Should I Buy!? Input requested

[colovolvo]

So I’ve got a guy local to me selling a 99’ SR5 4x4 that needs some work but I think it might be worth buying considering a few things.....

1. First and foremost it recently had an incident where the driver front wheel had several studs break off causing the wheel to come off and damage the front fender/door as well as the brake rotor (as you would expect). The seller is getting rid of the runner because they don’t want to put the money into it to fix this issue. They were quoted something like $1400($800 in parts) to fix this. Obviously it can be done DIY for much cheaper than that.

2. The next this is that it’s got 191k which is pretty decent, but no record of a timing belt service so that probably needs done.

3. It appears that the steering rack is leaking so that probably needs replaced as well.

4. Overall condition is decent given the age and such but there is some flaking paint and paint fade. The frame is pretty spotless from rust from what I can tell though as it was a California truck most of its life.


So.... from this little bit of information I’ve given, what would you do? Or an even better question, what would you pay for something like this?

Let the discussion begin!

 

[colovolvo]

I almost forgot, here’s the link to the runner in question

1999 Toyota 4Runner - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive sale

 

[LittleCaesar]

It looks to be a mix mash of different 4Runner parts. As a beater it may be worth it. Offer $1500.

 

[Red October]

I noticed the ad says its got a salvage title. It just makes me wonder what kind of history the truck has. Not that a branded title should always stop me from buying, but it would make me exceptionally cautious. It really just depends what was fixed, how well, and how long ago. I bought a truck in good condition, but in need of major engine work for less than $1000 in December. Just some thoughts.

 

[Dropzone]

I noticed the ad says its got a salvage title. It just makes me wonder what kind of history the truck has. Not that a branded title should always stop me from buying, but it would make me exceptionally cautious. It really just depends what was fixed, how well, and how long ago. I bought a truck in good condition, but in need of major engine work for less than $1000 in December. Just some thoughts.

take a look at the picture of the left front door.
That Bondo is pretty dang deep

thought it had front wheel damage needing the studs to be replaced but the estimate from Firestone says replace rear wheel studs..

interior shot shows a switch missing on the lower left, wonder if someone stole the rear locker

 

[BostonJon]

And it’s a 4cyl - or at least that’s what the Firestone estimate says. Probably not worth more than $1200 given the title issue and necessary repairs to be made road worthy

 

[colovolvo]

I’ll add some more info that I got to answer some of those questions. The salvage title was from a driver front end collision a few years back. They replaced the quarter panel, hood, bumper, radiator and a few smaller parts and gave it a salvage. Sounds like it might be true since there is obvious prior damage to the driver front.

The driver front is where the wheel studs broke and caused further damage so I’m not quite sure why the firestone ticket says rear. (Could be some of the dips***s that work there getting it wrong too)

The button that appears to be missing next to the steering wheel is just the alarm indicator. It is actually there just dangling by the wires more or less since the little surround that keeps it in place is broken.

I also offered $1000 just to see if he would bite and he countered at $1500. I told him I had to think on it cuz it needs a bit of work, plus the bank wasn’t open so it was a way to buy some time to do some more research. Plus I want to hear what the experts have to say....

Why else should or shouldn’t I buy this?

 

[Mudeprived]

Almost 200k, no maintenance history, two wrecks, what appears to be mud on the underside, and lousy bondo work: Pass on it.

There are better ones out there.

 

[MaineRunna]

I bought a rolled over, totalled 97 about 9 years ago for $2000 here in Maine because is was almost rust free and only had 150k on it. I fixed it, got it salvage titled and am actually still driving it with a 98 body on it and a clean title. I have 223k and the frame is still good. Salvage title just means a dealer wouldn't want it and there's no sense putting collision insurance on it because you can't total the same vehicle twice. I'd say if it runs and drives ok and you can get it for between $1-1500 you'd be doing ok.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Salvage title also means it's yours forever. A fixed-up, built-up 4Runner with a salvage title will never sell for as much as a clean title, it scares people away.

I don't know Montana markets and if 4Runners are rare but this one needs some TLC to get it road worthy again. If it were me, I'd pass. Also not a fan of those aftermarket Ebay special brake lights.

 

[RunningForNow]

Salvage title always is a hard pass for me, unless I know how it got a salvaged title. For example, a fender bender on a 10+ year old car will almost be salvaged if multiple body panels are damaged as a result. If that’s the case, and mechanically the car is in tip top shape, I have no problem buying it and live with the body damage until I can fund the repairs. But a salvaged title on a car owned by a total stranger, no thanks.

Aside from that, the truck has a lot of minor issues that need to be sorted out and cleaned up. If it wasn’t for the salvaged title status, I’d say go for it.

 

[Hepar]

I think it would be important to let us know what your intended purpose is with the rig. Just a fun side project? Daily commuter?

 

[2ndhandyotaman]

Anyone else notice the California plates on it? It's being sold in Montana w/ a salvage title. It's been wrecked before and needs extensive work now to repair accident damage.

Run away from it, seriously.

 

[Outrider]

In my opinion, it may be worth $1,500. But that is only because most any vehicle that just happens to run is worth at least about $1,000.

But there is no way I would buy this one, even for $1,000. I think you would be acquiring some major headaches. If you happen to just love polishing turds and turning shit into Shinola, are bored, and have money burning a hole in your pocket, then it might be worth it to you. But it wouldn't be worth it to me, and I imagine you would sorely regret buying it, then regret it even more after you desired to rid yourself of it and were having trouble selling it.

 

[Wedgy]

Think it thru.....
The owner doesn't want it because it isn't worth it, he know what lurks beneath....

 

[colovolvo]

I went with my gut and passed on it. Thanks for all of the advice!

The hunt continues!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[4runnerbemore]

IMO it is still a great deal! I would love to get one for that kind of money and have a spare toy.

 

[Mark Linkous]

Looks like the CL post is gone. That certainly does seem pretty janky. That said, at prices like this truck is, having a salvage title is not the end of the world. It does make getting insurance much more difficult and getting loans for rebuilt titles is painful. Granted, I don't think financing would be in the cards with this purchase.
Get the price low enough, it might make an ok parts truck, but it being a 4 cylinder lowers the number of prospective parts for many.

 

[MaineRunna]

I think it would be important to let us know what your intended purpose is with the rig. Just a fun side project? Daily commuter?

A good point. I see people on here asking if they should pay over $10,000 for a 20 year old vehicle. If you're looking for a project or a cheap beater and don't care about the title what's a thousand or a little more bucks? I just paid $200 for a rusted out running 97 and $400 for a rusted out 98. If the frame's not rusted out and is straight, it runs and drives good what's the problem? A salvage or repaired vehicle title just means the insurance company has totaled it. I had a customer separate the ball joint on his early 2000's Tacoma and it was totalled because it needed a couple of suspension parts, an axle, tire and the fender was a little bent. I am going to agree with others though, that there are better ones out there.