So I'm looking at a 2002 SR5 with about 85K miles. I'd be the fourth owner; the third owner only driving it for less than a year and less than 5K miles. It was in three minor accidents, all involving impacts on the front right side. One was hitting an animal, another going into a ditch, the third I don't know.
A friend test drove it for me, and said it rode nice and smooth; no clicking, knocking or shaking, smooth tranny too. Overall, it felt good.
I put it through a thorough inspection as well. The mech. also said it drove nice. However, it has the following issues/needs work done:
1) Front & Rear Bumper rusted through/need replacing
2) Steering Rack is leaking at left boot
3) Front Differential is leaking
4) Left-rear axle seal is leaking
5) Spare tire rusted, must be cut off
6) Very rusty underneath, tons of underspray "hiding" rust
7) Front wiper blades torn
8) Belts dry
9) Middle body mounts are rotten
10) Filler neck rusty
11) Front tires feather-edged
12) Needs wheel alignment
13) Front pads are separating
14) Hanger broken on exhaust
15) Left rear brake soaked in gear oil.
The mech. surmises about $3000+ worth of work. Some of these things are expected as regular maintenance/wear and tear (belts, alignment, leaky seals perhaps), while others pose more serious caution.
Can anyone shed some light on my quarry, and if the purchase would be worth it, after repairs? The owner is asking $8000.00, but must of these issues were surprises to him.
Purchase price 'minus' repair cost 'equals' future reliable vehicle worth the investment/risk?
A friend test drove it for me, and said it rode nice and smooth; no clicking, knocking or shaking, smooth tranny too. Overall, it felt good.
I put it through a thorough inspection as well. The mech. also said it drove nice. However, it has the following issues/needs work done:
1) Front & Rear Bumper rusted through/need replacing
2) Steering Rack is leaking at left boot
3) Front Differential is leaking
4) Left-rear axle seal is leaking
5) Spare tire rusted, must be cut off
6) Very rusty underneath, tons of underspray "hiding" rust
7) Front wiper blades torn
8) Belts dry
9) Middle body mounts are rotten
10) Filler neck rusty
11) Front tires feather-edged
12) Needs wheel alignment
13) Front pads are separating
14) Hanger broken on exhaust
15) Left rear brake soaked in gear oil.
The mech. surmises about $3000+ worth of work. Some of these things are expected as regular maintenance/wear and tear (belts, alignment, leaky seals perhaps), while others pose more serious caution.
Can anyone shed some light on my quarry, and if the purchase would be worth it, after repairs? The owner is asking $8000.00, but must of these issues were surprises to him.
Purchase price 'minus' repair cost 'equals' future reliable vehicle worth the investment/risk?
But the facts don't lie I suppose.
lane:
You could get a real clean rust free 4runner for 8k here and ive personally done the drive myself, well worth it 
