Would you buy?

D

deeleypdx

New member
Been in the market for a 3rd gen since selling my 2014 TEP (Just looking to not have a car payment). It's nearly impossible to find a good condition 3rd gen with clean title and 4wd for under 6k in Portland. Often times they're going for upwards of $8,000! Going to look at this 98 Limited today for $3,200 but has nearly 300,000 miles. Timing belt was last done at 150k so due for that and will obviously see what service records they have, but assuming it's been regularly maintained does it seem crazy to buy a runner with this many miles? I know they're known for reliability but is this pushing it too much? Thanks!



https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/d/1998-toyota-4runner/6367787664.html
 
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If the seller has service records and you can verify maintenance, and they will let you have a mechanic inspect the vehicle and do a compression test, then you will get a better idea of what you are getting into - not to mention all the regular PM like lower ball joints, radiator, timing belt and water pump, etc

If it were me, I would consider myself lucky if I got 100K out of that vehicle before having to invest in a replacement engine - not sure I'd want to spend $6K plus to get to that point.

How about looking farther away than just Portland, or Oregon for that matter?
 
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octanejunkie said:
How about looking farther away than just Portland, or Oregon for that matter?
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Definitely been doing some looking outside of the area. The northwest prices in general seem about the same. I'm reluctant to fly out for a rig that could end up being a bust when I say it in person but might have to for the right deal.
 
deeleypdx said:
Definitely been doing some looking outside of the area. The northwest prices in general seem about the same. I'm reluctant to fly out for a rig that could end up being a bust when I say it in person but might have to for the right deal.
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Another member here just spent 5 months looking for the right truck, even miles and miles away. It can take time if you're in a high-value area and don't want to pay inflated prices - market-based economies are tricky, timing is critical. Have cash ready and don't be afraid to walk away. Just be patient.
 
Consider setting-up Craigslist alerts for different areas. Ask for addtional photos, like of the underside / frame. If you don't do so already, have the cash on-hand. Have your questions ready to be copied and pasted into a text message to the seller, or email. Often they work with potential buyers on who contacts them first, second, third, etc...

I missed-out on several because I was the 2nd or 3rd person to contact the seller. And, that was often just 15-20 minutes after being posted! Many of the 4Runners were gone an hour after being posted. Crazy, at least here in the Bay Area...

When I lost out, I always asked the seller what was the final price. I PDFd all of the listings that I pursued, and saved the final sell prices for each. This helped me better understand the market I was up against, and gave me factual data to not only make decisions, but also present to the sellers, making my case regarding price.
 
Speaking for CA, CO, OR, WA, etc -- the rocky mountain'ish and west region -- it's basically impossible to find a 3rd gen at a decent price unless you want 200k+ miles, so your search results are in-line with the rest of the region.

If it has < 200k miles, or hell, under 150k miles, you're going to have to pay a premium for it (i.e. 6-7-8-9k). Simple rules of supply and demand my friend.

I've seen 3rd gens in CO with < 150k miles go for at or near $10-12k, basically the cost of a 4th gen with similar mileage.
 
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amalik said:
Speaking for CA, CO, OR, WA, etc -- the rocky mountain'ish and west region -- it's basically impossible to find a 3rd gen at a decent price unless you want 200k+ miles, so your search results are in-line with the rest of the region.

If it has < 200k miles, or hell, under 150k miles, you're going to have to pay a premium for it (i.e. 6-7-8-9k). Simple rules of supply and demand my friend.

I've seen 3rd gens in CO with < 150k miles go for at or near $10-12k, basically the cost of a 4th gen with similar mileage.
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There's a local dealer that buys up clean 3rd gens, throws a cheap lift and mud tires on them and sells for 12k-14k. Insanity.
 
deeleypdx said:
There's a local dealer that buys up clean 3rd gens, throws a cheap lift and mud tires on them and sells for 12k-14k. Insanity.
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It's all just numbers and supply and demand.

I think it's insanity to pay $85k+ for a 2017 Landcruiser, but you'll find people out there doing it, the same way us 3rd genners don't really understand how the 5th genners spend $40k+ on 5th gens -- but check the threads out there, it happens like every hour.
 
amalik said:
It's all just numbers and supply and demand.

I think it's insanity to pay $85k+ for a 2017 Landcruiser, but you'll find people out there doing it, the same way us 3rd genners don't really understand how the 5th genners spend $40k+ on 5th gens -- but check the threads out there, it happens like every hour.
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Just like PT Barnum said
 
As long as the maintenance records are in order. I would worry more about if they changed the oil regularly. You could use the fact that it needs a timing belt to your advantage to lower the price.

Keep in mind I’m sure you will be adding a lift and upgrades along the way, so most of those worn out parts will get replaced as you build it.

If it’s in good condition and rust free, I don’t see it being a bad deal.
 
deeleypdx said:
There's a local dealer that buys up clean 3rd gens, throws a cheap lift and mud tires on them and sells for 12k-14k. Insanity.
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I am in Portland also and I see those trucks all the time. Asshats!!!!! The only way I would pay that much is if it had less than 20k miles on it and was in perfect condition. I will keep my eyes open for a good deal man. I spend hours on CL looking at 4runners.
 
infantry503 said:
Thundercloud/ Portland

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/d/2001-toyota-4runner-sr5-4wd/6365926055.html

Green/ Beaverton

https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/d/toyota-4runner/6360370662.html

White/ 82nd ave

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/d/1998-toyota-4runner-sr5/6351274675.html
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So I assume those 82nd Ave dealers are all dumping grounds for dealerships that get cars on trade that don't pass their tests. Always been wary of them. Thanks for looking out there, much appreciated. I saw a few private party deals in Seattle that look promising. Might have to take the train up there soon.
 
deeleypdx said:
So I assume those 82nd Ave dealers are all dumping grounds for dealerships that get cars on trade that don't pass their tests. Always been wary of them. Thanks for looking out there, much appreciated. I saw a few private party deals in Seattle that look promising. Might have to take the train up there soon.
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It's definitely worth it to pay the money for carfax. I found that my truck had ALL the work done to it and recently
 
You're right on that. The prices in the PNW are ridiculous. I got a decent deal on one in Eugene after looking all over, including Colorado. Paid 3500, but it was gross inside and out and had 220k. Def worth it to look and try and get a good deal though. I'd rather fix it up myself a little bit and save money that way.
 
It's priced about right but doesn't seem to be a particularly 'good deal.' Coming from a 2014, I suspect you'll want to find a nice later model 3rd gen or you may regret the downgrade. Maybe I'm wrong :) I'd try to find a 2001-2002 with around 200k or less. Should be doable for about 6k. GOod luck with whatever you decide!
 
Just picked up a 2004 Lexus GX470 for $8,500 instead. 1 owner with tons of records, no accidents and 198k miles. That V8 is pretty sweet.
 
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