him, you're trying to buy a car, not make friends. A few weeks down the road you don't want to be like, "man, I wonder if I could've picked it up cheaper, but golly gee the guy sure thought I was nice!"

 

[T4RBoarder]

Lord have mercy look at that underbody.

I'd look down south. Even Kentucky is better than the land of Salt and Brine (Thanks ODOT!). I got lucky with mine. Was undercoated at purchase so the undercarriage is clean. I looked at several before I bought mine and it is extremely hard to find one that isn't looking a little scary.

If you were to make an offer, $6k is reasonable IMO. It's been in 2 accidents and is rusty underneath.

Let me know if you pick up a 4R. there's a couple of us in the 614. :rockon:

Unfortunately this is by far the best rust wise that I've seen, I've looked at probably six now. Best condition body and driver too.

I keep trying to think back to my other two and how their underbodies looked even though I tried to keep them meticulously clean through the winter.

If I want to purchase out of state or down south I have to go through a dealer, which means more money, my CU will not do private parties unless they can have the title at loan signing. I'm also running out of time on a borrowed car.

 

[THatfield]

Unfortunately this is by far the best rust wise that I've seen, I've looked at probably six now. Best condition body and driver too.

If I want to purchase out of state or down south I have to go through a dealer, which means more money, my CU will not do private parties unless they can have the title at loan signing. I'm also running out of time on a borrowed car.

As time goes by unfortunately it will only get harder to combat the rust as well as find a rust free truck. Although if you pick this one up now, you do have a good month or two to take care of that surface rust.

Purchasing out of state is no picnic. Hopefully this one works out for you. A weekends worth of grinding and painting will do the frame and rear axle good. Although be prepared for rusty bolts. I deal with those even with the undercoating. Fact of life I'm sure you have dealt with. Good Luck! Sharp looking Sport Edition. I'm jealous of the color and options it has.