Yet another "Should I?" thread

[Brignola85]

Alright.. I'm looking for opinions here. If anyone here 'knows' this truck, please speak up.

1999 Toyota 4Runner LTD - Auto, E-locker
184000 miles on body, 90000 on the used engine that was -just- replaced. -Check engine light on for P0420 - It needs a new rear cat. (I can do for the price of the part)
-AC needs recharged. - Not important to me
-Driver sear torn, pretty significantly. I Will probablyy need a shop to fix it or replace the entire seat.
-Vin checks out according to Carfax.. I know carfax not 100% trustworthy, but is of some value.

All of this is listed in his for sale ad on CL.
After I talked to the guy, getting a clearer description of the vehicle, I find out that both front CV's are leaking mildly. (Another thing I have no problem fixing myself for cost of parts)

I talked him down to $4300 due to the CV's. KBB in "Fair" condition: $6470

Buy or pass? Please speak your mind!

 

[Brignola85]

I should also mention that I would be going over the whole thing with a fine tooth comb, and plan on bringing it back to 100% myself. The only thing that has me leary is the engine replacement, but, he is still driving it 50 miles to work every day without issues.

 

[Bamf_CT2004]

Why was the engine replaced? Depending on the reason, $4300 , it seems like pretty good deal.


What is that on the rear of the truck under the door. Is it suppose to be a bumper?

 

[SRSRunner]

Search it on here, there's a kit you can get on ebay to fix the seats. Are you sure its the cat? Do you know why the motor was replaced? 184k on the tranny? Locker in working order? Since you can do most of if not all the work yourself I'd do it. You'll be hard pressed to find a LTD for that price. Nice choice in color combo too.. Whats your thoughts on the front bumper?

 

[Brignola85]

About that bumper.. I really have no idea, and simply don't care.. The stocker is inside the truck, and an aftermarket bumper would be bought in the near future anyhow.

Honestly.. I was scared to ask.

 

[Brignola85]

Why was the engine replaced? Depending on the reason, $4300 , it seems like pretty good deal.


What is that on the rear of the truck under the door. Is it suppose to be a bumper?

I like the bumper.. A lot.

The engine was replaced due to a knock, if I followed correctly. The "owners friend" is supposedly a certified toyota tech. I'll be meeting him on Sunday, as he will be the one presenting it along with a clear title and notarized bill of sale.

 

[SRSRunner]

Sounds legit then. I like that bumper too which is why I asked.. Was hoping you'd wanna part with it. A lot of people aren't fans of the tube bumpers.

 

[Brignola85]

Whoa... I got those replies backwards.

The front bumper, I am for.. 100%

The rear, not so much... as I plan on going with a swing away in the not too distant future.

I love homebrew.

 

[Edubsam]

If nothin else, you can get most, if not all, your money back in parts if it turns out to be a lemon.

You seem to know what you are doing and what to look for though, so you should be good to go. Can't beat that price.

Even if it's not the cat, it's probably a sensor, which is cheaper than that cat anyway. It's a good bargaining tool.

 

[Brignola85]

It's a go for Sunday. Let's hope it makes the 150 mile drive home without issue. I'll have a mechanic friend of mine with me, obd reader handy, just to double check and make sure there aren't any other stored codes. Either way, for that price it shall be sitting In my garage by Labor day.

 

[Travolous]

I've seen that bumper on other 4runners, they are actually pretty cool looking and functional. I think it looks great personally. URD rear 02 simulator = $99. O2 problem solved.

 

[BruceB83]

You're probably not going to like my opinion but hey, you asked!

I'd probably stay away from it because it seems like it has too many stories going on. I've purchased a lot of cars in my life and am typically the person who anyone in my family/friends has go with them to check out a car. Anytime I run across one with that many issues I stay away. When my advise wasn't taken, said friend or family member regretted it. Here's my thinking...

