Someone give a thought here..

I'm looking at a 97 4runner this evening and I need a few thoughts on this. This rig will be for the little lady, she needs 4x4 for winter and dependable, we also need room for yellow dog. So a 4 Runner it is!!!

This is a Limited and seems to be fully loaded: leather, moon roof, dark tint, towing package, roof rack, etc... Now here is the hanger, she is clamming that it only has 85,000 miles on it. KBB is showing that Good condition is about 7,900 for Private Party Value, I'm thinking of offering 7,800 which is a bit below what she is asking (8,200). I don't like paying asking price...

It's suppose to have an easy life so far, I know to check the oil and feel and smell the trany fluid and the normal things. Anything I should really look for? I just hope it looks as good as I think it to be with such low miles!!!

 

Looks like a good deal. I think you're on top of the checkup i dont think theres a need to compression test a motor that new.

 

See if she's got maintainence records or check for a timing belt sticker under the hood, those are good indicators too.

 

Alright, thank you. I'll have to check on the belt. What's the mileage for the TB?

 

If she'll negotiate, go 7500. Yes Toyotas hold their value, but the larger SUV market is still down.
TB replacement should be around 90K miles. So that's probably something you'll be doing fairly soon if you get it and something to help bring the price down

 

Do a carfax check & make sure the miles are legit & there are no accidents. I paid for carfax for several months before I found my 4Runner & it saved me from buying 2 vehicles that had odometers rolled back 100K mi. A timing belt could set you back $350-600 so negotiate that into the deal if it hasn't been done.

Also a '97 will need the cupholder mod definitely worth it!

 

Well, just got back from looking it over. Great shape, and is getting new bumpers as I type. The front was pitted a bit and the rear had a small ding. Nothing major. Oil was clean and the trany fluid smelled and looked alright. Didn't get a chance to drive it, the bumper was being changed. Going back on Sunday for a drive and make an offer. The best thing is it had the little button to the left of the wheel. LOCKER!!! Just got to drive and get a price set.