Wise to buy a used build?

[jasonf]

Hey there folks. I'm currently in the process of looking for my first t4r. I'm still debating whether or not I want a 3rd or 4th generation, but then I came across this in my searches:

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 SUV | cars & trucks | Calgary | Kijiji

It's pretty much exactly what I want in a build and I think has pretty decent mileage (147k miles) considering it's a 99'. It would appear it's been pretty well taken care of, however I am a little concerned about the life it had (wheeled hard or a glorified parking lot cruiser? It IS southern Alberta...) and the solenoid issue. My brother is an excellent mechanic and I am willing to learn so we would likely replace the solenoid on our own.

I really don't have too many plans to do a ton of wheeling (I live in the flat prairies of SE Alberta, but try to make it to the mountains when I can), but would likely upgrade suspension/wheels/tires/ MAYBE bumpers and sliders, but not necessarily.

So my question is it worth buying a used build or should I start with a stock (or stockish) tr4 and build it up on my own over time. Either way I'm excited to finally get on the 4runner bandwagon.

 

[SR5Runner97]

Hey there folks.

I would buy a used build any day. he's probably got a lot into his armor, and the only difference is you're gonna save money in the long run.
If you want to spend more money and buy a car from an old man who never got it over 3k rpm and then sell your soul for armor then you can do that.
Financially, I would rather buy a build than build myself. Just make sure it's built right. And if he's stable enough to buy the armor he's smart enough to give it regular oil changes, and maybe that 70 year old man never gave his oil changes.
buying a build doesn't matter IMHO

 

[white_n_slow]

Generally speaking, it's a lot cheaper to buy it built than to build it yourself. As long as the parts what you're looking for and it's not too ghetto-rigged, I think it's the best way to do it. I prefer to enjoy using the vehicle than spend time wrenching on it, but I know not everyone feels the same way

I don't hesitate to buy a truck that has been "wheeled hard" because that's what I use it for too. Wear and tear is just part of the game.

 

[hopdup]

I'd look it over like a hawk. Check the frame, they are known to rot in cold weather states. The shift solenoid code may be a little more than a solenoid. That code is for torque converter lock up. If it needs a t.c. they are pricey from toyota. Around $550 from toyota, Daaco makes one for $150. That's available through Rock Auto. When buying a vehicle that has the check engine light on, use it to your advantage. Get him to take $1000-1500 off. It needs repaired, bottom line. Aside from that it looks solid.

 

[GVL]

I recently purchased a built Runner and couldn't be happier. I honestly believe you can learn a lot about the vehicle/owner just by the way the ad is written and taking some time to just chat with the owner over the phone and get a feel how much knows/cares about the vehicle.

I went and looked at about 4 different T4R's where the ad was poorly written and had only a couple of crappy pictures but had the right year(s) and mileage only to find the owner didn't know a damn thing about the vehicle. On a couple of them I asked about the timing belt replacement and received and answer like "Yeah, I think so"

If you don't get a "warm and fuzzy" feeling from speaking with person at length, then you probably are not going to get that after you take the time to go look at it either.

Looks like the ad has been pulled already - but don't get discouraged, these things run forever if properly maintained and there are a LOT of them out there you just need to be patient.

 

[JayRolla]

I try never to buy used builds unless I know it was mall queen. Plus 90% of the fun of having a rig is the fun of ordering, installing the parts exactly how I want them and knowing its done right.

I get so much enjoyment researching, saving, ordering, installing making wife mad, its just the fun of building a rig!

 

[98OzarksRunner]

I try never to buy used builds unless I know it was mall queen. Plus 90% of the fun of having a rig is the fun of ordering, installing the parts exactly how I want them and knowing its done right.

I get so much enjoyment researching, saving, ordering, installing making wife mad, its just the fun of building a rig!

I agree. If I see a 4X4 with a winch and a lift, I assume it's had an 'exciting' life. True, it is cheaper to buy one already built, but I look for the one-owner, full dealer maintenance rig and start from there. The 2002 I have is one of those - it had probably never been on a dirt road before I bought it (though it appears to have been down a few now).

 

[JayRolla]

I agree. If I see a 4X4 with a winch and a lift, I assume it's had an 'exciting' life. True, it is cheaper to buy one already built, but I look for the one-owner, full dealer maintenance rig and start from there. The 2002 I have is one of those - it had probably never been on a dirt road before I bought it (though it appears to have been down a few now).

Exactly. When I got my high mileage rig the scrape plates and side steps where the first thing I checked. They where clean so I knew it was a good rig.

 

[jasonf]

Thanks guys. I missed out on that specific truck in the ad, so the hunt continued. I'll definitely keep your thoughts in mind as the search continues.

 

[jasonf]

So the hunt for a 3rd gen continues. I'm pretty much down to two options and leaning towards the second more than the first.

The first option is a built 99' SR5 ($7000). 237k km (147k miles) Specs:

"Vehicle is slightly modded with parts such as ARB front bumper (has 3m on it), budbuilt sliders, toytec front springs on bilstein 5100 shocks, toytec rear springs with TJM xgs gold rear struts, front differential drop, pan hard drop, bushwhacker fender flares, light force lights, kenwood double din with nav and sat radio wired to sub and amp, compustar 2 way remote starter, and stealth custom rims on bfg ko at tires.

Check engine light is currently on. Light is on for shift solenoid e fault. Believed to be a bad solenoid. Vehicle shifts/drives fine and the engine light will intermittently go on and off."

(my brother is a mechanic and we could do the work ourselves if it came to it. the ad's been up for a while now and he's already dropped his price. i'm thinking I could probably get it lower. timing belt/water pump were done in the last year)


The second option is a stock 00' SR5 5sp manual ($6300). 209K km (130k miles).

"New Timing Belt, Brakes, Rear Bearing & New Tires. Sunroof, CD Player, Navigation, Power Windows, Power Locks, Keyless Entry, Power Wheals, Power Mirrors, Heated Mirrors & Cargo cover. Well maintained and all services done on time. Mature driver"


Any thoughts outside of what's been said already?

 

[Jlott9311]

I also recently purchased a "built" 4runner and I love it. In the long run it's going to save me a lot of cash too Haha.

 

[JayBluShu]

I missed the ad but how much was it going for. And i know a pretty broad question but How much built rigs usually going for, say it hasn't been too abused and has decent mileage?

 

[jasonf]

I missed the ad but how much was it going for. And i know a pretty broad question but How much built rigs usually going for, say it hasn't been too abused and has decent mileage?

The built truck is going for $7000, down from $7500 earlier in April. The stock 5sp is going for $6300.

After looking closer at some pics in the ad, the stock 5spd appears to have some bubbling around the wheel arches and a bit of rust on the rear bumper. I know rust is pretty commonplace for 3rd gen's, but obviously less is better.

This is the built truck:

 

[Illestreker]

147k miles, built, and only $7000 is a steal! Especially because that truck looks to be very tastefully moded too.

$7k is generally an average price for a stock 3rd gen with 150-175ish miles.

Id buy that rig asap as long as it checks out after you look at it/drive it.

 

[98WhiteT4R]

You can save thousands of dollars buying a used rig if it's already built the way you want. However most people just start adding "stuff" to make it look cool and overlook what the vehicle actually needs like maintenance. Others just add everything under the sun that they see in magazines and tv and spend so much time on building that they never take the vehicle off-road. That being said if you find a vehicle the way you want it with maintenance records and it looks good when you check it out I'd say go for it!

 

[JayBluShu]

that thing is actually pretty sexy!