1) Toyota 4Runner engine replaced under 180K miles? Something isn't right and this is probably indicative of how the owner treated the vehicle overall. (meaning is the transmission next? has it been rode like a rented mule?)
2) AC needs recharged. So at the surface no big deal, but this is again indicative of the owner not properly maintaining the vehicle.
3) Drivers seat torn. This would bother me as I'm funny about my interior being factory and in good condition. I've noticed a direct correlation between condition of interior and overall condition of vehicle and in this 4Runner's case, I'm not being proven wrong.
4) CV's leaking mildy.

So what HAS the owner done maintenance wise? It just doesn't seem like he kept up with the vehicle. People who properly maintain their 4Runner don't forget to get the AC recharged. Another question, has the timing belt and water pump been changed in the "new" engine?

I know the price is tempting, but you may be buying a money pit to get this thing where you'd like it. I looked for a total of about 6 months before I found my 4Runner and I have absolutely ZERO regrets about buying it.

I'd rather pay $6,000 for a 4Runner that doesn't need all that work and has a good history of being taken care of rather than get what you think is a deal at $4,300 and be buying a potential disaster.

Good luck with it either way.

 

[Brignola85]

You're probably not going to like my opinion but hey, you asked!

I'd probably stay away from it because it seems like it has too many stories going on. I've purchased a lot of cars in my life and am typically the person who anyone in my family/friends has go with them to check out a car. Anytime I run across one with that many issues I stay away. When my advise wasn't taken, said friend or family member regretted it. Here's my thinking...

1) Toyota 4Runner engine replaced under 180K miles? Something isn't right and this is probably indicative of how the owner treated the vehicle overall. (meaning is the transmission next? has it been rode like a rented mule?)
2) AC needs recharged. So at the surface no big deal, but this is again indicative of the owner not properly maintaining the vehicle.
3) Drivers seat torn. This would bother me as I'm funny about my interior being factory and in good condition. I've noticed a direct correlation between condition of interior and overall condition of vehicle and in this 4Runner's case, I'm not being proven wrong.
4) CV's leaking mildy.

So what HAS the owner done maintenance wise? It just doesn't seem like he kept up with the vehicle. People who properly maintain their 4Runner don't forget to get the AC recharged. Another question, has the timing belt and water pump been changed in the "new" engine?

I know the price is tempting, but you may be buying a money pit to get this thing where you'd like it. I looked for a total of about 6 months before I found my 4Runner and I have absolutely ZERO regrets about buying it.

I'd rather pay $6,000 for a 4Runner that doesn't need all that work and has a good history of being taken care of rather than get what you think is a deal at $4,300 and be buying a potential disaster.

Good luck with it either way.

Thank you very much for your comment, as I do appreciate everyones opinion.. Good, Bad, For, or Against. That is what I'm looking for.

I do understand where you're coming from, and I do not disagree. My only argument against that is... this vehicle is in no way, shape, or form going to be my DD. The wife and I both have newer, very dependable vehicles and this will be used almost exclusively as a toy - camping - dogmobile. Although a straight up money pit of a truck would be discouraging, I am not put off by the fact that I may get to learn every single nook and cranny on a vehicle I plan to wheel.

Again, thank you all for your input. Wish me luck.

 

[BruceB83]

Thank you very much for your comment, as I do appreciate everyones opinion.. Good, Bad, For, or Against. That is what I'm looking for.

I do understand where you're coming from, and I do not disagree. My only argument against that is... this vehicle is in no way, shape, or form going to be my DD. The wife and I both have newer, very dependable vehicles and this will be used almost exclusively as a toy - camping - dogmobile. Although a straight up money pit of a truck would be discouraging, I am not put off by the fact that I may get to learn every single nook and cranny on a vehicle I plan to wheel.

Again, thank you all for your input. Wish me luck.

Well now that's a different story. I guess I assumed it was going to be a DD. Go for it if you feel good about it!

