Whaddya think?

audiqtr

audiqtr

New member
I'm looking to buy a second 4runner, a 3rd Gen this time. I looked at the below car sale locally. Car is solid, no leaks, all original, all it needs is an antenna motor and sunroof motor. It is an all california car with 190k miles. KBB Excellent Private value is $4750, they are asking $5500.

Whaddya think about the price? How much should I offer How hard is it to do the work on the 2 above items? How much do they cost? What is that car worth?

1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD Blue 190k Mi.

TIA.
Just wanted to check with the 3rd gen pros b4 proceeding further.
 
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bit more detail from test drive...

Car accelarates and brakes smoothly, ABS function normal, no pull, no shakes. Front Left shock makes a noise and will prolly needs to be changed in teh next 5-7k miles. No rust, but there is bit oxidation on the roof. All electronics functions except the sunroof tilts up, but does NOT slide, and the antenna needs a new motor. Cruise control works fine, all 4wd functions work...
 
audiqtr said:
bit more detail from test drive...

Car accelarates and brakes smoothly, ABS function normal, no pull, no shakes. Front Left shock makes a noise and will prolly needs to be changed in teh next 5-7k miles. No rust, but there is bit oxidation on the roof. All electronics functions except the sunroof tilts up, but does NOT slide, and the antenna needs a new motor. Cruise control works fine, all 4wd functions work...
Click to expand...

Word of advice with the antenna, do NOT get a new motor for it because it is just annoying and will go out again anyways!
 
Sounds pretty solid from your description and link. Hold your hand over the exhaust while idling, see if its smooth emission or if its kind of sputtering out.

Pull the radiator cap, oil cap, and check for any debris underneath them. (Metal shavings, corrosion under the rad cap!)

Make sure coolant looks healthy, pref red but if its green no big deal. Just not a sludgy pink color!

Test all the options , ECT, 4wd etc. Make sure they all engage and disengage properly.

Check the trans fluid stick and oil stick to see colors/smell for burning.

Just make sure you get it up on the highway to ensure that its shifting properly up and down.

Otherwise looks clean and solid! I wish i could buy a 4r from cali! Just have to worry about mechanical issues no rust! I can tell just by looking at the engine bay that the truck has minimal rust, all of our NE vehicles have serious rust issues on all those smaller metal parts that hold things up and together in the engine bay.
 
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SantaCruzRunner said:
Word of advice with the antenna, do NOT get a new motor for it because it is just annoying and will go out again anyways!
Click to expand...

Welp...you just saved me some money. Thanks!

As far as making an offer, definitely don't give him what he is asking right away...Not because it's not worth $5500, but because you should get the best deal possible. I would bet that waving $4500 cash in the dealers face would make him jump. If he still says no, politely head toward the door. This move has worked for me many times in the past. Being a dealer, he MAY have $2000 in the truck....maybe. But of course it is a business and that's how it works. If you don't want to try the low ball approach and you want the truck right away, I say go for it.....after you've checked all the ins and outs mentioned above of course. It's a sharp ride. Good luck!
 
Any knowledge on when timing belt was replaced? Also, what is the tread life of the tires? Do all the windows (including tailgate) work?

Use those factors, as well as the sunroof and broken antennae motor (I agree, with SantaCruzRunner to not replace) as factors into why you shouldn't pay 5500.

I like they put in new spark plug wires, shows some care for their rig. Looks like a clean ride, no rust, and taken care of.
 
Thanks everyone for all your input.
I went and drove and inspected the car all over again.

Oil Cap checks out, no burn smell, no sludge, but there is bit of build up when I look thru to the block. I am sure that is normal for a 16 year old car.

Tranny fluid checked out with no burn smell

Radiator fluid was fresh and green (not red as recommended), there was a bit of metal shavings in there, but no residue, white crust, etc...

Oil dipstick, Brake fluid, and power steering fluis checked out.
Head gasket has tiny tiny bit of oil sweat on it.

Every body part fenders, doors, tailgate, subframe is original and has the VIN number on it.

All windows, auto function, child lock, electronics work.

No key fob for the keyless entry.
Sunroof doesn't slide
Needs a new Antenna motor

On the highway there was a bit of shake around 70mpg+, accelareration, ECT, OD all work properly. When braking hard, car pulls bit to the right.

I love the car, but he won't go down a penny from $5500. I shoved $4500 on his face and didn't want any part of it.

BUT, he will fix the antenna, sunroof, balance the tires and align the car for $5500. Whaddya guys think?

As far as tires, fronts are 85%, rears are 70% and different brands. I am thinki. I can just drive it down and upgrade all later, but I am thinking if he does all above work and put all new 4 tires, we are in business???

BTW, KBB Private Excellent is $4700 on the car.

You all have been great, thanks...
 
If he is going to fix both issues it will probably cost HIM as a dealer MAYBE $300. Personally, seeing as the KBB is $4700, i wouldnt offer him anymore than $4800 after he fixes the issues.

Show him the KBB print out, who the hell is going to pay more than what the EXCELLENT book value is on a vehicle when it has issues and almost 200k! Not me....

Sounds like the guy is on a power trip, being a dealer he should be willing to barter. Remember, it doesnt matter what he thinks its worth, it matters what you think its worth. Your the one buying it.

Better yet, tell him to replace the pads and rotors and possibly the calipers if needed because i guarantee you they are warped. Or seeing as it pulls hard on one side one caliper is probably seizing up.

Just my opinion.
 
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Shawn5800 made some excellent points on price and what the seller should do to make it a fair sale.

