About to pull the trigger - talk me out of it?

Hi All!

I'm in NJ and my wife and I have been shopping for used 4Runners within a 500 mile radius for over 2 months. Live near the beach, so most of our time off road will be on the beach fishing.

Originally, we were looking for something around 2016-19, <100k miles, <$30k OTD. That hasn't really worked out. Every time I've found a deal it's been sold out from under me the day its listed, or its beat, or the dealer says the advertised price is only valid if I have a trade and finance through them.

After a bunch of frustration, we decided to up the budget a bit to see what else is out there.

I think I may have finally found the one - but this is the most expensive vehicle I've ever purchased, and the mileage is higher than I would normally consider used so I'm a little nervous. My last two cars were a Kia and a VW, and both depreciated like rocks. I usually keep cars for 7-10 years, and I expect to get the same out of this one.

Anyway - I'm looking at a 2020 Venture (ORP with TRD wheels), 89k miles. 1 owner, immaculate condition in and out, perfect service record. I'm looking at $33k before taxes and tags, about $35k OTD. Original sticker price was $46k back in 2020.

Am I doing ok on this deal? I love the way this truck looks, it runs great, no rust, and great service record. Just trying to make sure I'm not making a stupid decision - 90k seems like a ton of miles for a $33k vehicle, but I also don't want to drive a Grand Cherokee!

Appreciate any guidance ya'll can give. Thank you!

 

It came with a Yakima Mega Warrior rack, part of the Venture package. Is that included? You might not need it now, but it's handy sometimes. I never take mine off. You'd want to ask about that.

 

It's got Raptor Lights. Those things are worth $3K and 15HP. Buy it.

 

But seriously, are they offering any warranty? Do you have room to talk them down some?

 

Yes - the rack is on the vehicle and comes with it. Although I have a rack from my old GTI that we used to use for camping trips, so now I'll have two.

 

I know this isn't apples to apples, but.... I did a quick scan of 100 miles around the Dallas region. For 2019-2023 4R's, I would expect around 40-70K miles in that price range. A Toyota lasts, so 1 owner is clutch. Seems a bit high on the miles but highway miles never let me down. I reran the search on Edmunds for 2016-2019 models and I found a range of mileage 40-80K miles cheaper than 33K. FWIW I bought mine in Philly and drove mine back. Can always do the same the opposite direction!

 

That's a lot of miles for a 20. I would try to get the price down.

 

No warranty. It is at an Acura dealer, and its about 4 hours away from me so I'll have to go get it.

They actually started at $33,700. I talked them down to $33,000, but they won't budge past that.

FWIW, this is the only dealer that didn't have a bunch of BS fees to deal with. I also can't seem to find a better deal within 500 miles - at least when it comes to 2020 or newer.

 

welcome. In my area that's a bit high, but maybe not for up north?

 

Thank you! We are constantly dealing with sand and kid messes, so Softex is a must. For that reason, I'd like to go SR5P or ORP. I'll take a look at your region to see what I can find. 500 miles around me doesn't yield anything great. There's an SR5P listed for $29k, but its blue and the dealer isn't disclosing their fees in the ad.

I only drive about 5,000 miles per year, so whatever I get won't get a ton of mileage put on it. I am willing to go with higher miles for an OK discount.

Really appreciate you taking the time to give your perspective!

 

Sounds to me like you've already talked yourself into it. Do yourself a favor and get a PPI. I don't care what the dealer tells you, just do it. $100-$200 well spent. Also be prepared to walk away if any anomalies are found in the inspection that the dealer won't fix.

 

$33k OTD sounds better.

 

I'll definitely get a PPI.

In addition, I am not quite talked into it. But I am tired of looking and using my wife's mini cooper as a family car sucks lol.

Here's a better question, to help me get some perspective. Does it make more sense to drop $33k on a 2020 ORP with 90k miles? Or $33k on a 2018 SR5P with 35k miles if I can find one?

 

Although 89K miles is on the higher side, I think $35K OTD is pretty fair price, at least in my area.

With the 2020 Venture, you have the update look, and over head console that makes it feel like a cool cockpit, softex seats. And with a good service history makes it a fair price.

Supply and demand is something that needs to be taken into account.

 

I can see that now - didn't show up on my phone. Looks good.

 

BTW, I'm not worried about 89k miles if there's good maintenance history and it hasn't been wrecked. I'm only worried about 89k if I'm going to sell it in a year or two with north of of 100k on the odometer. A Gen5 will last 300k (or longer) properly maintained and be relatively trouble free the whole way. But... there's something "mental" about having the odom north of 100k that makes people not want to buy it. I mean a Gen5 at 100k is still a young adult - mechanically. But has the illusion of being way-older, mainly because most other vehicles are pretty-much toast at that point.

