worth buying? or too high of miles for the price?

mace4runner

New member
Hi --

I am still in the market for a 4th Gen... with a budget of 10,000- 10,500.


I have checked out about 7 so far -- and they have all been really bad - or have sold out from under me.

(i know this is common, so patience is key to finding a good one)


I have emailed with these people... and they would do $9,500

2007 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER for SALE $9,995.00, in Hampton Falls, NH - Used 2007 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER - PBsAutoVillage.com

Its a 2007 -- but HIGH milage at 181K. I was hoping to find something more in the 130K range.

I know if taken care of -- they will last and last... but I would also like something ... with decent resale value 2-3 years from now (15K per year)



At first I was totally against it -- but while checking out another 4runner last night - I drove a 2006 Tacoma TRD sport with 182K on it. It drove amazing.

I prob would have bought it -- but they were asking $13,500 for it !



thoughts? guidance? Check it out and consider it?? or keep looking on craigslist for a private sale to come up??
 
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First off, tell them it's not a Sport Edition. It's just a plain 'ole SR5.

With those miles I'd be thinking more like $7900-8500.
 
yes, i am looking for a 6 cyl only.

so far I have had zero luck at those small dealerships anyways.... so if I am up in that area, I would check it out -- but not worth the drive.

That one in JERSEY is 3 hours away --- and at one of those "we finance anyone!" type of places... chances of it being decent are slim.

Just my experience. I think I will wait for a private sale on craigslist...

Thanks for the responses guys -
 
I feel your pain as I was hunting in that same budget last April. After looking at a LOT of real dogs, I bought my 05 with 145k miles on it from Grappone in Concord NH for $10,200.

When shopping at this price point, I think condition is more important than miles so it really comes down to how well it's been taken care of. I'd want to see some records on it, look up the VIN on toyota.com. I'm also leary of independent dealers like that but it varies.

IMO, if you are buying something already well-north of 100k miles I wouldn'd count on a ton of resale value years later. It's going to be what it's going to be—maybe good, maybe nothing—but it's not something I'd count on once you are closer to 200k, even for a Toyota.

Only other thing I'll say is that I wish I'd spent a bit more to get a 2006+. Some nice improvements and with my super-cheap CU loan rate it wouldn't have made much difference to my bottom line. From my shopping, there was a pretty big year/miles/condition upgrade between the $10k± trucks and the $12-$13k trucks.

Good luck!
 
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Used 2005 Toyota 4Runner 4WD

What about this one? Looks pretty clean, little less mileage, and I'm sure you can talk them down on price. Only thing to be weary of is headgasket issues... I avoided 06-07 when looking, especially in my area, because those years had an issue on the hatch where the chrome trim rubbed up against the metal. It rubs off the paint and causes it to rust (which would be an issue near you as well). If it seems sound mechanically, rust will be the next biggest issue (at least in my eyes). Crawl under it and check out the frame, see if it looks solid with little rust.. On the hatch, check around the chrome trim and underneath the window seal, a lot will hide there as well. A tell tale sign of the hatch rotting to crap is looking at the license plate screw holes. Sounds silly but if they're showing rust, the hatch is more than likely rotting from the inside out and will be an issue in the future.. Just my .02. I'm pretty OCD! haha
 
Used 2005 Toyota 4Runner 4WD

What about this one? Looks pretty clean, little less mileage, and I'm sure you can talk them down on price. Only thing to be weary of is headgasket issues... I avoided 06-07 when looking, especially in my area, because those years had an issue on the hatch where the chrome trim rubbed up against the metal. It rubs off the paint and causes it to rust (which would be an issue near you as well). If it seems sound mechanically, rust will be the next biggest issue (at least in my eyes). Crawl under it and check out the frame, see if it looks solid with little rust.. On the hatch, check around the chrome trim and underneath the window seal, a lot will hide there as well. A tell tale sign of the hatch rotting to crap is looking at the license plate screw holes. Sounds silly but if they're showing rust, the hatch is more than likely rotting from the inside out and will be an issue in the future.. Just my .02. I'm pretty OCD! haha


Yea -- that one has potential --- I plan to go check out some on Saturday.

I have had SUCH bad experiences with these little dealers though -- makes me not even excited to go check them out. I see where they get their bad reps from.

I have cash in hand... not looking to "buy here, pay here, no credit needed" --

That one is about 1.5 hours away from me... so not unreasonable on Saturday.

I would prob keep driving and check out this one also ---

2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5

which I have spoken with the guy ---- but it takes me over 2 hours to get there -- so probably Saturday would be the earliest I could make it.

tough to car hunt with a 2 year old son and working full time... not many hours left in the day to be making these road trips!
 
I have an 05 sport v6 4x4 black I'll sell you for 10350. Impeccably maintained and sits in the driveway because my 05 Corolla daily driver simply will not die. If interested pm me.
 
Reasons I love this forum!

me too. you have NO IDEA the weight off my shoulders (ha) if this works out.


I feel like my wife is about to kill me with the amount of hours I have spent searching for a well maintained 4runner.

To actually find one within my budget seemed impossible.

Crossing my fingers! I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.
 
If you are buying a used 4Runner in the Northeast, take a long, hard look at the frame. Frame rust can be a real big deal.
 
Well -- that excitement was short lived. HA.

Back to the grind of trying to find one --- but I will pass on the one listed above with 180K on the clock for $9,500.

Will hold out for a clean one - from a private sale -
 
Best of luck. Just got my 05 v8 limited 2wd w/94k and the maxcare warranty to 150k. Paid 14k for the t4r, 2500 for the warranty. Warranty paid for itself the next day when I brought it in to have the secondary air intake valve issue sorted out
 
New 4Runner owner here

Just bought my moms old 4Runner, 2003 limited v8 with 68k miles. She bought it new and it's been well cared for and garage kept since new. I got a good buy on it of course because she's my mom, paid $10k. Went ahead and replaced timing belt and water pump two nights ago with all oem stuff. Had a check engine light on, was one of the oxygen sensors. Replaced that with a new denso sensor and the light cleared itself so I'm a very happy camper.
 
Just bought my moms old 4Runner, 2003 limited v8 with 68k miles. She bought it new and it's been well cared for and garage kept since new. I got a good buy on it of course because she's my mom, paid $10k. Went ahead and replaced timing belt and water pump two nights ago with all oem stuff. Had a check engine light on, was one of the oxygen sensors. Replaced that with a new denso sensor and the light cleared itself so I'm a very happy camper.

Thanks, Mom!

You'd better give her a big bunch of flowers for Mother's Day.
 

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