2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD - $4,750 Is this a good buy?

Hey, folks, I went to look at this vehicle today. I wanted to get some input or information on this you would be so willing. I'm a GM guy, not a Toyota guy, yet.

3.4-liter Engine 186,609 Miles

1. No rust on the body at all (few knicks and small scratches)
2. No Tears in any of the upholstery
3. All electronic features work properly (Including Rear Glass, all windows, radio, etc.)
4. Drives great with a smooth ride
5. Driveline is solid (my dad has been in the driveline industry 50 years)
6. CV Shaft Boots are solid, no tears or rips, no leaks.
7. Shocks are ok
8. No oil leaks that are visible
9. AC is ice cold

New Parts
1. 4 Brand New Tires
2. Brand New Radiator and overflow tank
3. New Brake Lines to all for corners
4. New Master Cylinder
5. New Windshield Washer Reservoir

The obvious things I found wrong
1. Tailpipe broke off from the muffler (they have already welded it back on, not my preferred choice but will buy me some time till I can put a new muffler and tailpipe on.)
2. Someone broke off the license plate bolts into the vehicle so those will need drilled out and tapped (they said they will fix that too)
3. The skid plate on the passenger side up under the engine compartment is missing a couple of bolts. (No big deal)
4. There is some rust on the frame. I expect that on this age of a vehicle. There aren't any places that are rusted through or look like they are or will be in the near future.

I'm here in eastern/southeastern Ohio. The market for this vehicle is about $7,000 or so for something with 150K-175K. But this one is only $4750. I feel like its too good to be true. Could I have actually found a needle in a haystack? Or am I missing something obvious?

I would sure appreciate any information or insight you might have. Thank you for your time! I look forward to reading your responses.

 

I think that is a 3.4, but anywho, sounds like a deal.

 

It is a 3.4 my fat fingers created that problem. I'll try to post pics. Thanks.

 

Here are the pics. Thanks.

 

I'm on the west coast so rust isn't really an issue until you get closer to the coast. To me it's appears there's quite a bit of rust/corrosion on the under hood pics. I paid I wanna say 3k for my third gen with 120k on it. 3.4 with a 5sp. Frame rust is an issue with 4runners. I would personally steer clear from this one but I'm probably biased due to the fact there isn't a speck of rust on my 98.

 

Just make sure there are no bubbles in the coolant from a blown HG. I saw a 1997 4runner on utube yesterday with 500,000 miles, and an hour later saw a doctor that had a 3rd gen with 400,000. 190,000 miles is a lot of miles for any car - even a 4 runner.

There's a kit you can buy for $40 to check the coolant for exhaust gasses. Also.. overheats destroy good engines. I wouldn't want even one.

My 2005 SR5 V6 has 150,000 miles and never a check engine light and never an overheat. Original WP, thermostat, radiator... no rust (except superficial underneath/body frame).. starts and runs without a "miss" for 15 years straight.

What's with the rust on this one? The underbelly will be all superficial rust, but check for bad corrosion rusted out spots - and move on to another car.

Test drive it on hw at 70 mph. Tranny doesn't slip, you are likely good. That's sounds like a fair price.

Before you buy, have your mechanic check out the front end "parts" (lower arms with bad ball joints cost money to rebuild with new), and get his opinion.

 

I’m in Michigan and get stopped almost weekly to talk about my ‘97. Chances are, the seller does as well. As such, like most of us on this board, we have a pretty good idea of the market.

If its truly as clean as you say it is, and there are service records, I’d say it’s a 7k-8k car all day, with haggling to something lower.

The fact that it’s start price is <$5k tells me the owner knows exactly what the issues are and has priced for it.

My crystal ball guess is that it needs a trans. I say that only because it has a new radiator. See item #2 in 3rd gen buyers guide.

You just don’t get something for nothing in this world. Sounds cynical, but more often true than not.

Best of luck.

Matt

 

Damn what's with all the rust?

 

Yeah. Car cancer. Be very wary. You need to check the rear shock towers and the entire frame under the car.