Thinking of Purchasing an '02 SR5 4runner - Sport Edition

[lvrealestate411]

I have a '97 Nissan Pathfinder with over 217,000 miles on it... Came across a 1 owner (Lady) '02 SR5 4Runner Sport Edition that has a little over 125,000 miles on it.. asking $8,900 for it... it is a 2x4...

Very Clean, seems to have been taken very well care of. Rides great... Jumped in and drove it like I owned it.

What do I need to really look for? Doing some research, I can't seem to find any common issues for this particular model...

(Unlike my Pathfinder which always seems to have had front end suspension issues since I bought it brand new.)

Timing Belt Replacement? Anything else to really look for besides the obvious things to check when buying a used car? On the Pathfinder, when I've had the timing belt replaced, there is a tag that shows when it was last replaced and the mileage. Can't seem to find anything like that on this one.

All help appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[lvrealestate411]

Oops... Just found the buyers guide...

 

[Nunyabiz]

Same year and model I have 02' Sport Edition.
I love mine, great year and model, for my needs probably the best year and model really.
I don't really like the 4th gens and the 5th gens are even worse.
and the 02' Sport Edition for me is the best of the 3rd gens.

I got mine as it sits in this photo for $7,700 with new tires, FJ rims less than a year old, OME coils and lift kit less than 2 years old, new shocks, full set of Weather Tech floor mats front/center/cargo and window wind deflectors all less than 2 years old.
SE cloth seats still look virtually new
Thankfully one of the best improvements on the Sport Editions is the sport edition cloth seats which are sooooooooo much better than the leather ones.
Plus he had all maintenance records of every single thing going back to 2004.

Had 157xxx miles on it.

I would say that $8900 for a 2x4 version might be a shade steep in price though, if it were 4X4 and in excellent shape with 125K miles then pretty close.
I would go by the excellent buyers guide though, great info on buying one.

 

[lvrealestate411]

Thanks!

Looks like you got a steal....

Yes... after reading through that excellent buyers guide I'm thinking $8,900 is a little too high -- especially with no record of having the timing belt and Radiator changed. Two things that will have to be done to it right away.

However... Kelly Blue Book says over $10K for my zip code and I can't find another 3rd gen (which I am also more partial to) for sale in my area.... does not seem to be a lot of these out there for sale which tells me something else...

 

[Nunyabiz]

Thanks!

Looks like you got a steal....

Yes... after reading through that excellent buyers guide I'm thinking $8,900 is a little too high -- especially with no record of having the timing belt and Radiator changed. Two things that will have to be done to it right away.

However... Kelly Blue Book says over $10K for my zip code and I can't find another 3rd gen (which I am also more partial to) for sale in my area.... does not seem to be a lot of these out there for sale which tells me something else...

All true, I was having a hell of time myself finding anything in great shape for anything under $13,000.
I was looking at 4 Runners that had higher mileage (160-200K) older, not sport editions, no maintenance records and all looking like they were rode hard and put away wet with torn up interiors that averaged $8000+

When this one came along I could not get there fast enough.

The one you are talking about sounds like it might be worth $8500 IF it were 4X4, but 2X4 I think knocks at least $1000+ off of it, although for "me" personally would knock it completely off my list but I need a 4X4, don't 'need" it often but when I do I want it available.
When I move to Oregon in a year or so I will need it more often.

 

[C C]

One rule you should remember when buying a 4runner never think about it... just do it.

I have a '97 Nissan Pathfinder with over 217,000 miles on it... Came across a 1 owner (Lady) '02 SR5 4Runner Sport Edition that has a little over 125,000 miles on it.. asking $8,900 for it... it is a 2x4...

Very Clean, seems to have been taken very well care of. Rides great... Jumped in and drove it like I owned it.

What do I need to really look for? Doing some research, I can't seem to find any common issues for this particular model...

(Unlike my Pathfinder which always seems to have had front end suspension issues since I bought it brand new.)

Just my little rant now, why do people seem to highlight the fact that their car was lady owned...for what reason? Ive seen some ladies drive crazier than most men.

Timing Belt Replacement? Anything else to really look for besides the obvious things to check when buying a used car? On the Pathfinder, when I've had the timing belt replaced, there is a tag that shows when it was last replaced and the mileage. Can't seem to find anything like that on this one.

