Which 4Runner would you buy?

So I am looking at buying a 4Runner for the wife and kids. I have two good options right now but am having a hard time deciding which to choose from.

1. 1999 4Runner for $10,000

• 101,xxx miles
• private party
• automatic transmission
• 4x4
• very clean interior
• good mechanical condition
• extra snow tires
• auto start
• power locks/windows, cruise control/tow package etc.

2. 2005 4Runner for $17,000

• 85,000 miles
• dealer
• automatic transmission
• 4x4
• power locks/windows, cruise control/tow package etc.

Is it worth the extra $7,000 to buy the newer vehicle with less miles or should I buy the older 4Runner? I am confident that both engines are quality, I guess perhaps the only downside with the older engine is that there is a timing belt.

I am seriously considering buying the 1999 4Runner, I just don't want to make a bad deal. If I do buy it I am taking it to a mechanics shop to look over. I have to admit that the older 4Runner is in pretty good condition considering it is 13 years old. The owner said he has not had any problems in the 3 years years he has owned it apart from new brake pads, front rotors and a new starter. I don't think her is going to budge much from his asking price though.


Any opinions?

 

i just bought a tacoma with 187,000.did the belts and all assorted stuff for 750.00 and it runs good.i would go with the cheaper one do the belts and save the 7k.just an opinion

 

The 2005 is listed is overpriced

You can probably get a 2005 with 89k for around 14k, im looking at one with 69k and they are asking 14000 or OBO, i think BB falls in around 13K

Im also looking for a 4runner, and like the older ones 2000-2002 and also like the 2003+ the 2010 are out of my price range

 

Only the V8s have the belt, the V6 has a chain. Belt and H2O pump will be around 1500. I have an 04 V6 with 135K and drives like new.

 

The 1999 4Runner would have a 3.4 V6 which has a belt, correct? It wasn't until later when it has the newer 4.0 V6 with the chain.

 

What trim for both? V8 or V6 for the 2005? Does the 99 have a locker?

I bought my 2005 (limited) in June for that price from the dealer. Same mileage. I couldn't ask them to budge because I was upside down on my trade.

Yes, 2003-2009 V6 with chains and V8 with belts.

 

I actually think the 1999 is overpriced as well, but being in Alaska there are only so many options. It's still for sale and since I don't need a vehicle right away I am just waiting. If he wants to sell the vehicle before moving out of state he can lower the price

A quick look at craigslist and dealer websites shows the following. I can't afford the 2010+ years as they are asking close to $30K.

2008 with 57K miles for $22K (dealer)
2008 with 63K miles for $25K (dealer)
2005 with 93K miles for $18,500 (private party)
2002 with 103k miles for $13K (dealer)
2005 with 45K miles for $20K (dealer)

 

Any difference between the 08? Same trim?

For either of the above, ask to see if the dealer has done the scheduled maintenance already. For example, both 08....have they done the 60k maintenance. If not then ask to see if they would do it before you buy.

45k for a 2005 sounds nice. I've only HEARD that it might not be too smart to buy something that old with that little mileage. It means the car wasn't driven or started up much.

Just a thought.

 

They are both V6 engines with automatic transmissions. The 99 does not have a locker that I know of (I didn't see any switches on the dash).

The 2005 dealer description says SR5 Sport. From the carfax preview there were two owners. For the first 3 years it was a rental vehicle and after that private party. When the second owner bought it it had 52K miles on it.

 

Just saw that the 2005 with 45K miles is a V8 which I really don't want.

The 2008 is just standard SR5 trim.

 

So Carfax says second owner bought at 52k? And you're saying the current listed mileage on the 05 is 45k? LOL. Some tampered with the mileage there?

Here is a quick look at Edmunds for the 2008s. I chose outstanding. The reason why I chose Edmunds is because the value is usually less than Kelly Blue Book or NADA.com

Customized True Market Value® Prices


Trade-In Private Party Dealer Retail


National Base Price $16,107 $17,353 $18,503
Optional Equipment $604 $673 $818
17 Inch Alloy Wheels $56 $63 $76
Power Glass Sunroof $365 $406 $494
Daytime Running Lights $16 $18 $22
Rear Spoiler $81 $90 $110
AM/FM/CD Changer/MP3 Audio System $86 $96 $116
Color Adjustment - Black $9 $10 $10
Regional Adjustment - for Zip Code 99546 $435 $469 $500
Mileage Adjustment - 60,000 miles $41 $41 $41
Condition Adjustment - Outstanding $1,296 $1,332 $1,453


Total $18,492 $19,878 $21,325


Buying a Certified Used VehicleDealer Retail
Certified Used Price $23,169


Edit: Looks like a mess. Oy.

 

The 2005 V6 SR5 Sport with 85K miles is the one that I looked up on carfax.
The 2005 V8 only has 45K miles.

 

I think both are over priced honestly. The '99 is bout 1-1.5 over for sure.. if not more. Watch out for rust.

 

From a preliminary search I didn't see any rust on the '99. I did offer him 8K for the 4Runner but he said he is not interested in lowering his price. If he wants to sell bad enough he will lower the price, I can wait for that

The dealer is overpriced for sure, I might have to go out of state to pick something up. If I do that I have to consider time + gas money. Maybe I should make a road trip

 

Making a road trip would almost complete negate any savings between the gas you'll waste and wear and tear on the vehicles.


I'd take the 99. I got my 02 4x4 with 108,000 miles for $12,000 in Southern California (where those models are hard to come by because not many people get 4x4s there, I'd imagine it'd be similar in Alaska considering the smaller population). $10,000 isn't horrible, it comes with snow tires after all.

 

Well I ended up buying the 1999 4runner for around $8,500. Real happy with the deal I got. I guess I will go sign up over on the 4Runner forums

 

The one with a locker. Kek. Grats on the good buy btw.