kato

I'm about to buy a 1997 SR5 from Carmax and wanted to see what you guys' experience is from them or anything I should look out for. It has 52K on it -one owner - clean carfax - standard shift and is listed for $12,000. Also do you guys thinkthe Carmax warranty would be a good deal (36K/3 years for $1450). I'm not realy mechanical inclinded, so just trying to find out any helpful information from the knowledable --thanks for any info.

4mydogs

I shopped a lot before I bought my 4Runner 8 years ago, and I looked at several on the Carmax lot in Atlanta. I think they get much of their inventory from lease turn-ins and auctions -- like many other lots. I would have told you to run a carfax report on it, but you already did. Personally I'm not much on used car warranties, but without knowing how extensive their coverage is I can't really comment. My big thing is to have it checked out by a mechanic you know and trust. Welcome to the board and good luck!

Epic Ed

I'd say no on the warranty for a 4Runner with that mileage. Not sure what options are on the one you're looking at, but where does it come in compared to kbb.com for retail? $12,000 seems a little high for a '97, IMO, but there are too many variables that we don't know to give you an accurate appraisal. I just bought a '97 4x2 4Runner for $7,500 here in AZ.

Ed

bamachem

NO on the warranty.

here's a 1999 Sport edition w/ hood scoop, 4wd, and 5-speed for less...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...Name=WDVW&rd=1

Flamedx4

MY GF bought a 36 month, 100,000 mile warranty for $800 including the optional coverages for all the options, electronics etc to pick up where the factory warranty left off. That car will hit 100,000 this year and so far we haven't used the warranty once, and it's a Ford! Not worth it.

I just ran an autotrader search and the asking prices for a 97 around here run 7000 to 14000, not including 2 total idiots asking 20,000 but they are unlikely to get any takers.

FilthyRich

this one is near me. if you are interested and i can help, let me know

kato

Eric -- thanks for the offer of driving to Harrisonburg!! - I actually live in Richmond also - I called about the one in Harrisonburg, but it sold last night for $14,900. I was also looking at a 98 at Priority Toyota with 55K for 16,500, but it sold also last week. I'm looking at a 97 that I talked about at Carmax on West Broad. I was looking at a 98 with 49K last week, but it sold for $15,500 - then the Carmax guy called me the next day and said he found a 97 in Raleigh for $12,000 with 52K. Thanks again for the offer to drive to Harrsionburg, but if you have any suggestions of what I should look for or a new place to look other than Carmax, please share with me. thanks

shazaam

crack open the washington post this weekend .. lots of them usually show up in there

Epic Ed

And here's an example of a guy who bought a '99 with a e-locker and completely loaded for $12,000.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/our-new-4runner-62980/

I'd shop around a bit more, if I were you. If you have time to play with your chances are much better at finding the right deal for you. If you're in a hurry, sales people can sense it like blood in the water and you will likely be paying closer to their asking price on their terms.

Ed

jordanirvin

We bought our 2002 SR5 from the Carmax between DC and Baltimore in November. It was the best purchasing experience I've ever had.
Kato, I'm not sure how far away you are, but you might want to check their web page. I believe they were called Laurel Carmax. One of the guys said they were the biggest Toyota dealer outside of LA, which meant they had a huge selection. Right now they've got about 30 on the lot, but most are 2001's or newer, and only one is a stick shift.

justinh

Laurel is one of the largest in the nation now, i think it hit second last year. I work for carmax and have for 5 years. I bought my 4runner there as a valumax vehicle with 100k miles on it and purchased the extended warranty, i never used mine. however, that being said my sister purchased her rodeo at carmax as well and recently blew the headgasket in it and it only cost her $50 to fix it. that one repair likely paid for the entire warranty in itself. if you buy it and decide you want to cancel it all you have to do is go to the store and cancel the warranty, it will be credited back to you at the prorated amount based on the mileage at cancellation.

GoudyMan

If your not mechanically inclined, be mathmatically inclined!!

What would have to break to do $1450 in damage?? What are the odds you will need $1450 in repairs in the next 36k/3yrs???

Probably slim you will have $1450 in repairs. I dont think you would buy a car if you planned to have that in the next 36k/3yrs.

Personally, I wouldnt buy the warranty. I think that Carmax is playing the odds and the odds are in their favor that if you purchase the warranty they will make a profit off of you.

If you need security then get the warranty, but odds are it won't pay for itself.

trx125

Here You go!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...gory=6442&rd=1

Epic Ed

Not sure how that vehicle fits the bill for what he's looking for -- it's a 2WD and an automatic. Not to mention it's in TEXAS.

Another word about extended warranties -- they often aren't worth the paper they are printed on. There are decent warranty companies who run an honest operation, but there are more companies that will give you the run-around and make it very difficult for you to get repairs covered. They often refer to "small print" technicalities to skirt their responsibilities, and I've heard horrendous stories from my buddy who is a mechanic who deals with some of these jokers quite frequently. The bad warranty companies will screw you and leave you holding the bill, and when you're sitting there at the dealership debating whether to purchase the warranty it will likely be the first time you've ever heard of the company they are offering the warranty through. If you're still considering the warranty, at the very least get the details about who the warranty company is before you're sitting on the hot seat in the finance office.

Ed

kato

thanks guys - I've searched the net and the classifieds for over two weeks now and still can't find something close to this one at carmax - 1997, SR5 w/52K, $12,000 4WD, sunroof, cd player, power windows and locks. Checked the Laurel Maryland site this morning an nothing. It arrived from Raleigh yesterday, so my wife stopped by to take a look and said the inside and outside were in perfect shape. It even has a hitch, which wasn't mentioned in the ad. I might have to add a keyless entry and cruise control, but that might have been the same cost, considering I was going to add a hitch before. I was worried a Toyota Mechanic buddy of mine won't be able to look at it, but he can look at it on Monday and if he throws up the red flags, I still have 5 days to return for full refund. I think I'll pass on the warranty, thanks to some info. here -- I'll keep you informed to what happens. thanks for all the information and help!

Flamedx4

True, if the odds were that it would pay for itself, then the warranty company isn't being too smart with their business plan are they...

And also don't forget there is a deductible, just like any other insurance. You might spend $1400 in small repairs that each come in under the deductible and STILL not get anything from the warranty.

There is very good reason why extended warranties are a huge money making growth industry these days. It's nearly a scam it's so profitable.