What would you do when looking to buy?

[markymark191]

I have been looking for awhile to buy another 99-02 4runner. My biggest concern is rust. I am from Minnesota and have not found one that is clean...(Terrible place to live haha) I have a craigslist search of about 20 states. So i am planning on traveling to find the right one.

Is it less risky to go to a bigger city, lets say phoenix for a couple days and hope I find something while I am down there? Or would it be better to take a drive or fly when I find one that looks good wherever it is located? The problem is that 95% of craigslist people I dont trust. I may find one in a smaller town of Kansas and I drive down there, but If that one doesnt meet my standards I am kind of screwed because there arent many for sale in that area. (unless I found one of the way back..) I would just like to hear some opinions on what you would do!

 

[nissanh]

I feel you pal. I was in the same boat for past 8 or so months. I live 5 hours from major towns (Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Albuquarque OKC) and finding one, then trusting the seller and asking him to holding it for me never became fruitful. I missed few tacoma's and good 4runners. Most sellers in CL are third party sellers and they don't know much about the truck.

I'd say look at the classified section here (yes, they are bit expensive, but very worth it). If you want, I can keep an eye on something that pops up in my area. Also you can ask a fellow member to go and check it out if it is closer. So find the truck you think suits you and post it here. I am sure someone in the forum will be willing to do the testing for you.

I found a 99 runner 4x4 in El Paso with rear diff lock. Overall in good condition (225K miles) and no corrosion! It needs the heater core. This is a tough part to replace. Seller is asking 2600.

 

[HuntG212]

I have been looking for awhile to buy another 99-02 4runner. My biggest concern is rust. I am from Minnesota and have not found one that is clean...(Terrible place to live haha) I have a craigslist search of about 20 states. So i am planning on traveling to find the right one.

Is it less risky to go to a bigger city, lets say phoenix for a couple days and hope I find something while I am down there? Or would it be better to take a drive or fly when I find one that looks good wherever it is located? The problem is that 95% of craigslist people I dont trust. I may find one in a smaller town of Kansas and I drive down there, but If that one doesnt meet my standards I am kind of screwed because there arent many for sale in that area. (unless I found one of the way back..) I would just like to hear some opinions on what you would do!

I bought mine in Houston, Texas. I live in Georgia. Never saw it in person until after I paid for it. Bought two plane tickets for me and my sister. Drove back the same day. We had a blast. It has everything I was looking for, didn't hesitate.

In other words, look everywhere you can, within a somewhat reasonable distance. If rather pay a bit more, for traveling/shipping, to get exactly what I want. It's better than getting one that's not exactly what you wanted, IMO. Have done that before also.

I have also bought two other Toyotas that I had shipped to me. The cost is not nearly as bad as you would think.

Find the one you want. If it's not local, go get it.

 

[Konkordmusk]

The beauty of this forum, is most members are willing to go out and look at potential purchases for you. I know that if you were to find one near me in California, I'd happily inspect it for you so long as you buy me a beer when/if you come pick it up!

 

[gamefreakgc]

If you are looking for the best value for your money with no rust, I think Texas is your best bet. They have lots of nice rigs at low prices. Plus a large enough market to make it worth your while.

Best to wait until there's a specific one and have someone come and inspect it. Ebay is a decent place to buy vehicles actually.

 

[IBallEngineer]

I feel you pal. I was in the same boat for past 8 or so months. I live 5 hours from major towns (Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Albuquarque OKC) and finding one, then trusting the seller and asking him to holding it for me never became fruitful. I missed few tacoma's and good 4runners. Most sellers in CL are third party sellers and they don't know much about the truck.

I'd say look at the classified section here (yes, they are bit expensive, but very worth it). If you want, I can keep an eye on something that pops up in my area. Also you can ask a fellow member to go and check it out if it is closer. So find the truck you think suits you and post it here. I am sure someone in the forum will be willing to do the testing for you.

I found a 99 runner 4x4 in El Paso with rear diff lock. Overall in good condition (225K miles) and no corrosion! It needs the heater core. This is a tough part to replace. Seller is asking 2600.

I did this for a forum member. Gave him a good overall impression of what I saw. He chose another, saved him a 200 mile trip.

:cheer2:

 

[markymark191]

I feel you pal. I was in the same boat for past 8 or so months. I live 5 hours from major towns (Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Albuquarque OKC) and finding one, then trusting the seller and asking him to holding it for me never became fruitful. I missed few tacoma's and good 4runners. Most sellers in CL are third party sellers and they don't know much about the truck.

I'd say look at the classified section here (yes, they are bit expensive, but very worth it). If you want, I can keep an eye on something that pops up in my area. Also you can ask a fellow member to go and check it out if it is closer. So find the truck you think suits you and post it here. I am sure someone in the forum will be willing to do the testing for you.

I found a 99 runner 4x4 in El Paso with rear diff lock. Overall in good condition (225K miles) and no corrosion! It needs the heater core. This is a tough part to replace. Seller is asking 2600.

Thanks for the reply, I would be interested to see the link of the one for 2600 if you wouldnt mind

 

[markymark191]

If you are looking for the best value for your money with no rust, I think Texas is your best bet. They have lots of nice rigs at low prices. Plus a large enough market to make it worth your while.

Best to wait until there's a specific one and have someone come and inspect it. Ebay is a decent place to buy vehicles actually.

The problem with Texas(with what I have seen is they are mostly 2wd and I need 4x4) but I will keep an eye open!