Which 3rd Gen to buy?

[Rocky5000100]

I'm buying a 4Runner and I'm pretty set on a 2001-2002 model. I will be using it for commuting and pulling my motorcycles to track days.

I am stuck between two 4Runners at the moments, which both have asking prices of $7000

Which one would you guys choose? Would love to hear the reasons behind your choices as well.
The options:

2002 4Runner Limited
-Privately owned
-109K
-One Owner
-Maintenance done regularly, but timing belt has not been done yet
-Leather Heated seats
-Damage to bumpers (but no accidents, just scrapes against walls I presume)

Bumper damage:

Or Option 2:
2001 4runner
-Dealer owned
-123,000 miles
-SR5
-Body looks good
-Waiting to hear back if the timing belt has been done

 

[Kanger328]

Not sure if it's just me, but I can't see the pics of the bumper damage. Where do you live? In Cali, $7K is a really low price for both your choices. That being said, I like the '02 pending the bumper damage wasn't from some major-ish accident. '02 in Thundercloud (I think it's Thundercloud?) has always been my favorite.

 

[Rocky5000100]

Not sure if it's just me, but I can't see the pics of the bumper damage. Where do you live? In Cali, $7K is a really low price for both your choices. That being said, I like the '02 pending the bumper damage wasn't from some major-ish accident. '02 in Thundercloud (I think it's Thundercloud?) has always been my favorite.

I reuploaded them to Photobucket, i was linking them from a bad source before.

The cars are located in Illinois, I live in Wisconsin. Both have Carfax's that do not indicate any accidents.

 

[89s rule]

I would go for the limited, but bumper damage is just a way to negotiate for me since they usually get replaced anyways. Sounds like they are not really nearby you? Check for rust especially the rear frame area.

 

[Radvr6t]

2nd one the sr5 seems like less of a hassle, looks clean!

 

[LittleCaesar]

For the first one the right rear part of the bumper has been hit by another auto, but being that the damage looks minimal, I would venture a guess that it was hit at low speed, possibly in the snow. I have seen a few like that in DC after wintertime.

If you like the amenities of the first one, and may be prone to switch to aftermarket bumpers in the future, then go with the first one. But until you see it, be wary of possible hidden damage. The second one is nice and clean.

Honestly, you can't really go wrong with either one. But do use the cost of a timing belt replacement as price negotiating leverage.

 

[RussToy]

I like the 2002. He's the original owner...so he can tell you exactly what has and has not been done...then you know he changed the oil regularly. And big plus...has lower miles. As far as the damaged bumper...like someone already said...that's bargaining power! It's an easy fix, or the opportunity to get an aftermarket bumper!

The 2001, is at a dealer. You have no idea whatsoever how the 4R was kept. We all make assumptions that because the outside "looks" good, then the owners took care of the maintance. Are you willing to bet $7000 on that? You just have no way of knowing.

This is a no brainier to me...ONE OWNER is the way to go!

Good luck either way...these are awesome rigs to own!

 

[bergeron37]

I agree with the 1 owner. Timing belt and water pump should run $850-1000 so negotiate that 7K down a little.

Probably can't go wrong with either but I'm just voicing my opinion.

 

[2002tii]

Prices are low for both. Look under both closely for rust, though... IL/WI is not a good place for these vehicles. I looked at a bunch here that had moved in from the Midwest (not many 4x4s are "native" Texans). Most were basically rust orange underneath!

The Limited looks like it has had paint work on the front passenger fender. It doesn't seem to match to me.

The SR5 is really clean, but dealers can very easily make a vehicle look almost new again.

Don't be afraid to pass on either... no shortage of slightly below average 2001-2002s out there!

 

[nissanh]

Check for frame and body rust!

 

[Lavender Steel]

Why is the antenna on the sr5 only half way up? If it's broken I'd make sure they'd fix it as part of the purchase.

I think the one-owner limited is the obvious choice. Even if the dealer tells you the timing belt is up to date, at least with the private seller you can rest easy knowing for sure.

 

[KHoffRunner]

I voted the SR5 simply because the 5 star wheels are my favorite Toyota ever put on a vehicle.