Finally buy a 4Runner?

[OreoGaborio]

So for some reason, my brain is having trouble convincing my gut to purchase this vehicle.... Brain says "buy", Gut says "hold on..." But I friggin need something by next weekend so I can tow my shit to the track...

Need some honest help/advice.

Quick run-down:
'05 4Runner Sport
77,650 miles
Exterior: GALACTIC GRAY MICA
Interior: DARK CHARCOAL Leather

Downs sides:
Slight clunk in the suspension up front (they said they'd fix it)
Brakes shudder (they said they'd fix it)
Driver's window clunks (they said they'd fix it)
Will need a timing belt/water pump at 90k miles??? (NO, it has a chain)
4wd system was a little sensitive to switching back & forth and clunked a few times going though 2H, 4H, 4L, Locked diff, DHA.
Dog owner (but they did a great job of cleaning out the hair & the smell. Scratches in the cargo area were the only obvious sign)
Little scratches/paint cracks/flakes on the front bumper
Driver's seat bolster is pretty worn (leather) Pretty sure those miles aren't highway.

And it sounds like the valves on the driver's side talk a bit... not sure if that's normal or not? I don't recall hearing a lot of ticking on the 06 that I checked out last week (which has since been sold, dammit)



Here's the ad
http://iraaudi2.reachlocal.net/Used/...leDetails.aspx


Here's the carfax
http://carfax1047.reachlocal.net/Veh...&partner=DQL_0


What do you guys think? What would you pay?

$15,5 out the door (inc tax, title, reg, fees) if I give him my worthless 01 Lincoln LS with 250k on the clock a good deal?

[ssg]

For the year / mileage / price alone, it doesen't sound too too bad…but, to me it sounds like someone selling their headache.

My gut says "do not pass go". Odd clunks and shit in suspension = hundreds$ odd clunks and shit in driveline = thousands$.

I realize you're after the Toyota stuff, but since you didn't say otherwise…have you considered a Ridgeline?
http://www.automotive.com/2006/65/ho...c=True&index=3

You can get an RTS (or newer RTX) in the price range you're after pretty easily. Some RTL's would even fit in there (the loaded model).

[R7]

I've been out of the vehicle loop for a while, but I wouldn't pay 15,5k for a 5 year old vehicle with 77k on it

[OreoGaborio]

For the year / mileage / price alone, it doesen't sound too too bad…but, to me it sounds like someone selling their headache.

My gut says "do not pass go". Odd clunks and shit in suspension = hundreds$ odd clunks and shit in driveline = thousands$.

I realize you're after the Toyota stuff, but since you didn't say otherwise…have you considered a Ridgeline?
http://www.automotive.com/2006/65/ho...c=True&index=3

You can get an RTS (or newer RTX) in the price range you're after pretty easily. Some RTL's would even fit in there (the loaded model).

Yeah, I thought about the Ridgeline but they're a little more than I want to spend and I'm not so sure about having a bed and loosing the interior storage.... think I"m pretty set on the 4Runner.

I've been out of the vehicle loop for a while, but I wouldn't pay 15,5k for a 5 year old vehicle with 77k on it

Yeah I wouldn't have expected to either, but these things go for a pretty penny and everyone that has one says they're well worth it.

And 15,5 otd, even though it's a lot of money, is a pretty smokin deal on a sport... it's one of those "I know a guy that knows a guy who owes him a favor" deals. The money's right.

[OreoGaborio]

Just confirmed the V6 has a timing CHAIN so no need for replacement at 90k.

[ssg]

And 15,5 otd, even though it's a lot of money, is a pretty smokin deal on a sport... it's one of those "I know a guy that knows a guy who owes him a favor" deals. The money's right.

If it sounds too good to be true...

[OreoGaborio]

Naw, it's not that... They're going above & beyond to help because the guy I know manages Ira Lexus down the street.

Really, I think the only thing that's stopping me is the condition of the interior and a few minor things that show its age. I don't have any real concerns about mechanical reliability or anything like that.

[breakdirt916]

Yeah I wouldn't have expected to either, but these things go for a pretty penny and everyone that has one says they're well worth it.

yep...welcome to the Toyota truck/SUV market...grossly more expensive!

but FWIW, in regards to waiting or buying, I say get exactly what you want or walk. Just based on personal experience...

