Should I get this one?

[Tilmoney]

Hi guys,

So I'm in the market for a 4 runner and so far no luck, Still looking tho. I was hoping if you guys get help me decide if this one is a good deal. He is asking for 6 grands, but I will try to get it down to 5. The problem is that it has a salvage title. Toyota 4runner 2003

I did some research and the car was damaged on the driver side. Here are the pics. 4runner - Imgur

However, it looks like the damage wasn't too bad. With that being said, it's a V8 2wd with a bit over 130,000 miles. Shoud i try to get it or it's a no go?

I never have a 4 runner before and moving to Utah soon so I want something that's dependable and good with the Utah area. Any opinions would be much appreciated.

Thanks, guys

 

[Troymclure]

After owning two salvaged cars, I would never do it again. They both had so many little problems that were left over from the crash, like allignment problems, things wouldnt fit right etc. And on top of that were much more expensive to insure. I would pass on it if I were you, especially moving to Utah. I would look for a clean title 4wd, and I think you will be much happier in the long run.

 

[Tilmoney]

After owning two salvaged cars, I would never do it again. They both had so many little problems that were left over from the crash, like allignment problems, things wouldnt fit right etc. And on top of that were much more expensive to insure. I would pass on it if I were you, especially moving to Utah. I would look for a clean title 4wd, and I think you will be much happier in the long run.

Kay, I will take your advice and will look for something else. In addition, I was planning to drive from AZ to utah with it and I was thinking about getting a 4 runner from 1999 - around 2005. However, most of the cars I see are so high in mileages, 150000-over 200000 mileages that are asking around 6 grants to 11 depends on the year. What do you think i should do price and mileage wise - I'm trying to spend under 9 grands. ? cuz I checked KBB and other sites but usually those are not really correct.

 

[drewm]

Kay, I will take your advice and will look for something else. In addition, I was planning to drive from AZ to utah with it and I was thinking about getting a 4 runner from 1999 - around 2005. However, most of the cars I see are so high in mileages, 150000-over 200000 mileages that are asking around 6 grants to 11 depends on the year. What do you think i should do price and mileage wise - I'm trying to spend under 9 grands. ? cuz I checked KBB and other sites but usually those are not really correct.

A well maintained 4runner will easily go 400k or more miles, 200k is no big deal. I just inspected a very very clean no accident 2004 4x4 SportEdition for a friend with 200k miles and it literally drove like new. He paid $8k.

 

[Sungod]

I only replaced the front bumper no frame damage

haaa, looking at those pictures he replaced more than that.

$6k is way too much. $5k sounds like a lot. I just sold my 03 v8 4wd sr5 for $8300 and it looked 1000 times better than that. I think you can do better.

I would suggest staying away from a salvage title. At some point you will want to sell it and you will have an even harder time selling it then.

 

[Tilmoney]

My biggest problem with high mileages is I don't want to deal with engine and transmission problems but as some of you already mentioned, 4 runner are pretty reliable so hopefully i find something ok :drama:

One more questions, if someone said that they replaced all these recently:
Left front axle
Front brakes
AC compressor
All 4 struts
On a 202,000 miles 04 V8 4x4 runner, should i be worried (may be they replaced these then more problems came up so they are selling it?) Or should i still check it out?
Since most owners are not really being honest when they are selling the car. I ran into this before

 

[Martinjmpr]

If you're moving to UT I think you would want a 4x4.

For me the salvage title would be a deal breaker, too, but it really depends on your budget.