Should I buy a 2001 4Runner SR5? 79k miles

[JonathanT4R]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. I'm 16 years old and my dads thinking about getting a 4runner. Theres a used car dealer down the street that specialize in honda and toyota. They have a 2001 4Runner SR5 for sale with 79k miles and the final price the guy gave my dad was 9k. I'm worried that thats a little too low? Even though KBB says $9,669. It looks very very clean as well. Should we buy it? I really want to.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Hi Jonathan. What length of warranty are they providing?

Given that this 4runner has spent its life in the Windy City, look for rust underneath.
Also look at the lower ball joints, any sign of a new radiator (google 4runner pink milkshake for more), and rear axle seal leakage. If the timing belt/water pump have not been done, now is the time to change it out.

Familiarize yourself with the guide at the top of the forum. It provides lots of useful info.

Post some pics if you can. I'd say no more than $8500 if it is 4wd.

 

[JonathanT4R]

Thanks alot!

 

[JayBluShu]

Hi Jonathan. What length of warranty are they providing?

Given that this 4runner has spent its life in the Windy City, look for rust underneath.
Also look at the lower ball joints, any sign of a new radiator (google 4runner pink milkshake for more), and rear axle seal leakage. If the timing belt/water pump have not been done, now is the time to change it out.

Familiarize yourself with the guide at the top of the forum. It provides lots of useful info.

Post some pics if you can. I'd say no more than $8500 if it is 4wd.

Say you do have rust, any ways of ridding it?

I say buy the truck. I'm from Chicago as well and my truck has a little bit of surface rust but I am mean I've had no problems with it. Bought it last July with 75k and have driven it to Minnesota and back at least 5 times or so.. it now has around 88k and running fine...
Just trying to get my build going now that I'm saving more money. Btw mines the same thing in green

 

[4yotaguy]

Its all about condition and inspecting the truck to see whats coming down the road. That being said, keep in mind that most dealers do not use KBB, but use NADA or Galves guides that usually price vehicles much lower. So when they bought it, they paid 4k or so with plenty of profit built in....

 

[Ghostrider]

Yes pictures would be nice. That price is pretty good is the miles are correct. You really should have a mechanic take a look at it. You are lloking at a few things but a mechanic has a better idea what to look for.

 

[jreask]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. I'm 16 years old and my dads thinking about getting a 4runner. Theres a used car dealer down the street that specialize in honda and toyota. They have a 2001 4Runner SR5 for sale with 79k miles and the final price the guy gave my dad was 9k. I'm worried that thats a little too low? Even though KBB says $9,669. It looks very very clean as well. Should we buy it? I really want to.

Like others have said, the undercarriage is a big determining factor in the vehicle's price. If it has minimal rust or just some surface rust, the price almost sounds too good to be true. A 4Runner with that low amount of miles would sell for over 10K in the Midwest.
Familiarize yourself with the other red flags by reading through the buyer's guide sticky. Of all the Runners I have owned there was only one that leaked any kind of fluids and put a spot on the garage floor overnight. Look under to see if there are any fluids leaking. Check for rear axle seal leakage. This can end up costing a bundle if you can't do the repairs yourself.
The best bet is to read through the buyers guide sticky. It is full of valuable info.

If you could post some pics it would help us to determine if there is anything that is obvious that needs attention. In my area of the Midwest even the big new car dealers keep the older 4Runners because they are highly sought after and they hold their value so well. Anytime I see a low mileage 3RD GEN 4Runner at a small car lot it throws up a big red flag. There has to be a reason the big dealers did not keep it.

Hope this helps.

JR