[OreoGaborio]

Well if I get exactly what I want, I have a feeling I'll be paying at least 2k more.

In fact, I did find pretty much exactly what I wanted ('06 with 66k on the clock) and they only came down to 16,8... and that DIDN'T include 6.25% sales tax which would be another $1050.

[BostonSVkid]

I would rather buy a american made SUV thats newer and has less miles for less money

[Daytona440]

I've got an 07 Trailblazer Pete. I looked at the 4runners but passed because they were too expensive. I'm very happy with the Trailblazer. tows 5k pounds and rides very comfortable. at times i do wish i had bought a rideline or pickup...but that's just because i love trucks...

[TomBrady]

Well, if you're on the fence about it - don't let the timing push you into making a decision you're not 100% comfortable with. It would cost ~$150 to rent a pickup/uhaul for the weekend. Well worth it if you're not 100%

[Woodsy]

sounds like you know what to do pete. if there is nothing wrong with it and you only want it to perform a task and not to cherish it, do it. it is not a lot of coin and it is functional. that said DO NOT buy a vehicle on a time table. it only leads to problems.

[WordTooYoMamma]

Wirelessly posted (Tilt: Opera/9.80 (Windows Mobile; WCE; Opera Mobi/WMD-50433; U; en) Presto/2.4.13 Version/10.00)

pete my 98 is still goin strong, deffinitly stick with the 4runner

[ssg]

So you're basically going to buy this anyways but just want to hear all of us commiserate about it? ok.

[KB]

YOU ARE HIGH for paying that much for a used rig with that much mileage.

Wanna buy soem swampland?

DON'T DO IT!!

KB

[breakdirt916]

In fact, I did find pretty much exactly what I wanted ('06 with 66k on the clock) and they only came down to 16,8... and that DIDN'T include 6.25% sales tax which would be another $1050.

while any used car is a risk, I felt the bite of "settling" for a car that fell into the right time frame. I was fixing problems on it from the start, compounded with emerging ones from the higher miles, and it ended up costing me more in the long run, and developing an overall dissatisfaction with the car.

The Tacoma I bought a couple years ago (before the buyback), on the other hand, was a little bit more than I wanted to spend; but fucking perfect. Lowest miles I was going to find, immaculate exterior/interior and no major mechanical defects. I loved that truck. If it weren't for the sweet buyback deal, I'd still be rocking that.

Buy it once, buy it right!

[ssg]

Buy it once, buy it right!

"Buy right and you'll only cry once", is what I use in times like this…


ie: I bought a car 6 months ago when I should have bought a Tundra Crewmax. (facepalm here)

[OreoGaborio]

So you're basically going to buy this anyways but just want to hear all of us commiserate about it? ok.

Naw. You guys are discussing one side, I'm discussing the other.

Bottom line: I won't find a better deal than this ANYWHERE, but the worn interior & flaking paint on the bumper has me bummin. The rest can be fixed.

[e30addict]

salvage yard seat

[OreoGaborio]

That thought has crossed my mind... that or some nice seat covers, but i'd hate to cover up leather

[obsolete]

Take it to a trusted mechanic and have him look it over to make sure its cool/youknow the problems.

[e30addict]

Pete, if I recall correctly, they didn't produce sports with leather seats for this region. Autosound up the street may have put that in for them. Might want to run the VIN and see what the factory shipped the vehicle with

[TheIglu]

Stay away disco lay-deeee. I wouldn't touch that thing, and you know the beaters I drive.

You can't barter using sales tax.

You shoulda bought that white one you showed me a couple weeks back. Extra grand or two? If that's that much of an issue for the right ride, you are already spending beyond your means. Find a 2001-2004 quad cab taco for $11k. You aren't towing a lot, you could even get away with a nice V6 Rav4. 260hp in a little SUV? YES PLEASE!

Try looking non-dealers. Best way to find a well cared for rig that you can speak face to face with the actual owner. Lower price too.

Rushing leads to a LONG time of regret. Have someone help you out for the first race weekend and give yourself a few extra weeks to search.

[TheIglu]

Almost 80k miles, has issues: fine.

All this for $15k?

Nope. Better be perfect and have 15k less miles on it before you even consider it.

Stop looking at dealers. Waste of time.