 

[JohnsD90]

If those are the only problems listed and they are as quick a fix as you say then it is a good deal, But! that truck does not have a rear bumper which leads me to believe it was Rusted as hell and taken off like TheGreenMonster did many years ago, or it was all banged up from hitting crap. I know it wasn't because of departure angles cause that "rear bumper" in the picture is the hitch and it is lower than the rear bumper would sit. The new engine in there is concerning because if it was recently swapped and already had codes then why wouldnt he put a CAT on there to fix code so he could get more money, this leads me to believe there are more problems then meets the eye, same with the AC, why not recharge it to sell it for more money so there is less suspicions at the sale. The CV's if it were me selling i would put some cheap Advance auto ones on and sell it as is there is nothing wrong with the truck and i could get top dollar without anyone hesitating on buying it. From the way the truck looks it seems the guy did his own work and thats what worrying me because if you know how to do it, why not put another 3-4 hours and $300 into it and get atleast another grand or 2 out of the truck. So if you are positive that those are the only major problems then buy it, but otherwise you could be getting yourself into a money pit. Plus at 180k on the body the transmission and suspension parts and brakes may been nearing some mighty expensive services even if you are like me and do all the work yourself.

I mostly agree with bruce except for the seat and AC, leather seats rip, and they will rip bad, i would not be concerned about that as a sign the truck wasnt treated right. And right now, my truck does not have the A/C charged and i most definetley care for my car and do the maintanence on it. So if those were the only 2 problems then i wouldnt think much of it, but if we look at the problems on a whole it starts to make sense that there is alot more that could be jury rigged on this truck. Or your best case senario is the owner is tired of the 4runner, listed all the known problems for an honest quick sale, but unfortunatley unless you have a really good eye for stuff that looks like its failing, or you know the guy personally, you wont really know till you buy it.

My feelings: If you or a Qualified mechanic feels its a decent deal then go for it, but from what you have said, i wouldnt buy it.

 

[Brignola85]

If those are the only problems listed and they are as quick a fix as you say then it is a good deal, But! that truck does not have a rear bumper which leads me to believe it was Rusted as hell and taken off like TheGreenMonster did many years ago, or it was all banged up from hitting crap. I know it wasn't because of departure angles cause that "rear bumper" in the picture is the hitch and it is lower than the rear bumper would sit. The new engine in there is concerning because if it was recently swapped and already had codes then why wouldnt he put a CAT on there to fix code so he could get more money, this leads me to believe there are more problems then meets the eye, same with the AC, why not recharge it to sell it for more money so there is less suspicions at the sale. The CV's if it were me selling i would put some cheap Advance auto ones on and sell it as is there is nothing wrong with the truck and i could get top dollar without anyone hesitating on buying it. From the way the truck looks it seems the guy did his own work and thats what worrying me because if you know how to do it, why not put another 3-4 hours and $300 into it and get atleast another grand or 2 out of the truck. So if you are positive that those are the only major problems then buy it, but otherwise you could be getting yourself into a money pit. Plus at 180k on the body the transmission and suspension parts and brakes may been nearing some mighty expensive services even if you are like me and do all the work yourself.

As for why it hasn't been brought up to par. I can only guess. His reason for selling is that he'll be having a baby very shortly. With todays economy.. People make due with what they have an trim the excess. Hopefully that is the case here.

The way I'm looking at it right now is... $4300 out of my pocket for a 180000 mile Toyota. For me go buy that same truck, even stock, in tip top shape I'd be pushing around $10000. If I have to replace a lot of parts, so be it. It'll be my new 'hobby' and I will learn a ton in doing so.

As for things such as the brakes, suspension, etc... It'll all be replaced in due time. The front/rear coils and rear shocks have about 5000 miles on them, I'll be replacing the skyjackers with Bilsteins or an equivalent as money permits.. the front's are stock. Supporting structures will also be beefed up and replaced as necessary. I'm not familiar with what shape the brakes are in, but.. I'll be driving this thing 150 miles home, so they WILL be checked.