Just remember, don't be afraid to walk away if you think its not a good deal, there will be other T4R's out there.
 
you guys rock! thanks guys. Believe it or not, not many clean 3rd gen 4wd non limited's in Norcal. I'll keep looking. This guy is just a small dealer and I doubt he'll fix all of that stuff for even at $5500.
 
audiqtr said:
you guys rock! thanks guys. Believe it or not, not many clean 3rd gen 4wd non limited's in Norcal. I'll keep looking. This guy is just a small dealer and I doubt he'll fix all of that stuff for even at $5500.
Click to expand...

Good luck man, dealers are usualy not the best place to buy used cars. Id look around localy and find a private seller!:beer:
 
audiqtr said:
Thanks everyone for all your input.
I went and drove and inspected the car all over again.

Oil Cap checks out, no burn smell, no sludge, but there is bit of build up when I look thru to the block. I am sure that is normal for a 16 year old car.

Tranny fluid checked out with no burn smell

Radiator fluid was fresh and green (not red as recommended), there was a bit of metal shavings in there, but no residue, white crust, etc...

Oil dipstick, Brake fluid, and power steering fluis checked out.
Head gasket has tiny tiny bit of oil sweat on it.

Every body part fenders, doors, tailgate, subframe is original and has the VIN number on it.

All windows, auto function, child lock, electronics work.

No key fob for the keyless entry.
Sunroof doesn't slide
Needs a new Antenna motor

On the highway there was a bit of shake around 70mpg+, accelareration, ECT, OD all work properly. When braking hard, car pulls bit to the right.

I love the car, but he won't go down a penny from $5500. I shoved $4500 on his face and didn't want any part of it.

BUT, he will fix the antenna, sunroof, balance the tires and align the car for $5500. Whaddya guys think?

As far as tires, fronts are 85%, rears are 70% and different brands. I am thinki. I can just drive it down and upgrade all later, but I am thinking if he does all above work and put all new 4 tires, we are in business???

BTW, KBB Private Excellent is $4700 on the car.

You all have been great, thanks...
Click to expand...

Man that vibration seems so common on the older 3rd gen models. And there are so many variables there. I basically replaced my entire front end as far as suspension parts go to get rid of vibrations. The high speed vibration is difficult to get rid of. I still have it after 5 balances. Seems youve already decided against it because of the price, and I would agree. Find one that meets all the above mentioned criteria, and that rolls smoothly at 75 and feels solid of potholes and such. I think its worth it to spend more on a truck that you dont have to worry about solving the vibration or other issues on.
 
I found another one...

All california car 98 Limited 4wd 196k miles with all options, everything works, just had the gaskets, valve cover, timing belt h2o bump, plugs and full service done including brand new set of Michelin LTX M/S. Drives staright and strong, no sputtering, no pull, this one is asking $7000 though. Haven't decided yet. Man these things are as good as gold around here.

Still seems bit high for that mileage, but that car needs nothing for a long time...

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=82994341&listingRecNum=4&criteria=prMx%3D9000%26sf1Dir%3DDESC%26prMn%3D0%26mkId%3D20088%26stkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D20482%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice%26rd%3D30%26zc%3D95050%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26isDealerGrouping%3Dfalse%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national&listType=1
 
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audiqtr, I think you are discovering the way this is going to work. It depends on how much you want it. I'd buy that blue one for $5500 every day of the week. You might get lucky and find a really nice one that someone is selling and they have no idea what they have. But usually those aren't maintained the best even if they look nice.

You're talking about buying or not buying a vehicle over ~$500. That's small beans. If he wanted $7k for the blue one, then yes....that's too much.

Oh, and to contradict what runnernut said earlier? HA! $2000 in that? You really think small car dealers make over $3k on their cars? You know nothing. Most small dealers make between $500 and $900 on their stuff. A homerun is one that you make $1500 on.



EDIT: Just looked at the green '98. That is a very nice truck. If you like the leather and the rear locker....try to get it for $6400. Might seem a little high based soley on the mileage, but there's a lot more to the story than just the mileage with that rig. It's mint.
 
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I'm with quicksilvr on this one. The '98 green one looks ready to go. The e locker alone is like gold around this site. I wouldn't worry too much about mileage on these trucks either. The 3.4l is extREMEly reliable and bulletproof as you will learn. Besides, all the important stuff seems to have been addresed (timing belt, water pump, head gasket, plugs etc.). As for the rest of the truck...CHERRY! BTW, not sure if its important to you or not, but some of the guys around here like the '99-'02 years for the updates that were performed. Do a little research on this site about some of the '99 and newer "things" like the revised center console, taller suspension('99), "fat lip" front bumpers and such. I wouldn't let this influence you too much as you could always do these mods at a later date if it suits you.
The new tires alone are worth about $800-$900...just saying...
I shopped around the dealers for awhile too back when I was purchasing mine. I ended up finding a great deal through a private party. My 4runner has been the best car/truck I've ever owned, hands down! I wish my wife felt the same way about my truck! Good luck in your search and be sure to post pics when you find that "perfect one"!
sorry for getting a little long winded...:keyboard:
 
Yep i agree with the latter part of this thread.. i think its fairly small beans IF you are really into the car.. i love the limited, and ive really grown fond of the green limited. But anyways i think that if you like the rig and the price they want is OK with you, dont worry as much about the others are paying for theirs.. just be comfortable with how much you are spending on this one. Personally i would bump for the green goblin :) mid 6000's and your golden IMO.. but our prices are higher over here north of the border.
 
Update - the green 98 Limited is down to $7100 out the door with all fees and registration (car is $6500). Hven't made up my mind yet. Thanks to all of you. I value everyone's opinion...
 
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