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.
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)
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.
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...