4Runner search finally ends in success

The search started when I was given a 6500 lb. inboard cabin cruiser. I realized my 2007 Ford E150 was not going to do the job of moving the boat, though it was adequate for a 19-ft inboard runabout.
Late 2019; winter was coming on, I thought about a 4WD work van, to trailer this 27-footer, like a Ford E-250. --No way; 2WD only, though there are conversions available. Don't fancy pickup trucks at all; moving electronic equipment constantly.
I had burned though Dodge Vans and been disappointed, gone with 2 Caravans, 2005 / 2011, and had body rot issues. Finally landed on the 4Runner. By then, COVID had arrived in full force, and I sold the Cabin cruiser's trailer, preferring to contract out the larger boat transport twice per year.
So I didn't need a 4Runner--but by then I'd fallen in love and wanted to dump the 2011 Caravan, which the dealer service depot told me (in writing) that it needed $19,500 in repairs.....WTF?
So I spent the whole of COVID noodling through Craigslist and eBay watching the 4Runner prices go up....and up....and up. So I gave up for awhile. Well, last Friday I notice the prices were beginning to fall to a reasonable level.
WOW! I found a 2005 SR5 PLAIN VANILLA--for under $3000. "Only" 249K miles, with a few problems that can be seen. Test drive; went through a cemetery. Interior pretty dirty, all kinds of litter. The lift gate would not open. The seat belts in the rear had a jam, and wouldn't disconnect, so the seats wouldn't fold down. Check engine light... but most everything works, 6 cyl. engine runs OK, seems to run in 4WD, Hi & Lo, but I can't tell about much else. I was told it was "well maintained" but nobody knew about things like "history of repair" or timing chain... So it's a PROJECT CAR. First stop (even before I transfer my plates) is at the inspection station. If it can't get a sticker in Mass, I need to know.
Already I need a LIFTGATE, as some rust at top of window allowed water leakage, so the latch mechanism and the window tracks rusted and froze up. The window jams about 2/3 of the way up, reversing automatically. Lucky it came with the owner's manual, which I read and appreciate. So we will see. The GOOD NEWS: It has almost new tires, new calipers and rotors. Drove OK on the 50 miles home. Wife is pleased that I didn't spend $10,000.
That's my intro--whoops, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm a self educated (and from military service training) Engineer. Retired from a career in Film and Video Technology; employed 4 yrs at Harvard and 8 yrs at MIT in Media Studies / Media Lab. Self employed in same field for 50 years more or less. Works with hands. Likes to keep stuff running and fixes stuff that should be saved. Jack of all Trades, Master of None. But getting closer all the time... always learning. Lives near Harvard Univ. in Boston, MA

 

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