skshepherd

Found 97 4runner auto v6 w/leather, towing packing, factory 3cd indash changer, toyota wood trim, roof rack w/Thule bars/bike mounts, rear gate wind deflector, alarm, fog lights, running boards. ITs got 115,416 miles on it. I drove it and it was nice and tight, slight pulsation in front rotors, but firm pedal feel. Pulled good, no misses, started up quick @ 5 deg above zero, all windows went up/down quick @ that temp.
Didnt find oil/coolant leaks on it. Fluids are fresh, although pws is slightly brown. Engine is clean. Clean inside & out. Undercarriage has almost no rust at all. Carfaxed that its a 1 owner, and everything else checks out there. Toyota checked the vin and shows it did have the rear springs done per a recall.
Asking $10,950 which is below the 11+ edmunds/kbb shows for retail. My questions are, do you guys with the 3.4 feel I could get another 100k miles out of this one? Anything else I should check that I left out? Asking price in the ballpark? Thanks

4x4Lamm

It will do fine for you but I would talk em' down to around 9.5K with those miles in today's market.

RTdawgs

welcome.

i'd say the engine should be broken in by now, should be fresh and ready to go for another 100k if you keep it maintained (the obvious).

get ur done.

PoBoy

Has 4wd right???

skshepherd

Oops, forgot to mention it does have 4wd. Trying to keep it down under 1000 words.

I do also realize its almost due for a timing belt and most likely an h20 pump. Hopefully this might be another point I can use to talk them down.

Since I was able to change the Timing belt on my 89 maxima, front wheel drive, that with the right tools and tips from the writeups I found I should be able to do it myself and save a few bucks.

Thanks for all the advice folks! Nice and helpful forum!

Mike06

Yea, Id try and talk them down a few. Otherwise seems like its in good condition and should last you a long time.

skshepherd

KBB says trade in is 8700 and retail is 10775.

How much do you all think they paid at the auction? Probably less than kbb trading right? So if I offer him 9800 he should still be making a pretty good profit?

Its kind of hard to tell when buying a used car, its easier to negotiate and walk out with a new car because you know you can find another on like it. But with the used ones, its like deer hunting, do you pass up this 4 pointer in hopes of an 8 pointer that you may never see? That better deal might not exist.

Going to go tonight and start out offering 9800 and I think Im gonna walk at 10400.

Any used car buying tips welcome.

Thanks again.

skshepherd

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I talked the dealer down to what I felt comfortable with and should be picking the truck up this Friday if all the paperwork pans out.


STeve

Bob_98SR5

Steve,

Ooops, looks like I'm a little late to the party.

RE the timing belt, etc, I recently had the following service done for $513.00 (total price)

- Timing belt
- All other drive belts
- New water pump installed
- New thermostat installed

This is out here in Los Angeles for your reference.

Bob

rimpainter.com

Toyota ran the VIN for the rear coil recall, but did they check on the HG recall? It may not apply to that particular 97, but you never know.

The "pulsing" is the front rotor warpage - which is all too common on the earlier years. Since KBB prices are based on a vehicle in Excellent condition when that option is selected, which means maintenance and mechanical in excellent condition, you should be able to talk them down.

The rotors may need replacing vs turning, which will run about $150 if you do it.

See Bob's post about the other stuff.

skshepherd

Yeah, I figured it was the rotors, hopefully if they are thick enough I can just get them turned.

He ran the Vin for any and everything on it. I thought the HG recall was on the 3.0v6 only? The only thing that showed up was the rear coils.

I was also going to try the timing belt myself when the time came since I did the one on my maxima. After reading the writeups it certainly looks more doable than the maxima was. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Im glad I found this site, its a great resource!

Take care and thanks!

rimpainter.com

Nope. The 3.0 was an internal HG flaw and the 3.4 was an external flaw.

The recall applies to some 95 – 97 5VZ engines. Knowing most service guys, he may not have even known that. I had to call around a few times before someone finally looked up my VIN and discovered that I was eligible for the recall despite no problems.

skshepherd

Hmmm, very interesting and good to know. I wonder how I could find out if mine would qualify since the guy at Toyota was sure I didn't. Is there something I should ask him to check or lookup or should I just call around till a different dealer says it qualifies?


Thanks for that tidbit of info, I was unaware.


Steve

rimpainter.com

It may not qualify, just try a few different dealers to confirm.

SLC Punk

Its only some 97's.

I called the dealer and Toyota and verified that mine wasn't part of the recall. They said it was for early production 97's. Mine was built in July 1997, so it wasn't part of the recall.

Sounds like a good deal. 1997's are the best year!

rimpainter.com

Bring it!

SLC Punk

96's are ok, my dad has one. But I know he is jealous of the 97!

lee

the level of greatness of 2001's will astound and crush you.

Mike06

I think its more about the limited models than the "regular" SR5 models.....

rimpainter.com

Try getting a limited in a 5 speed though, I'll smoke you!