Some may remember: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/4...otaled-181379/

Well my insurance totaled the 4Runner. Unfortunately they don't count all the money I put into it for tires, shocks, springs etc. So now I'm back to square one. 4Runners in So Cal don't rust, but apparently they command top price. Newer replacements run $9-10K+ & E-lockers are few & far between. I wish FZJ80 Land Cruisers got better gas mileage, I'd get one of those. I'm also looking at 1st gen Tundras, but they're still pricey. (sigh)

I hope to find something sooner than later.

 

Damn that sucks they actually totaled it

In all honesty, When I was on a search for a vehicle, 4runners were cheaper then Tacomas of similar specs..

My only advice is try searching in a state one away, AZ, NE, OR....yea a plane trip is a bit but if you can communicate with the seller well enough and are sure its a taken care of rig and such, that plane ticket will be worth it to get the vehicle you want..

Good luck man !!

 

Yeah I tried looking for Tacos & people seem to think they're made of gold.

 

did you take any of your upgraded parts off the old one before they hauled it away? would be a shame if they didn't pay you more for that stuff in the settlement and they got to keep it all. sell it and at least try to recoup some of the value or save it if you get a replacement. it's amazing how fast some idiot can erase so much hard work, sorry to hear about your 4runner.

 

Unfortunately it was towed away so the expensive suspension & tires went with it. I took out my cupholder console & new NAV unit. At least 1 shock was broken & I think the left rear spring my have been damaged.

 

I really want the PP springs off of that 4runner. who has it now, Salvage yard? Why do you think the one spring is damaged?

 

Wait for another 4runner! They are much cheaper than the Tacos

 

What price range are you looking at? Do you need a truck? Or an SUV? 5-sp or auto?

 

Safeco owns it now, I'm not even sure where it is or where it's going.

RE: Possible rear spring damage - It doesn't show well in the pic but it looks tweaked in a weird way. I too would like the PP springs back but I had no way to swap them.

RE: Truck or SUV, 5spd or Auto - I'm pretty open. I loved my '01 Tundra & still kick myself for letting it go. 4Runner is great but sometimes more space & power would be nice. I'd love an FZJ80 LC with frt & rear lockers, but 12-13 mpg is hard to swallow.

Looking in the $7-8k range, but could go higher for the right vehicle (low miles & E-locker) Not many 4WDs for sale locally (250 mi range) so may have to widen my search.

 

You might try going to the insurance company and see if you can purchase your old runner for salvage. You would be issued a new salavage title, but you would have the runner back as is and the money difference in the salvage value and the totaled value. Check your state on salvage titles first.

 

Unfortunately I live in a townhome & have no place to store a wrecked car. It is not driveable & would need dollies to move around. The deal is done & they have the title. The check is in the mail. I have a line on a low mi '96 4Runner so if I get the check before he sells I could be back in the saddle.

 

Some 96 3.4L's have had HG issues, so be careful of that.

I've heard of a couple of people now that have picked up an 01-02 Tacoma Double Cabs for under $10k. I think one even had under 90k miles.

4Runners I see going for $6-8k for a 98-00 with an average of 100k miles. Pretty good deal.

 

Around here people are asking $9-12K for 98-02 4WD 4Runners with 90-130K mi

Double Cab Taco's 4WD are $12-16K with 100-150Kmi

It took 4 months to find the one I had so I'll keep looking.
Thanks
Paul

 

dang after all that work to install the Subie dash unit.

There are lots of em out here SoCal. People dumped em after that last gas scare.

We'll gladly help you look.

 

I had the same issue in the past and took a big loss with another vehicle and after market stuff not being covered.

I had a talk with my old insurance agent about getting
coverage over my ham radios, winch, bumpers and other add-ons and they wanted big money to add that on.

After doing ALLOT of looking around and phone calls I found that Progressive insurance will specifically write aftermarket accessory coverage for the rate of $50 per 6 months for every $5000 worth of coverage to your auto policy.

You just NEED to keep pictures and receipts to give them if something happens.

I'm not in the insurance biz or have any loyalty towards progressive they just offer aftermarket coverage, and have a really cute girl on their TV commercials

 

Sounds like you need to hop on a plane. I've done that plenty of times. Love that first "road trip" in the new car. Good luck.

 

With all the misinformation I have gotten from local sellers, I'm not sure I'm ready to start taking flights. Thank goodness for Carfax, it has saved me several times from odometer rollbacks & out of state (rustbelt) vehicles. I've been told cars were nonsmokers & as soon as I sat in it I could smell the smoke. I live in SoCal, land of the rust free vehicle, so I'll keep looking.

Thanks to all,
Paul

 

Also take into account that you ARE dealing with Californians.