What would you buy with $10K?

Citius said:
Pursuing film production -- cinematography -- something I'm passionate about and pretty good at. I'd rather work a job I like for little pay than something I absolutely hate (my current situation). Life is too short for that ****. And I'd rather try and fail than not try at all. Worse comes to worse I move back home.
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Bravo! Best of luck.



You should check out the 4Runner forum. They were a wealth of info for me when I went looking for one. Helped me decide what year I wanted and what to look for. They are plentiful but armed with info you can get the best.

Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
 
RaskyR1 said:
I take great care of my cars but I also drive my cars pretty hard....I would never sell one to someone I know. :)
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Same. I just know if something goes wrong it's going to come back and bite me in the ***, and might potentially ruin that relationship. I like to keep friends and business separate (doesn't always happen), especially with expensive things like vehicles.



David Fermani said:
Can't you throw in a convertible for good measure??
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Haha, I would love to get a Miata or an S2000. Just can't. But that's what the motorcycle is for.



Brad B. said:
Bravo! Best of luck.



You should check out the 4Runner forum. They were a wealth of info for me when I went looking for one. Helped me decide what year I wanted and what to look for. They are plentiful but armed with info you can get the best.

Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
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Thanks man. I'm going to go look at one today and that forum will definitely help with what to look for as far as proper maintenance and potential problems.



I appreciate all your guys' help.
 
Don't get a 4Runner unless you want to pay out the *** for parts. The rear axles always leak in them, and they have issues with transfer case actuators. They're solid, but when they break you will pay up. I'd look into something else. Considered wagons?
 
BuiltforSin said:
Don't get a 4Runner unless you want to pay out the *** for parts. The rear axles always leak in them, and they have issues with transfer case actuators. They're solid, but when they break you will pay up. I'd look into something else. Considered wagons?
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Prices for parts may be relative, but I found Toyota parts CHEAP. And they are easy to work on, in my experience.
 
Found a black 2000 4runner sr5 4X4 with 136,000 miles on it. One owner, non-smoker, never been in an accident. The guy wants $9500 for it and won't budge. Think it's worth it? The thing is in mint condition on both the interior and exterior besides some very minor surface rust underneath -- mostly on the rear axle. If I bought it, I'd spray rust converter underneath.



A local guy has a 2002, same trim and almost equal mileage, but wants $11,000 for it -- firm. He obviously doesn't want to sell it too bad.



Then I l looked at another one. It was a 2000 4runner sr4 4x4 with 121,000 on it. Came from Cali so no rust, but has had two owners, and an accident showed up on the carfax. It's not in as good as shape. It has white oxidation spots all over the hood, the center console has some rip marks, and it has quite a few dings, dents, and scratches in various places. The tires would also need to be replaced (big BFG all-terrains suck to drive with every day on the highway) and possibly the cold air-intake since it's so annoying when you hammer on it.



Both were asking the same price, but I got the Cali one to come down to $8700. But once I replace the tires and the intake it's going to be close to the same price. Plus I couldn't find out anything about the accident.



Right now I'm thinking about buying the $9500 one. I don't think I'll come across one that is in as good as shape. Price is a little steep and I wish he had all the service records, but considering the shape it's in I think the previous owner took really good care of it and it should last a long time.



Any advice? Should I buy it or keep looking? Rust is going to be a major thing on the ones I look at (I live in the north midwest). Pretty much impossible to find out that doesn't have some surface rust. Anybody have any experience with rust converter?
 
Given your descriptions I like the $9500 one. Rust is a big deal and if you find a clean one, especially underneath, then that's good news. Rear axle rust on these are usually just surface rust...assuming there is little rust elsewhere. In other words, that's the first place to show any rust at all.



The Cali one sounds too rough. You may not be able to save the paint, and maybe the oxidation is from a bad repaint from accident. And why live with dents when there will be plenty to choose from without issues. Run away from this one.



I agree with making a good tire choice. My Runner came with all terrains and the truck was absolutely transformed when I mounted Michelins.



I haven't looked at Edmunds used car pricing. Is the $9500 price in line? If so, it sounds like a worthy candidate. Is this a local truck you can see and drive? Don't rely on long distance pictures and sellers statements alone. If you find something too far to visit you should have it checked by a local Toyota dealer and get a report from them. You can usually arrange to have the seller take it there if he is willing, but you will have to pay. Also you can post on the 4Runner forum and request someone to look at a car for you. Someone will usually be anxious to help. I have done this for others. (In both cases I told them NOT to buy, btw)



Just remember, if you have time, be picky, it's amazing how often used ones pop up.



Here is a great site that speeds searches. AutoTempest Used Car Search Engine - Everyone's ideal car is out there. Find yours.
 
Brad B. said:
I haven't looked at Edmunds used car pricing. Is the $9500 price in line? If so, it sounds like a worthy candidate.
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Edmunds, KBB, and NADA all average it's worth to be around $7600 for excellent condition. But I don't feel that's very accurate for this area. I've been checking postings and it seems like they go for a grand over that and that's for one in decent shape with a good amount of rust. This one looks like new besides the mileage and surface rust.



Brad B. said:
Is this a local truck you can see and drive? Don't rely on long distance pictures and sellers statements alone. If you find something too far to visit you should have it checked by a local Toyota dealer and get a report from them. You can usually arrange to have the seller take it there if he is willing, but you will have to pay. Also you can post on the 4Runner forum and request someone to look at a car for you. Someone will usually be anxious to help. I have done this for others. (In both cases I told them NOT to buy, btw)
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It's about 3 hours away being sold by a one-guy small dealer. I looked at it the other day when I drove through that town, but I didn't get to look at the engine bay or test drive it because he was closed (it was a Sunday).



It's listed for $9995. I called him and gave him an offer of $9000 as long as everything checks out because I did not want to arrange a ride and drive all the way up there only to find out he wouldn't budge on the price. After some back and forth he said his rock bottom price is 9500.



If I do buy it, I'm planning on getting a pre-purchase inspection from an independent and he said I was more than welcome to. I want to do it at the Toyota dealer about 20 miles away. Not sure if he will go along with that or not. He would have to do it before I look at it because by the time I get up there after work the service dept will be closed.



Brad B. said:
Just remember, if you have time, be picky, it's amazing how often used ones pop up.
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This is the complicated part. I have about two weeks, but in the meantime I am selling my car and most of the 4runners are at least an hour away, if not two. Once my car is sold, I would have to rent a car just to go look at them. Plus I feel like not having a car would make me want to rush and just settle for something.



On the other hand, without a car I could fly out to LA instead of driving and look for one out there. No rust. But once again, I'd have to rent a car and I'd feel a little rushed.



I'm not really a fan of buying cars...
 
Brad B. said:
Given your descriptions I like the $9500 one. Rust is a big deal and if you find a clean one, especially underneath, then that's good news..
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Yes :xyxthumbs Buy the best one you can find within your pricerange and concentrate on things like rust that are virtually impossible to fix rather than consumables like tires (or "normal" mechanical issues) that are easily replaced.





I agree with making a good tire choice. My Runner came with all terrains and the truck was absolutely transformed when I mounted Michelins.
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Did the same thing with my SUVs and the rather pricey Michelins were always money well-spent.



Don't rely on long distance pictures and sellers statements alone. If you find something too far to visit you should have it checked...
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Very good advice! Very few vehicles are ever as nice as the ads would have you believe.



I've had fellow Autopians check out vehicles for me before...and the result was always "don't buy this one!".



Just remember, if you have time, be picky, it's amazing how often used ones pop up.
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They built a scad of these things, so it's not like you won't run across something nice if you give it a little time.
 
It's unfortunate that your timeframe is so rushed. Renting a car will cost you cash-wherever you are. At home or in CA. And rushing to buy an unproven truck and driving it across the country can be risky. False economy, perhaps.



If it were me, I'd take my existing car to CA, sell it there (more $, bigger market) and then take my time to get the perfect CA 4Runner.



Whatever you do, best of luck. Keep in touch.
 
Ugh... one guy used car lot... that gives me the willies. I've gotten to the point where I won't even go look at cars on used car lots. I'm sure that exceptions exist, but as a rule, the junk from franchised dealers ends up at mom and pop used car lots.
 
Brad B. said:
If it were me, I'd take my existing car to CA, sell it there (more $, bigger market) and then take my time to get the perfect CA 4Runner.
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I thought about it. Not sure if I'd make it though. I drive an RSX right now and the thing gets uncomfortable after about 3 hours. I couldn't imagine driving 2000 miles straight in it (obviously I'll sleep and take some breaks, but still...)



Plus, it's pretty much sold. A distant dealership wants to buy it and the deal is about to go through unless someone local offers me $1000 more than them.



Dan said:
Ugh... one guy used car lot... that gives me the willies. I've gotten to the point where I won't even go look at cars on used car lots. I'm sure that exceptions exist, but as a rule, the junk from franchised dealers ends up at mom and pop used car lots.
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I think most of them buy off the auction.



Not sure where he got the $9500 one. I'm going to call him today and get the VIN number so I can read the CarFax. I'm thinking it was someone somewhat local to him.



But yeah, I'm getting the impression that mom and pop used car lots are not where I want to be looking. I feel like they're less reluctant to cut a deal because they don't move as much volume as franchised dealers so they make a lot less profit. But on the other hand, this guy is a small dealer in a small town, and with small towns like that reputation is everything.



So I believe it's a quality vehicle, just that he wants too much for it. $500-700 too much.
 
Went down to Chicago last night and bought one. 1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited. This thing is clean for it's age. Spent $7600, too. It's a year old and has a trim upgrade, but otherwise the same mileage and similar condition as the one for $9500.



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Drove it two hours back home last night. I'm definitely happy with it so far.



It rained last night and as I was getting into my truck to go to work this morning I though damn, this thing could use a wax. :lol1:
 
My personal opinion, I love the Porsche Cayenne. You can probably pick a 2004 up for around 10k. Right next to that I love the BMW X3 & X5.


I'm personally thinking of buying a 90-96 300ZX. Or a maybe a Honda Accord or Civic. (I know you are looking for a more SUV type car, but my .02)


Seen topic is from 2013....................................................................


Eh, whatever. *post*
 
AquaHawk- Old thread or not, I like discussing this stuff B)


 


I'd wonder about the maintenance expense.  IF somebody can only afford a 10K car, how will they cover big-ticket repairs? E.g., what's a headlight cost for one of those?


 


My wife and I simply *love* our D2-series Audis, which we've had since new.  But, heh heh, when a car magazine used those as an example of "you can't really afford this!" we sure didn't argue.  The argument goes- If you couldn't afford to buy the car new, I don't see how you could afford to maintain it. 


 


The cars that *you* are looking at would be a lot more reasonable to maintain, and thus IMO more sensible to buy.
 
George, you hit it on the head. The maintance on the "dream cars" that many lust for will cause it to end up on blocks or such. The prices to fix most them, labor wise, special tools, etc plus the inflated parts prices seem to be "passed by" when buying one.
 
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