dodja

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

Intrepid

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

bflooks

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.

X-AWDriver

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

ASU4runner

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

ugabulldog

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.

HOJU

not a bad deal in Utah either-