Thinking about getting an additional 3rd Gen. Is this a good deal?

[fblainen11]

Saw a small dealership with a good looking silver 4Runner. Here are the details:
2000 Limited
2WD (I know I know...but this is for my wife)
140,000 miles
Towing package
Leather seats in great condition. No cracks.
The guy said he has no service records and doesn't know when the last time the timing belt was changed.

He's only asking $4,695 which seems a little low. It is in good condition it appears. One very small ding on the front driver fender that is hidden behind a massive front grill guard with huge fog lights.


I can get some photos later, but does this seem too good to be true?
KBB is about 6400.

 

[Ruff]

Price seems OK for the year and mileage.
I would still have a mechanic check it before buying it.
(Too many vehicles that have been flooded, should have salvage titles, messed up engines, etc. floating out there).

Good luck.

 

[KidVermicious]

If it's at a dealership, it's automatically not a good deal. A car lot has to make a profit, a private seller is just trying not to take a bath.

 

[fblainen11]

 

[jgue467]

Not bad looking so far. How's it look underneath? I don't think buying from a dealership is necessarily a Bad idea or deal, that's where i found mine [have had it 5 years and 110,000 trouble free miles :^))) ]. Many dealers don't want these 'old' units around and either dump them to wholesalers (who have to make $ selling it too btw) or just sell them at cost to move them Fast. A good deal is a good deal no matter where it comes from (that implies you check it out well for rust, engine wear and water damage as stated earlier). At least you don't have to worry about the strawberry milkshake thing! Luck. :cowboy:

 

[fblainen11]

I haven't looked over thoroughly yet. Bottom looked rust free. I'm going at 1 to look it over.
Anything I should be looking for in particular for the 2000 year models that were a problem?

 

[mountain mike]

If it's at a dealership, it's automatically not a good deal. A car lot has to make a profit, a private seller is just trying not to take a bath.

The flip side to that is that the dealer isn't emotionally attached the vehicle while a private seller may be. Also this is America and nothing is free, everyone has to eat... Not saying that I endorse all dealer tactics but I also don't think they are all bad.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

...At least you don't have to worry about the strawberry milkshake thing! Luck. :cowboy:

It's an automatic. What makes you say that?

 

[KidVermicious]

The flip side to that is that the dealer isn't emotionally attached the vehicle while a private seller may be. Also this is America and nothing is free, everyone has to eat... Not saying that I endorse all dealer tactics but I also don't think they are all bad.

Didn't say they were bad, some dealers are great. But they've got overhead that private sellers don't, which means you're pretty much always going to get a little bit less when selling and pay a little bit more when buying from a dealer vs. private party.

 

[jgue467]

I haven't looked over thoroughly yet. Bottom looked rust free. I'm going at 1 to look it over.
Anything I should be looking for in particular for the 2000 year models that were a problem?

Nothing on a 2000 2wd stands out as a common problem. Just drive it, check fluids, check air filter and generally see/hear/feel how it drives. S/b almost like New at that mileage! :cowboy:

 

[jgue467]

It's an automatic. What makes you say that?

Well i could be wrong but thought only the 4wd units with auto trans had the extra tranny cooler built into the lower part of the radiator allowing for the potential milkshake - anyone? :cowboy: