I am looking into buying a 1997 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 5 speed. I have it in my driveway right now to test drive, and to have my mechanic look at tomorrow. It has 120XXX miles on it, and the only options it has are Power Windows, power door locks. The dealership is asking 8,000$. Does that sound like a decent price? I definately intend to get them down on price though.

My main question is, when I have the headlights off, and press the break, the lights in the dash come on. I am not sure if this is normal or what, but I have never had a car that did that.

Thanks

Jordan

 

sunroof?

service history?
condition of interior, exterior, tires??

does it need anything??

 

Lights on mine do not come on when I step on the brake, as you described.

Since you have your mechanic looking at it, make sure the tranny fluid is nice and clean. If black, make sure it doesn't smelt burnt.

Good luck. BTW, deal them down...

 

No sunroof.

No problems in carfax besides that it hasnt been serviced for 45k miles/4 years.
Exterior looks great, interior is OK, it will clean up though. Tires are michelin (sp?), and seem to have decent treads.

My main question is, when I have the headlights off, and press the break, the lights in the dash come on. I am not sure if this is normal or what, but I have never had a car that did that.---That is my main issue

BTW, this will be my first car

 

doesn't seem normal....mine doesnt do that

 

I have a '97 4Runner.

Pressing on the brake pedal, and the having the dash lights illuminate, is not normal. That would actually apply to any vehicle.

Someone that didn't know what they were doing, has been messing with the wiring.

If the Mechanic that checks it out is competent, he should be able to correct the problem.

Good luck.

 

It is my dads mechanic, and we have been using him forever. He should catch everything. I will let you know what the mechanic says (it will be tomorrow evening.)

 

^ agreed (02 SE). Huge red flag. Another red flag is that it hasn't been serviced in 45K miles. What's up with that? How do you know that? I don't care if it's a Toyota, that's a long time.

Also, have the VIN checked for the head gasket problem. Early 97's (some) used to be eligible for a HG campaign for an external flaw in one of the head gaskets. I believe that campaign no longer exists.

Since the trans is a 5-speed the fluid will have to be checked via the fill port on the side the of tranny. Once opened, sticking a finger in there should reveal the condition of the fluid. I would steer clear if the fluid hasn't been changed in the diffs or tranny in 120K miles.

Issues to have your mechanic check:

Warped front rotors
Blown rear axle seals
Clicking or squeaking clutch pedal syndrome
Bad clutch (won't hold in 3rd/4th gear WOT)
That electrical problem you mentioned

Let us know how it goes. Be ready and willing to walk away if you have to.

 

It almost sounds like one of the rear break/tail light bulbs has gone bad... if you step on the break, the break lights illuminate, and if one fillement is touching the the other this could backfeed the dash lights on.... most common reasone this would happen....

hope that hepls!!! good luck with the truck!!!
Bob

 

Turns out is just needed basic maintnance- breaks, tires, shocks ect. It totalled out to around 1400$ worth of maintnance. When I told the dealer about it, they said they would fix it all, but would NOT lower their price a penny. At that point I just left, hopefully I can find another.

Thanks for your help.

 

Good call! It takes a lot to walk away like that. Nice work.

 

Agreed. Good call on walking away. Not many folks can do that. 8k for that runner seems high, even for a dealer.

 

Ill post in here again with the next one i find!

Thanks alot for all of your help.

 

I agree with garrett1478. My wife's 97 doesn't do that either and it doesn't sound right to me.

 

I think $8k isn't that bad. If they promised to fix everything, and you GOT IT IN WRITING, then you might have gotten a decent vehicle. I have to say electrical problems are probably the most difficult to track down and resolve. It wouldn't have been worth the time and effort to make them repair everything.

In the end, you are probably better off for walking away. Good decision.

-Sherpa

 

I know i could have never found that truck for $8k from a dealer...closest I came was a 97 with 168k and the auto for 8999...that said, i scored mine for 7250 with 103k

 

Found another, this one is a private owner. It is a 98 with 124k miles, 4x4. Has most options besides leather seats. The fake wood trim is starting to die, its fading really bad. The passenger front door clicks when you open/close it. The clock is also dead. Those are the only problems I saw. It has had 3 owners, a FLEET and 2 private owners.

KBB for it around here is 8500$, and he is asking 7600$. I will probably follow through with this one, seems a like a good deal to me.

 

have the mechanic check out the same items listed! also...a private sale is usually more willing to deal. make sure you knock enough off the price to cover any repairs it needs now and WILL need within the next 3 months. i believe a private sale is only covered for 30 days, where a dealer sale is covered for 90. i would offer them $6500-7000 right off the bat and stay firm. tell them you will take it for that price if the mechanic says it is clear.

most sellers will do it just to dump it and be done.

 

craigslist is your friend, be patient and youll get a good one