So perplexed.....

[Hudxd]

So I found a 99 sr5 with 136k miles, one owner, crystal carfax, no rear diff lock. This thing is tits, not a scratch on it, interior is perfect. Problem is, the dealer tells me "I changed the timing belt, water pump, and all the accessory belts, and put new brakes on it. I do it on all the 4runners I sell." He's got like 5 on his lot currently. But of course uses "his mechanic" so no paperwork. He wants 9k for it, down from 10 (in the PNW). My heart wants it, other parts of me say no. There are a lot of expensive nasty looking 3rd gen 4runners around here, this one is by far the nicest I've seen out of a dozen. WTF do I do?

 

[revenantdead]

pull the timing cover and look.

 

[Hudxd]

I thought that was a pain in the ass/mechanic job. I'm not so handy in the engine... Also, are there some 99 sr5's that didn't have spoilers and hitches?

 

[0xfded]

PNW prices are just high.

Watch craigslist, don't rush into anything. You'll get a better deal from a private seller than a dealer (more risk, though), at at $9k that dealer isn't suddenly going to move that runner if you spend some time thinking about it.

Nabbed mine on CL after watching for about a month. Don't let them pressure you.

 

[ARC]

$9k? I'd pass you can find something maybe not as perfect but thousands less. Personally I'd take a scratch or two and real maintenance records and save a few grand. Either way once you have it/one you'll be happy.

 

[pluton]

If the seller/dealer/car lot guy won't let you have it inspected by your mechanic, walk away. Let someone else get reamed.

 

[BrianSD_42]

any mechanic worth anything ... even "his guy" would have wrote the mileage when the timing belts was changed on the timing cover inside the engine bay.

Also the "brand new" belt and water pump should be easily distinguishable.