Thoughts on a potential purchase (KC)

[Tuui]

I'm following up on the following vehicle:

2000 Toyota 4Runner - Danny's Auto Sales/ C&M Motors Kansas City, MO

So far everything seems to check out on the vehicle. Carfax (they provided) looks good and Autocheck looks good. One owner, Nebraska vehicle. I'm having a PPI done on it now. Southwest seems to have decent flights from Minneapolis to Kansas City so barring any red flags I think this one might be a go.

What do you all think? What's rust like in NE/MO? That and any unreported prior collisions are my two biggest worries.

Tim
-impatiently waiting

 

[Hepar]

What's rust like in NE/MO? That and any unreported prior collisions are my two biggest worries.

Have you asked for shots of the undercarriage? When I expanded my search to out of state, that's one thing I would always ask for. That's gonna give you the best idea of it's rust level. Ask them to drop the rear tire and take a shot of the rear diff housing.

 

[Tuui]

I should be getting that info from the pre-purchase inspection, but I have been asking about that for all the 4runners I inquire about. I'll make sure I have them drop the spare. I'd rather be sure now, than sorry once I see it in person.

Tim

 

[jrm]

Maybe its just me

but every one of the shots they provide doesnt let you see if gaps/lifts/drops exist between the body panels. Id like to see some side shots or straight on shots in order to see possible gaps in between the panels.

Also id run my own carfax and ask for records. Otherwise, if it all works out thats one clean 4runner. i paid about the same $$ for a very clean 00' limited and it was worth it.

 

[98Base4R]

I moved to KC from TX several years ago, and all my cars have rusted since moving. Not rust through like New England, but surface corrosion. There is some road salt used here each winter. Nebraska will be the same. If you want a clean undercarriage, I would look in Dallas. But that is a longer drive home.

I bought my '98 in Dallas, and it is clean underneath. For now.

If you can wait until early next week, I can go take a look. Be sure and be very specific about what you want to know.

 

[4ganger]

That is very similar to the one I just bought yesterday here in NV. Mine had 121k mi and a few other differences. It was priced close to what they are asking.... Mine needed a couple of things tho. That one looked to have the timing belt done on time which is good.

 

[98Base4R]

I moved to KC from TX several years ago, and all my cars have rusted since moving. ...

I should have qualified that the rust is on the under carriage. The paint, under hood metal, and other areas are holding up just fine.

 

[THEREALTOR1]

I'm following up on the following vehicle:

2000 Toyota 4Runner - Danny's Auto Sales/ C&M Motors Kansas City, MO

So far everything seems to check out on the vehicle. Carfax (they provided) looks good and Autocheck looks good. One owner, Nebraska vehicle. I'm having a PPI done on it now. Southwest seems to have decent flights from Minneapolis to Kansas City so barring any red flags I think this one might be a go.

What do you all think? What's rust like in NE/MO? That and any unreported prior collisions are my two biggest worries.

Tim
-impatiently waiting

but every one of the shots they provide doesnt let you see if gaps/lifts/drops exist between the body panels. Id like to see some side shots or straight on shots in order to see possible gaps in between the panels.

Also id run my own carfax and ask for records. Otherwise, if it all works out thats one clean 4runner. i paid about the same $$ for a very clean 00' limited and it was worth it.

If you want to do your own background check on the vehicle, Click this Link

 

[Tuui]

Therealtor1, I'm not exactly sure what you mean by your comment and link, but that's a different vehicle and I'm pretty sure you linked to my post.

Edit: I think I get it now. Just linking to the fact I can run Autochecks for people. Sorry, I get confused easily early in the morning.

Anyway, 98Base4R, thanks for the tips on rust in the area. I'm realistic, and realize that it's going to be hard for me to find something with NO rust (given distance to travel for vehicle) so I'm hoping this one just has light surface rust underneath. Sadly, I know it WILL rust once I bring it home as it will be my winter vehicle. Minneapolis uses salt like crazy, just ask my E30. I'm still waiting on status of the PPI, but if you can make it out there next week I may have you take a look too. Thanks for the offer.

Tim

 

[98Base4R]

I purchased mine remotely off Dallas CL:

The good:
1. Better price than KC
2. No undercarriage corrosion
3. Runs and drives

The bad:
1. ATF had probably never been changed
2. Spark plugs had never been changed
3. Cigarette burn holes in interior, not pictured
4. Bad smell, not disclosed
5. Battery was 3 years old, not 3 mos old
6. Tires advertised as 70% were really 30%

If you keep your expectations reasonable, you should be fine.

 

[THEREALTOR1]

Therealtor1, I'm not exactly sure what you mean by your comment and link, but that's a different vehicle and I'm pretty sure you linked to my post.

Edit: I think I get it now. Just linking to the fact I can run Autochecks for people. Sorry, I get confused easily early in the morning.

Anyway, 98Base4R, thanks for the tips on rust in the area. I'm realistic, and realize that it's going to be hard for me to find something with NO rust (given distance to travel for vehicle) so I'm hoping this one just has light surface rust underneath. Sadly, I know it WILL rust once I bring it home as it will be my winter vehicle. Minneapolis uses salt like crazy, just ask my E30. I'm still waiting on status of the PPI, but if you can make it out there next week I may have you take a look too. Thanks for the offer.

Tim

Sorry Tim, obviously I get confused early in the morning also. Didn't realize you were the OP so I guess you already know that you can run vin checks :lol:

:cheers:

 

[4ganger]

Sorry Tim, obviously I get confused early in the morning also. Didn't realize you were the OP so I guess you already know that you can run vin checks :lol:

:cheers:

Actually this was an awesome post. Tim was good enough to hook me up with a vincheck on my new 3-Gen T4R. All looks good on it. Thanks TIM!