URGENT! HELP! Am I getting screwed?

[SeaScum_Scallywag]

I have been shopping for a 4runner for months, and I test drove this guy today.

2006 Toyota 4Runner V8 SR5 102k Low Miles, Original Owner!

The guy (an old used car salesman) came down to $14k, and agreed to hold the car for me until tomorrow. He will also meet me at the dealership so they can check it out. 1 owner, a decent service history, and had the water pump and timing belt changed at 95k. Mostly a family car, according to owner. When I was driving away, I noticed the tennis ball sized dent in the drivers side real panel from the neighbor kid's football (look carefully at pics). He refused to lower his offer, but when I brought up the missing floor mats, he lowered it to $13.9k

Also, I crawled underneath and there was pink sealant (could be liquid gasket) on what I think is the T-case. Is this normal? Or does this mean its been opened and repaired?

He said it he would accept 13k if he didn't see anything higher in the next week, but we both know he will move it before then. I NEED ADVICE! Do I show up, $14k in cash in hand tomorrow (he is afraid of cashiers check fraud)? Or do I wait for a better deal? This is my first major purchase, ever, and I'm terrified.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Do I think you're getting screwed? Nah... I think 13.9k is a good price for that here in the PNW.

Take the guy and the 4Runner to Michael's Toyota of Bellevue and let them look it over. Talk to the mechanic/service rep as a friend, and they'll likely take good care of you. Point out the pink sealant on what you think is the t-case, and let them tell you what they think.

The guys at Michael's are pretty honest in my experience, and really they have nothing to gain in this guy's sale of his 4Runner.

ALSO

Get the VIN and register it at Toyota Owners Official Web Site: Service Coupons, Owner's Manuals, Service Scheduling And More. If it was serviced at the dealer as he claims, there will be a full service history listed on the site.

 

[91'4bee]

It looks very clean. Its odd that he wont accept a check but if you are serious and the dealer says its good or shows a good service history go for it.


However if you have any doubts tomorrow for any reason you have to go with your gut and back out. That's just my opinion. There's always a risk with these things.

 

[philskeeter]

I'm not sure about the pink you are talking about but as far as price it seems average. I've seen worse and I've seen better deals. To me 13,500 would be the ideal price but I don't know how you talked with him and he probably thinks he's coming down a lot already(because it's starting price is to high). But if you buy it and plan to keep it a long time then a few hundred isn't going to make a difference. It comes down to if you really love it, BUY IT!

 

[A.Wilson013]

I actually just checked the service history out...

Timing belt and water pump were replaced at 96.5k

New brakes at 97k

Oil changes at regular intervals, coolant flushes, etc.

Service checks out man... All done at Michael's.

 

[SeaScum_Scallywag]

So it seems like, even for $14k and a small dent, I'm making out pretty well? A service history like that is damn near impossible to find, especially for anything at a dealership or under $16k. Also, I assume Michaels will be more up front about it? Since they've done the service?

 

[A.Wilson013]

So it seems like, even for $14k and a small dent, I'm making out pretty well? A service history like that is damn near impossible to find, especially for anything at a dealership or under $16k. Also, I assume Michaels will be more up front about it? Since they've done the service?

Michael's and Toyota of Kirkland are two of the best Toyota dealerships in the country...

They'll be up front. If you present yourself as an enthusiast and not just a driver, you'll be treated well and with respect.

I think with 14k and a small dent you'd be doing alright. That service history is superb.

 

[Leftseat]

2006 4Runner

Sometime, a dealer repair will not show up. Go to Cars.com or autotrader.com, see what other 4Runners like this one are selling for. Maybe you have been doing that? Usually when we as enthusiasts of certain brands lock on to something, we get tunnel vision. Drive it, get it up to 80 mph on the highway, test brakes on panic stop from 40 mph. Any vibration? That kind of miles is nothing for a Toyota that is serviced right. I had a 2008 4Runner, SR5-4WD. It was perfect always. Another area you should look, go to KBB or Edmunds.com. See what the trade in value is, what a dealer would give the seller for the vehicle.

Offer him $2000.00 less then he is asking, then see what he says. There are other 4Runners out there. A cashiers check should have a 3 day float. You can also do a wire transfer, from your bank to his, it is seamless. Your bank can handle it all for you, takes 30 minutes, you and the seller go together, they give him the info, he contacts his bank, you are good to go. Then go to the DMV, get your title.
V

 

[Raging Canuck]

For the dent in the rear panel you can use an auto glass suction cup dead centre of the dent and give it a good sharp tug. it should bring that right out.

 

[SeaScum_Scallywag]

That's awesome! I assume there's little risk in damaging anything? If it doesn't work could I just all a PDR service to do the same thing, but less awkwardly?

 

[JB40]

That's awesome! I assume there's little risk in damaging anything? If it doesn't work could I just all a PDR service to do the same thing, but less awkwardly?

Can't see the pic but yes. PDR should be able to get it out if it's as described.

 

[SeaScum_Scallywag]

I am now one of you.... Thanks for the help guys and gals! I pulled the trigger today after the maitenance inspection came back clean, and I am incredibly happy. Actually, while I was with the seller at the dealer, he got an offer for $16k up front if he denied my offer, and another caller immediately afterwards offered me $500 bucks to forfeit my offer and let him buy it. The seller just shook his head, and said, "We already shook hands." Turned out to be a good guy. All in all, I'm stoked. And she is pretty...

:bigok:

 

[JB40]

Congrats man. You're going to love it.

 

[jambone]

Congrats! Sounds like the seller is a good guy - excellent service/maintenance of his vehicle and he honored your deal. You got a great vehicle at a fair price, now enjoy the hell out of it.

 

[Wuzzy]

Congrats. But dont be fooled by the other offers. I worked for a dealer that would just have a salesman go for a walk around the lot and call in asking about a vehicle that was being looked at by another buyer just to show interest in the vehicle. But it sounds like you got a pretty good deal. Enjoy.

 

[asimdada]

AN excellent looking vehicle with an excellent service history. ANd the sellar seemed nice too. I think you got a very good deal. Enjoy it.

 

[PWGUNNY]

Congrats and good luck with it. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

 

[TacticalSR5]

Wow congratulations! The story made me warm and fuzzy inside since Im on the hunt for one myself.

AND, a big idea lightbulb just came on over my head after reading the price difference for the PNW.

How much would a car like the following cost in the PNW if it came from a rust free area? Immaculate 2005 V8 with sport hood and leather with 180,000 miles??

 

[boondoggle]

congrats. Good deal I think.

I paid 14.5k for my 2004 about 2 years ago with 102k miles on it. From a one owner, all maintenance done at dealership etc.

Haven't had a single problem. Now at 127k and change.

Keep taking care of it and enjoy!

 

[HOJeepster]

I am now one of you.... Thanks for the help guys and gals! I pulled the trigger today after the maitenance inspection came back clean, and I am incredibly happy. Actually, while I was with the seller at the dealer, he got an offer for $16k up front if he denied my offer, and another caller immediately afterwards offered me $500 bucks to forfeit my offer and let him buy it. The seller just shook his head, and said, "We already shook hands." Turned out to be a good guy. All in all, I'm stoked. And she is pretty...

:bigok:

Good to hear people still value the shake of a hand. I've had people agree to a sale only to get greedy. Enjoy that ride up there in the PNW,