today i tested out a 2000 black 4runner. She was a beauty and i'm REALLY tempted to buy it. It had only 54 300 miles on her, tan cloth interior, A/C, power everything, 16"rims, running boards. Only thing is that underneath the passenger side weather strippping along the rocker panels is rust. There is an actual hole that ate its way through, but the salesman said that he would make sure all the rust is taken care of before he sells it to me. It is going for $16400.

My first impression on the drive was how confusing the 4wd system works. The first turn i made, i'm assuming that the truck was in H4 because i felt and heard all 4 wheels in the turn. It didn't feel like a good feeling and i don't know if it was suppose to feel like that. So i stopped at put it into H2, which i think is just RWD mode??

the truck definetly drives nice. No pull, very quiet and plush. Doesn't ride like a truck, but not like a car. It's a happy median.

Power wise it is kind of gutless. However i'm comming from a toyota supra turbo pumping out 300 HP. I'm past that go-fast phase and for what the rig offers is plenty enough. IT has low torque which i good, but i didn't get an opportunity to do a highway run.

Handling, i didn't get an opportunity to really twist it. I did however feel tremendous body roll, but again comming from a lowered toyota supra it's hard to compare.

Brakes are left to be desired. They were JUST changed on the rig by the dealer and i had a good chance to really romp on them at the yellow light. It was stable with lots of body dive but they just seem adequate for such a heavy vehicle. I'm sure so better pads and a good system flush will help.

Overall i think i'm satisfied with the truck. The looks and ergonomics are very appealing to me and after todays test drive i think it's the next vehicle for me. Reliability is a HUGE HUGE HUGE factor for me, and i know what these things are capable of.

what do you guys think?? price wise??

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/detai...9&adid=5631686

 

A 2000 should not have any holes from rust. I wouldn't buy it. Theres plenty others, keep looking and find the best one. Also, that price seems a litte steep for it being an SR5 and not in very good condition, regardless of miles.

 

Being the v-6 im assuming. All sounds excellent except for the rust you speak of. I would try to knock a couple hundred off. And what are they going to do about the rust and this "hole" you say was eaten through? If they repair it all and fix the hole thats sound like an awsome deal with that kinda milage!

How long was it in 4H for? before you got in there to test drive it? Or did you put it in 4H? 2H is rear only yes.

 

I'd be a little leery as well. That vehicle is only 6ish years old. It shouldn't have rust holes. As tempted as you are, keep looking my friend.

 

it's extremely hard to find a good conditioned 4runner in my area. Them alone are scarce to find which is why whenever they do go up for sale they are usually sold within the week. Remember fellas, i'm in Canada where rust is very common among vehicles.

Well the truck was unlocked before i talked to the salesman and i played around with the joystick for the 4h, 2h, 2l. So it is a really good chance that i slipped it into 4h. Is it bad to always have it in that gear??

 

16K is steep!

I paid 19K for my 01 SR5 with lower miles than that... and that was in 2003!

 

Get the price down closer to $15k and it would be better.

 

First of all dont drive it in 4wd on drive pavement. It puts unnecessary wear on the 4wd system. Second I would question the dealer on how cheap of fix they are going to do on that rust. I would almost have them cut the price and get it fixed somewhere else. And, third get under it and look for other bad areas that might become a problem later.

 

the undercarriage looked really clean. Exhaust was pretty much brand new. The hole was about the size of a pinky finger. It seems like the weather stipping has a hole somewhere and it just allows water to build up in that one spot.

 

What part of Canada are you in?

 

I got an '01 SR5 for 13k and about 45k miles: new tires, engine washed and no rust holes (granted SoCal isn't all that bad with rust). I dont' know much, but I think you should shop around some more. I know they dont' come on the market often like you said, but the next one will be better and just swipe that one.

 

14,000 and walk out the door, he'll chase you

 

$18,900 asking price? I'm assuming that Canadian right? Is the 16, 400 canadian?

 

I'm in the same boat as you, or just was until recently; also went from a compact car to a 1996 4Runner. Unfortunately my compact car doesn't compare with yours at all, I believe mine was pushing out a beastly 117HP I do agree with the brake statement however, they leave something to be desired...mine has new rotors and pads and I guess it's typical of the stock setup on this truck.

The cloth interior is nice, I'm guessing since you're up in Canada it does get quite cold...and nothing is worse then a frozen leather seat!

I got mine for 9,995 USD sans tax and fees. If we're talking USD with your price, I think you can easily knock it down some!

 

i'm in Ontario = capital rust city

I just got back from looking at another one. Silver, 2000, 265/75/16" tires, same as the other black one. Except this one had ZERO rust. Has 58 750 miles selling at $15 800 USD.

I think it's a much better truck and i also know that it's only 1 owner. Very cool guy, honest and nice. 58750 miles is a BABY on these trucks. Plus it comes with an auto start, certified and e-tested.

better catch?

 

Sounds better already. Always better not to blow your wad on the first one you look at.

 

Go for the second one by far!

 

here's a pic...lemme know if it works

 

yeah it works. manual or auto? locker or no locker?

 

auto and no e-locker.