I just found this forum tonight, hopefully I can be a Toyota owner myself someday soon...

After 4 years of driving a Jetta with leather seats (note to self: not the best choice for dog owner and skier) I just started shopping for a used 4Runner. I started looking at the $5500-6000 range but found mostly 2nd gen in that range, and decided 3rd gen 96-98 is what I'm looking for, and adjusted my budget up to around $10k.

Today I test drove a 98 SR5 with 138k miles on it (see link for ad & pics). It's clean, rides very well and straight, no major issues except the oil cap was a bit sludgy and the oil was very low, so if I buy I'll have a mechanic inspect it before I buy. Seller is a broker who buys at a dealer auctions.

Final price to me will be $9938, including tax and transfer fee. Assuming the engine checks out, is this a reasonable price for this many miles? Or do you think I can do better?

Thanks,
Dodja

 

I would say it is good as a retail price, but a little high as a private party price. I geuss this guy would be considered a dealer...
Check out Kelley Blue Book

 

intrepid, keep in mind that he said this includes tax and fee's. you he is probably buying it for what? $8,800-$9,000??? that is not too bad. def. have it checked out by a mechanic if the oil is both low and sludgy. do a carfax on it and see how many owners have had it as well. if it has a hitch, check to see if shows sign of it being used.

 

That's a good deal here in Colorado,the SUV capital of America.

 

sludgy.. dirty?? 3.4's should be nice and golden brown in color even after 3000 miles. At least thats how mine is.

 

I would be a little leary of the oil being low, that is one of the first things I check. I think you could do better. 4runners are high where I live in SC, I flew to dc to get one 6 months ago.....98 sr5 4x4 with 84,000 miles, second owner. Great shape for $10,500. The owner had like 10 pics online and assured me it was in great shape, luckily for me he was telling the truth. I would of hated to fly up there (and back) for nothing, luckily I got to drive it home and couldn't be happier. The only bad thing is when you get one from a private owner, you have to have cash money, or go thru a bank for financing. Sorry for being long winded, I just love telling that story. I saved a few thousand at least over buying local.

 

not a bad deal in Utah either-