So, if your plan is to keep it a long time, the mileage doesn't matter. If you're going to sell it in a couple of years and it'll have more than 100k miles then, just keep this thought in mind.

Either way that truck looks good and the Venture package is excellent. I know. My 21 Venture is sitting in the garage right now waiting on me for the next chapter of fun (or work).

Good luck!!!!! Enjoy the journey (and hey, maybe keep the Mini Cooper - you can throw it on the Yakima Mega Warrior rack for something to put the surfboards on when you get to the beach!!!!!!).

 

That depends on a lot of things. A well maintained 90K vs. a somewhat sketchy maintained 35K, I'm going with the 90K car all day long. But, all things equal, I will choose less miles. However, a 6 year old vehicle with only 35K most likely did short trips, possible not getting up to full operating temp., could come with it's own problems. And those can be hard to see. You also have to keep in mind what you're dealing with here. The 1GR-FE V6 is one of Toyota's best engines ever. Not a lot of problems. So, I wouldn't be afraid of higher mileage either. Hope that helps.

 

I paid $44k OTD late July for my NEW 2024 4runner SR5.

 

If you're in the Northeast don't forget to check the condition of the frame. You're looking at relativity newer models but would good for peace of mind to crawl under and check the frame or have the dealer send you pictures.

 

You asked people to talk you out of it but no one is really doing that.

I think the mileage is way too high, as is the price. The dealer has way more room than a few hundred bucks. I'd let them know you'd like to drive it off their lot today, but $31.5k is your final offer. When they agree I'd say nevermind found a Grand Cherokee for a lot less.

Did that talk you out of it, hope that helps indeedy.

 

I traded my 2018 TRD OR W/66k on it. I forget what the had it advertised for I think that was $38K maybe. It was more then what I paid for it new in Dec.2018. Not sure about that price as I looked at used prices. Looks like some on here have so it's up to you to make the call after all you're the one forking out the $$$ Good luck.

 

That's tough to answer. Depending on when the 2020 went into service it may only be 15k over average mileage. For me, the OR package is what I'm after. If the SR5 does what you need then the lower miles may be better. Of course this is always based on proper maintenance having been completed.

 

A late 2018 model year truck and an early 2020 built truck... could potentially just be a year difference between them being manufactured. I'd rather have the 2018 with 35k miles (and good service records) if I planned to keep it a long time.

The depreciation due to model year won't matter if you keep it a long time.

 

I'll talk you out of it. Spend $10k more and get a new one with no miles.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/33a5c9c4-6193-40ad-a862-be317999d9d5/

 

One more thing to consider if you are financing is the interest rates. (And I'm just throwing this out, not trying to talk you into anything.)
You might get into a new 2024 for about the same monthly payment or just a little more. Of course the number of payments will be longer. You're planning on keeping it for 7 years, right?
Interest rates will be lower(?) and more equity in the newer vehicle when you trade/sell. New car warranty and zero miles on the clock.

 

If you have the means, the smart money is to buy brand new IMO. If you’re only driving 5,000 a year, your depreciation will be less than this one and it’ll actually “cost” you less money over time.

Re: the price: that’s way too much for a Venture with 90K miles in this market. Let the dealer sit on it for a few days or even a couple of weeks, I can guarantee you they’ll be calling. Better yet, if you’re all in on this particular 4R, offer them $30K or so and tell them to call you if they need to move it. The 4R isn’t rare, keep looking. The right one will show up.

 

At least not from an Acura dealer.

 

Wife and I decided buying brand new made the most sense because of the resale value of these vehicles. My inner cheapskate was tempted by the 2014 4Runners out there with 150k that could be had around 22-25k mark, but a lot of them seemed uncertain to me. You're talking to someone who has never spent more than $8000 on a vehicle in my lifetime. I just turned 40 this year, wife and I have stable employment, and we put down a big down-payment. I still get sick thinking about it, but I believe in my heart this will be a great decision 10-15 years down the road and I'll be glad we did it.

With that being said, I don' like having a car payment and the registration fees in Colorado are outrageous. Also, carrying Collision and Comprehensive insurance isn't fun, but I digress.

 

If the OP's credit score qualifies, he could get this rate from Toyota.



I'd rather spend a bit more money, to get the peace of mind (no miles, full warranty, etc..). I believe the 4.99% rate also applies to 72 month financing.