All help appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Ophidian]

Since you drove it, how did it drive? Any weird/odd noises? It takes a while to find what you're looking for. It took me a long time to find one that I liked. I was lucky and have a buddy w/a lift in his garage and was able to take it to his place on one of my test drives and put it in the air and peek underneath. Look for rust underneath too if you can.

I picked up an 02 4x4 Sport w/76k on it for $11k last december and I LOVE it. G'luck to you.

 

[Luke the Dog]

I got my '02 Sport w/ 107K miles for $11,000 two months ago. It has some minor dings and scratches, but very clean inside and a good service history...I also had to pay the 'Denver Premium' for mine, anywhere else looks like it would have cost about $1,000 less

 

[JadatheRottweiler]

I dont know if this is 100%, my uncle who is fleet manager @toyota said that black sport edition were only 15% of the production. Meaning it could be more rare. IMO it is because I always see the silver or green.

Anyways, it took me 8 months to find my 02 sport edition 4wd. original owner, 115k miles. no mods. $8500

Keep in mind finding a 4runner with descent miles and original owner is hard to come by. I say if it is the right color and engine checks out, get it.

When I was searching 4runners I realized everyone drove them as daily drivers as well as for vacation, so finding one with low miles was near impossible for me because I was set on black 4wd sport ed.

just my 2 cents.

 

[CobraSpdRH]

I too own an 02 Sport 2wd, bought it about 4 months ago from a Lexus dealerships used car lot. Mine had just under 100k and I got it for around 10k OTD. I don't need 4wd down here and appreciate the 20-22 mpg I average. These trucks are great and really easy to work on, so if everything checks out I would haggle her down and go for it. I'm still very pleased with my pruchase, and just slowly going through all my maintenance work thanks to all the helpful write-ups on here.

I would use the timing belt as a bargaining tool, knock the price down a good $500 or more.

 

[sapruby521]

Luv my 02 SR5 Sport Edition, bought it last Sept. Hail damage lowered the price on mine, and I have been watching the Classified posts on T4R.org for pieces that need replaced. (front corner lens and cargo cover, Thanks guys!)

Having a great time, but the timing belt on mine was replaced before I bought it. Taking it to Colorado next month for my first big road trip.

Mine is Sunfire Red Pearl with leather seats and is 4x4.

 

[Hepar]

Also in the Sport fan club! Love mine. Took forever to find, but it was worth the wait. Single owner, 52k original miles and not a drop of rust (Cali car) for 11k.

 

[Bandit Runner]

I traded my '94 Pathfinder in for my '02 Sport over 5 years ago. Man, that was a step up! I've been extremely happy ever since.

Good luck.

 

[blcktpgsr]

Also in the Sport fan club! Love mine. Took forever to find, but it was worth the wait. Single owner, 52k original miles and not a drop of rust (Cali car) for 11k.

Do you have the Thundercloud metallic color Sports Ed. Hepar?

 

[Hepar]

Do you have the Thundercloud metallic color Sports Ed. Hepar?

It's Millennium silver. It's funny, but I always thought it was the Thundercloud silver. Thought the 01-02 sports only came in Thundercloud.

 

[blcktpgsr]

Thought the 01-02 sports only came in Thundercloud.

That's what i also figured hence my question.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Colors:
The 2001 Sport package was available in Millennium Silver, Imperial Jade Mica Green and Black. In 2002, the Sport Edition was additionally available in Thundercloud Metallic Grey, Sunfire Red Pearl, Stellar Blue Pearl and was no longer available in Millennium Silver or Imperial Jade Mica Green.

Anyways, I love my sport as well. Great all around vehicle!

I got mine almost 3 years ago with 74k for $13k. Well worth it, but market prices have significantly dropped from then.

 

[Throwing Matches]

I got my '02 2wd Sport for $8900 as well, which came out to about $10K out the door. It had 118K miles at the time. I love it....now. It had hideous chrome dubs, no radio and no floormats before.

To be honest though, you should really wait for the 4runner you want. Make sure you love it before you buy it. I truly wanted a BLACK 4x4 '02 Sport. And now, everytime another "02 Sport passes me and I see that little "4wd" badge, I cry inside.