Should I pull pull the trigger?

[Vantage85]

Well for the 2nd time in two weeks I have found a truck.

The first one sold before I had a chance to look at it.

Today I looked at a few 2004's.

Both are 2004 V8 sports with the JBL Syth system in silver.

Truck 1: 78,000 kms (45,000 miles).
Stunning condition.
Rebuilt title!!!!

$16500

Truck 2: 172,000 kms (105,000 miles)
Good condition
Timing belt NOT done.

$16500


I will not be buying the 2nd truck because the owner was a complete idiot. Acted like he did not have time to sell me the truck, or work with me on the price, even though the timing belt was 22,000kms (15,00 miles) overdue, and it has super high mileage.

The first truck however has really caught my eye. I inspected the frame briefly and there was no sign of damage. The dealer said the passenger side doors were replaced and it did not damage the frame, but of course they all say that.

I test drove the truck and it rode beautifully. We also chatted a little on price, and he was willing to sell the truck for $4000+ my trade in (2006 Civic Si). This price is right in my budget and I feel very fair.

Of course if I do look into buying this truck I will get a pre purchase inspection, but am still leary on the rebuilt title.

Your thoughts?

Here is the link

2004 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER 4DDORS SR5 ONLY 78K KM

 

[FourEyedWilly]

Call me old school, but I would never buy a salvage title. Actually, unless we were talking about something super rare, I would not purchase a vehicle that had been in an accident. Just me tho... Would think you could step up a year or two AND get the price you are looking for.

 

[Vantage85]

Also what are common areas to inspect on a 4th gen? What are smart things to change when you purchase a used 4th?

I know to look for real axle seals on 3rds and frame rust. Common early maintenence issues like tranny cooler and plugs.

 

[stanb]

Insurance do not total a 4runner for a damaged door. There got to be more to it. Get an expert inspect it, look for water damage..etc.

 

[cdoyle]

I would keep looking personally.

I don't think I would ever buy something with a salvage title. There is more damage there than what you were told. No way they would total it for just needing a new door.

 

[haroldpo6]

Keep looking. I just bought a clean 2005 V6 with 39,000mi for @15,000. And clean report.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'd definitely stay away from the second one, and probably avoid the first as well. You may save a little up front by getting one with a salvage title, but it'll also cost you greatly when you try to resale down the road. You never know what was damaged, or what quality of work went into the repairs. I've seen some pretty nice work on the outside, but underneath it was just a lot of problems they'd covered up. I realize markets are different, but I paid $11,500 for my fully loaded 03 Limited, 120k miles with every bit of maintenance done on time at the Toyota dealer. There's another one for sale locally now that is I think an 04, it's a 4wd Sport Edition with v8, 130k miles, asking $12,500 for it. I'd consider flying somewhere and driving back for the right deal. IMO, those are too high, especially that second one.

 

[blaniac22]

Put the safety back on and walk away...

#1...the rebuilt title is scary. You just don't know what was really wrong, if it was fixed right and when it might cause you more problems down the line.

#2 - if he let the timing belt go 15K over, what else has he let go?

 

[FlamingoFats]

Take your finger off the trigger, and re-holster.

You came up with two losers. Keep looking.

1. Rebuilt title????? You will never be able to re-sell it, and will probably be riding down the road half sideways.

2. No timing belt change at required time means everything was late or never done.

There are lots of great 4Runners out there, these are at the bottom of the pile.

 

[webby]

Keep on walkin' ...

I agree with Ark Swamp Rider, fly or drive somewhere for a better deal if you have to. That is eggzactly what I have for my last two Toyotas, most recently 10 days ago, for a 2009 SR5 4WD with 43K for $22.9. That runner would have cost me $8 or 9K more in the city I live in, so my travel time and expense was well worth it. Costs of 4Runners vary a lot in price around the country regionally, I have found.

I used to be in the car business (wholesaler), and I agree with others here -- avoid salvage title vehicles. Even if damage was minor or vehicle was repaired correctly (all very big IFS), they are difficult to sell when you are finished with them. The reason is that salvage vehicles have a very very limited market. Most potential buyers won't even consider buying a salvage vehicle. If you buy one, you may have a "long and meaningful relationship with it" (much longer than you want). BEWARE!

 

[rwilliams]

Keep looking buddy. Never get a salvaged title, you'll be doing this :ybrick: It took me 5 months to find my 4runner, keep lookin!

 

[Vantage85]

Thanks for the input gang,

This is the next one on my list.

2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SR5-LEATHER PACKAGE

IMO looks very rugged with crey cladding on silver body.


2003 Sport V8 with grey cladding
JBL Synthesis
80,000miles
leather interior

1 accident ($2000 rear bumper).

 

[Vantage85]

Keep on walkin' ...

I agree with Ark Swamp Rider, fly or drive somewhere for a better deal if you have to. That is eggzactly what I have for my last two Toyotas, most recently 10 days ago, for a 2009 SR5 4WD with 43K for $22.9. That runner would have cost me $8 or 9K more in the city I live in, so my travel time and expense was well worth it. Costs of 4Runners vary a lot in price around the country regionally, I have found.
BEWARE!

Yes they do vary a lot. Here in Vancouver area we are paying the lowest in Canada for a 4th gen, but the most in Canada for a 3rd gen (weird).

We are also paying the same price in Vancouver for a 3rd/4thgen as they are in Seattle which is very backwards. Usually buying south of the border saves 3-5grand, not to mention Canada's dollar is = to the US Dollar.

 

[Ilovesnow]

I would keep looking personally.

I don't think I would ever buy something with a salvage title. There is more damage there than what you were told. No way they would total it for just needing a new door.

:iagree:

I worked for a large insurance company as a claims adjuster for a few years, and believe me, if it were cheaper to fix the car (instead of totaling it), it would have been fixed. Even if all of the parts were replaced with OEM parts, I wouldn't go within 10 feet of that vehicle. Not to mention newer vehicles that have been totaled are worth FAR less than book value - in some instances up to 50% less.