As for the transmission, a cooler will be added almost immediately.. as well as all fluids. I'm rolling dice on the engine... but a compression test will be on my to-do list.

I'll be bringing this home and PARKING it until I can trust it to be roadworthy.


edit: The front and rear bumper are inside of the truck.

 

[ogden8]

I am from Syracuse, they use 100 percent salt on roads, and there isn't a vehicle up north that gets away from salt if it's driven in winter. That vehicle has definately seen winters. I do think that the person selling it neglected it. Why would someone sell a vehicle with all those problems if their freind is a certified mechanic? If my freind was a mechanic, I'd fix everything and sell it with no mechanical problems. I am just not get any warm and fuzzies on that rig.

I know it's kind of a pain, but get a 4runner from Virginia right on down south. Rust free. A 10 year old vehicle up north, doesn't have much life to it when everything is rusted out and on it's last leg.

 

[A.Wilson013]

The real question : How much do they want for the PT Bruiser in the driveway?

In all seriousness, if that truck were for sale here it would be going for FAR more than 4300, I think it sounds like a decent deal!

 

[BruceB83]

If those are the only problems listed and they are as quick a fix as you say then it is a good deal, But! that truck does not have a rear bumper which leads me to believe it was Rusted as hell and taken off like TheGreenMonster did many years ago, or it was all banged up from hitting crap. I know it wasn't because of departure angles cause that "rear bumper" in the picture is the hitch and it is lower than the rear bumper would sit. The new engine in there is concerning because if it was recently swapped and already had codes then why wouldnt he put a CAT on there to fix code so he could get more money, this leads me to believe there are more problems then meets the eye, same with the AC, why not recharge it to sell it for more money so there is less suspicions at the sale. The CV's if it were me selling i would put some cheap Advance auto ones on and sell it as is there is nothing wrong with the truck and i could get top dollar without anyone hesitating on buying it. From the way the truck looks it seems the guy did his own work and thats what worrying me because if you know how to do it, why not put another 3-4 hours and $300 into it and get atleast another grand or 2 out of the truck. So if you are positive that those are the only major problems then buy it, but otherwise you could be getting yourself into a money pit. Plus at 180k on the body the transmission and suspension parts and brakes may been nearing some mighty expensive services even if you are like me and do all the work yourself.

I mostly agree with bruce except for the seat and AC, leather seats rip, and they will rip bad, i would not be concerned about that as a sign the truck wasnt treated right. And right now, my truck does not have the A/C charged and i most definetley care for my car and do the maintanence on it. So if those were the only 2 problems then i wouldnt think much of it, but if we look at the problems on a whole it starts to make sense that there is alot more that could be jury rigged on this truck. Or your best case senario is the owner is tired of the 4runner, listed all the known problems for an honest quick sale, but unfortunatley unless you have a really good eye for stuff that looks like its failing, or you know the guy personally, you wont really know till you buy it.

My feelings: If you or a Qualified mechanic feels its a decent deal then go for it, but from what you have said, i wouldnt buy it.

Great points. The AC "needing to be recharged" could end up being a bad part such as the condenser or compressor. I'd dig into this a little more. Maybe ask when the last time it was charged. Typically systems don't just need charging unless there's a problem.

And about the seat, I forgot it was a limited with leather so I know these are bad about ripping so good point. The point I made is more for cloth seats I guess.

Bignola85- We're just trying to brainstorm with you to make sure you ask all the questions up front. After all, it doesn't hurt to ask and investigate.

 

[Brignola85]

I really do appreciate the feedback guys. It helps, a lot.

There are two more thing I'd like advice on.

1) I'm thinking about investing in my own obd scanner.. This way I won't have to go looking for one when needed, and it'll be available to me at the time of sale.

2) I've searched a bit bit have not found a definitive answer as to how I can check for the "pink milkshake" without draining it completely. Is there a more simple answer?