my gf just got a 02limited 4runner and i have the oppourtunity to buy her 97 4runner sr5 auto v6 with original 262,000 miles dont think the timing chain has ever been touched, in really good condition, just painted 1.5yes ago, looks good, a few dents, one on hood, front bumper, tailgate all the side of a quarter. Very very very minimal rust it has been undercoated about every 2 years, always had regular oil changes on time, 4x4 works great, cloth interior is a little rough, power antenna doesn't go all the way down its bent, there is 2000mi left tell next oil change and the oil is reading right at the low mark...its leaking a little bit of oil not sure from where, transmission recently flushed but seems to rev high before engaging?rear window is taped up b/c it wants to fall down, and could prolly use a set of tires, o and it has a little puny tow hitch....

anyone wanna try and give me an estimate on what its worth if you were to give some one the "family discount" on a toyota like this?

any input would be great

 

3k sounds a bit rough

 

thats lower then kbb so thats good i was surprised at the price of these things used! I thought it was high but not that high! Especially with 262,000 miles!

any one else?

 

Really high miles, oil consumption, auto tranny issues, minor rust, repainted, needs tires...I'd pay no more than $2500, but that's just me.

 

hard to say with people posting from all over the US (and possibly world). I have seen some places that fetch a premium while others don't. Check autotrader for listings in your area or try edmunds true market value.

 

If I were buying it, I would estimate throwing at least another $1000 into maintenance and repairs maybe more. The timing belt and water pump, tracking down the oil leak and repairing it, and fixing the rear window will cost a good chunk of $$ right there. Then you might have a dying transmission on top of that, you'll need new tires soon, plus whatever you don't know about yet.

Add in the fact that you'll have to deal with all of this and also the fact that you should be getting a "family" deal, I would probably pay $1500-$2000 for it.

 

I agree with brian,sounds like a money pit.I only payed 2,895$ for my 90 4Runner with 233K on the motor with no leaks, no dents,no rust and uses no oil.Sounds to me like you should look else where for a 4Runner.Offer her 800$ for it and point out it needs 3K$ worth of TLC....but thats just my opinion.

 

I wish I lived where yall do! Around here the 3rd gen runners are a steal at $4500 in fair condition.

 

262K miles and there is 2K left till the next oil change and the oil is already at the low mark. Assuming you change the oil every 3K miles that's way too much useage for my liking. You said it leaks and you don't know from where. The back window alone at a shop will be costly. Timing belt and water pump are must if never been done before. I think 8-1000 would be a fair family deal I guess. The best "family" deal would be that she would just give it to and let you fix it up then drive it.

 

I'm not sure it's worth much... I doubt the timing belt has never been done since they usually fail at around 100k-150k miles, but anything's possible. The real problem is oil consumption (piston rings or leaks) water pump might be on its last legs, head gasket may already be going bad, etc. etc. An old girl like that will take a lot of work to fix it up to "Toyota reliable" status. The engine probably will need an overhaul, the transmission probably does too, I wouldn't be surprised if the front and rear diffs need freshening, plus the front and rear axle seals and bearings, the list goes on and on.

My suggestion, buy it for less than $1000 and drive it till the engine gives out. At that time your options will be either dump the whole thing, or swap a newer engine/transmisison into it (which will cost around $2000-2500 I think). You won't be able to rebuild the engine/transsmission for cheaper than that. That still leaves the axles probably needing some work though, which could cost upwards of $2000 (heck I spent $700 just replacing the bearings and outer/inner seals on my 4Runner).

 

Yeah, after reading everyone's post, I've lowered my price to $1500, lol.

 

it also really depends on geographic location. best bet is to look at other 4runner in the area, their condition, then go from there

 

i wouldn't buy it unless you get one sweet deal on it, like 2-2.5k. it sounds too rough.

 

well her dad said $3000 think thats too high, he said he would ask 4 or 5 form anyone else....maybe i should forward him this forum link lol

anyone else?

 

ask him if he has been hitting the crack pipe, and try to talk him down. if not try to let him sell it because its not worth 4 or 5K, hel its not worth half of that. i would say $1500 or less because it sounds kind of beat. just my 2cents

actually i dont know if i would ever buy a vehicle from my girlfriends dad. could be a bad deal. ugh! maybe thats just me

 

I was just going to ask the " Is her dad smoking crack question " lol : ) Sentiment has no place in your wallet tirogers.

 

Everyone knows Yotas hold their resale value, especially the people who are selling them. If this truck was in good shape mechanically, he could get $4 or 5K even w/ 262K miles on it. But in this case, I would just let him know what it's going to need to be a decent, reliable vehicle again. He probably just doesn't realize.

Maybe you could ask him to let you take it to a shop to get an estimate for all the things you know about plus whatever they find. That will give you a better idea before you factor in the family discount.