Used car advice

Tiny
STEVE1999
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 285,000 MILES
I have a 1999 ("third generation") Toyota 4Runner - more details below.

My question is what improvements should I make that would improve the resale value over what I spend on the improvements?

Who can I ask and get an honest, knowledgeable answer? I figure a body shop has a vested interest in selling me more improvements which may not be cost-effective, while an auto dealer would want to buy it as is and make the improvements themselves to reap the most profit, so they would tell me "there is nothing you can do" or something.

I figure at minimum, the car needs the dents repaired and a new paint job. Would silver, white or black paint be more in demand than the current green? Should I add some popular options that my car did not come with (running boards, roof rack, etc.)?

What about converting 2WD to 4WD?

I live in a border state, so it occurred to me that I might save money by taking it to a body shop in Mexico to have it painted, etc, but I do not speak Spanish and just do not know. It seems too risky for many reasons - any thoughts? I thought there might be an official Toyota body shop down there that I could trust, but have not been able to find it if there is one.

SR5 2WD, 183-hp, 3.4-liter, V-6 engine, regular gas, 19 MPG (combined), fuel-injection, non-interference, four speed automatic w/OD ECT transmission, California emissions, 285,000 miles. Exterior color: "Imperial Jade Mica" (green) with chrome bumpers. Interior color: "Oak" (light brown/tan), cloth upholstery. It has most upgrades, including A/C, cruise control, "power package" (windows, mirrors, antenna, key-less entry, etc.), CD player, six speakers, upgraded Toyota 15" 7JJ aluminum alloy wheels, P235/75R15 tires, ABS brakes, but does not have a roof rack, rear wind deflector, running boards, body-side moldings or fender flares. Paint is badly "sunburned" (turning white) on top and hood, clear coat is peeling in places, and leather steering wheel is also pretty worn. A couple of minor dents and a scratch or two. Well maintained and in excellent working order. Only two owners (family), and have all maintenance records. No smoking, dogs or other bad odors. No accidents, no flood damage, etc.

Also, wondering if there is some way to use the VIN number to obtain a copy of the original window sticker showing the exact configuration (options, etc.) Of the car?

Any advice would be hugely appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 AT 1:38 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,853 POSTS
First of all, you should know the value of what it is worth before putting any money into it. You did not give your zip code, so I looked it up for Houston Texas and KBB came back with in good condition, sell to a private party as being worth about $3,000.00.
What you should do is if you have to pass state safety inspections and emission tests there is get that done beforehand and make sure they both pass and that no check engine light is on.
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Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 AT 6:28 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,573 POSTS
Just clean it real well, change the fluids, new wiper blades. Make sure everything works like it should. With it being a 1999 and 285,000 miles on it just about anything you do beyond that will likely cost you more than it is worth to do.

A decent paint job in the OEM color will easily top $1,500.00 changing the color would be a lot more.
4WD conversion using parts that you pulled yourself will be at least $1,000.00

Kelley Blue Book shows a private sale value at around $3,000.00 in good condition. In excellent condition (perfect paint, like new tires, no issues of any kind) you gain about $300.00 with 4WD you pick up another $200.00

Dealership would not even put it on their lot, they might take it in as a trade but it would go to auction. Wholesale value is around $1,500.00 to $1,800.00 so it would likely end up on a used corner lot someplace as is, with an asking price of maybe $3,500.00 and they take $2,950.00 for it. If they did anything it would be a quick scuff to the base coat and shoot it with a tinted clear in the areas the clear is bad.
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Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 AT 6:32 AM
Tiny
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,853 POSTS
As far as the paint job goes, I like to do the body work, primer than seal the primer with a primer sealer and leave it at that and take some photos and advertise, they can paint it whatever color they choose. Saves you money and does not limit the vehicle to one color.
I recently sold a car on eBay-motors, that the buyer bid, won and drove all the way from Iowa, here to Pennsylvania with a U-Haul trailer on the back of his pickup truck.
As far as the VIN and the OEM options, list the VIN and I will see what I can find for you. I may also be able to get you the Carfax as well.
Also, you should have brand new fluids in it, because who ever wants to pull the engine oil dipstick, etc and look around, you want them to see all of that stuff has just been done.
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Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
STEVE1999
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks so much for the replies. Very helpful! Houston was a great guess. I am in Dallas area. Passed state safety and inspection six months ago, no check engine light. VIN# JT3GN86R6XO111915.
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Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 AT 6:54 AM
Tiny
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,853 POSTS
The VIN you entered, JT3GN86R6XO111915, is invalid. However, it is very close to the one(s) listed below.
JT3GN86R6X0111915
It appears that O is actually an 0. Number, not letter.
I just found out I no longer can add vehicles to mycarfax, sorry.
Your vehicle has thirty four history records. That is about all I can tell you.
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Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 AT 7:30 AM
Tiny
STEVE1999
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sorry, it should have been a zero not an O. Thanks so much for your help!
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Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 AT 8:40 AM
Tiny
LINDAJB1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1988 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 143,000 MILES
I am thinking of buying a 1988 Toyota celica conv. With 143000 miles and would like to know ab out the catalytic converter and if it is close to oil pan and if so will it make the oil to hot and harm the motor. Also, any other problems with this year that I should be aware of. Thank you
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Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 AT 10:57 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DJCL
  • MECHANIC
  • 767 POSTS
The cat close to the oil pan is ok. Many cars have the cat close to the oil pan and there are no problems. Over all this is a good car. Why are you concerned about the cat on this car?
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Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 AT 10:57 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LINDAJB1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My question was about a toyota celica, not a 4runner. I was told that catalytic converts can heat up oilo to much and harm the motor if it is to close to oil pan. Again, toyota celica 1988 convertible with 143000 miles. Thanks
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Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 AT 10:57 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DJCL
  • MECHANIC
  • 767 POSTS
I don't think this will be a problem.
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Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 AT 10:57 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JIMEFFINGER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 6 CYL
  • 200 MILES
Is it worth replacing the engine and trans on a 95 Toyota 2WD Auto V6 4Runner?
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Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 AT 10:57 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FACTORYJACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,159 POSTS
You are probably going to exceed the value of the truck by doing so. I have 250k on my 4X4, and with regular maintenance, it does my 60+ round trip commute daily, without fail.
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Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 AT 10:58 AM (Merged)

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