I'm looking into a '97 SR5 4runner sportin the 5 speed for $4,000.... sounds incredible right? there is a catch, 240,000 miles. However, it was owned by the owner of a dealership from '97-06, and meticulously cared for and serviced, as it washis wife's... Then in 05 or so his daughter drove it all over the country for work (hence high miles). Then they sold it to the current owner, who now needs to sell it cause his business isn't doing so good at the moment.

This thing has serious balls. the engine has loads of torque and power, and it shifts very smooth. The interior isn't terrible, but it's not pristine either. The exterior as you can see is slightly rough, due to the daughter bumping into stuff ... alot so it would seem. Worste case is the dent on the hood.. no biggie, a sport hood with the scoop would be a great fix

So, that's the story...

I'm taking it to a Toyota specialist tomorrow, the only guy that my dad trusted to wrench on his Toyota racecar. So i'll report back as to what he says.

Initial thoughts? Concerns? Ideas? Warnings? Go for it's?

Thank you in advance

-Jason

 

aw that roxy sticker and front dent go so well together

 

my thoughts exactly

 

not bad for 4G

 

u could pay twice that and get one with 30k less miles and no dents, i would go with this one, i dont really care much about dents if it didnt do them. especially if this will see any off road

 

"go for it"!

nice price, dealer kept (you know he HAD to get discounts to keep it in top condition...), and the roxy sticker! nothing else tells you you're a surfer chick like that!

 

The plans would be, as it sits in my head right now... 3" OME, sliders, bumpers, roofrack, rear locker of some sort..

trust me, there is some wheeling planned

i sold this today

 

u are gonna miss the sfa but besides taht i think u will like a 3rd gen, i miss my 91 but then i remember i have cup holders and bucket seats and forget about it

 

Assuming that is a 4X4, $4000 really isn't that bad. Try to work an angle on those dents, tho. Maybe you can snag it for $3500, or $3750. You never know untill you try.

 

if its all mechanically fine, i would say low ball a tad and go for it. Sports hood like you said would look good, and dont worry about the other bumpers, if you take it offroad you will make your own.

 

Yup Yup I agree. Snag that puppy. Specially if the body rust is minimum. The 5-speed version is not that easy to find.

 

Thats crazy, just courious is it a 3.4L?

 

Agree--low ball and let them counter--you are not going to find very many 5Spd runners at all. I know--i had to go to Florida to get mine..

 

Offer $3500 and go for it.

If you show up with 35 one hundred dollar bills, I am sure this guy wouldn't even blink.

 

Yes it's 3.4, 5speed, 4x4.. no leather but oh well i'll live..

I'm going to offer him $3500 due to no service records of any kind(not to mention the service/lack of? during the high mile stint right before girl sold it), but it'll be hard since he knows i have a ton of cash in my pocket due to the sale of my truck last night.

 

The verdict is in from teh Toyota specialists...

Timing chain has maybe 5k miles left on it
water pump is gone
tie rod ends need replacing
new clutch hose
Rear main seal
Sway bar links replaced
and some more but why list them cause this thing needs an easy $2k to bring it back mechanically...

They said it hasn't seen much service at all. Still has OEM plug cables!! which is impressive i guess.. but hell... This thing has never seen a tune up other than fluids.

Well the idea was fun while it lasted...

Back to the drawing board

-Jason

 

i feel for ya! that is ridiculous! just goes to show you what good dealers are!
(i HAD to with all the dealer bashing lately...)

good luck coming up with a runner soon! summer 4x4'in is coming up!!!

 

are you clinically insane for selling that SFA 4x4.....WTF!...or did you get an INCREDIBLE offer on it...

 

flame away, but... solid axles are over rated unless your crawling... which i did.. alot... but now i'm going to tame it down some(for now) with the IFS.. not doing much that will require a sfa or front locker.. I'm looking forward to a rig with coils..

driver skills baby

and yes, i got out of the 85 4runner with a great wad of cash in my pocket

-Jason

 

timing CHAIN ? it has a 2.7 ??

so, do what i did, show them the estimate for all the work, offer 3k. if you dont' I will LOL