Hi folks
It's time for me to upgrade from a well used Xterra to a more capable and family friendly 4x4 work wagon/family hauler/foul weather commuter on the 120 platform. I'd like help with a specific decision. Oh wise and experienced ones, please guide me as I begin this journey. Sorry about the long post.
I'm capable of moderately difficult DIY maintenance, repairs, and mods but I'm looking for something that's mostly ready to go and will have relatively few needs and breakdowns over 8-10 years of ownership. I've been casually looking locally for a 2005-2008 4R with sub-100k miles and a third row but I've tried to stay open to trim, engine, XREAS or no, etc. I found myself leaning toward V6s tho for lower running costs, timing chain, etc.
When I test drove a low miles but badly pimped V8 Sport in November, there were two other sub-90k 4Rs on my local craigslists for $16k or so. Now that I have a little time to shop I'm not seeing much with low miles at reasonable prices within an hour drive. There is a 2005 Limited with 91k at a dealer for $16000. Higher miles or silly prices on everything else currently. And then I jokingly searched for GX470s...and I feel drawn like a moth to a flame. There's a 2007 with 109k and all dealer work for $17500 that I'm waiting on for photos and more info. But then..
There is a 2006 nav/ML non KDSS with 119k for $14500 negotiable. It's 3 hours away. With VIN and more info from sellers, I see Lexus service through 2013 and 80k miles, and then it was sold and service records vanish. Third owners bought it a year ago at 105k and have run it up toward 120k supposedly just doing oil, rotations, and some brake work. Timing belt job has NOT been done as far as seller knows, the tires are at 40-50%, but supposedly everything works, no exterior flaws, and minor interior wear. The owner says the air suspension works, but it sounds like he's not totally familiar with it. I like the color.
Am I crazy for wanting to drive 3 hours there and back to check this out? And possibly go back to BUY it needing an overdue timing belt job (I could do it myself as long as DIY guide and cam tensioner tool or whatever else is needed is available) and soon tires, on top of the sliders, rack, and maybe skids that I'd need to pick up ASAP? I would have to make two trips, once to see it and maybe negotiate to a lower price, and again to bring the check and seal the deal.
I want to try to look at both the other trucks before going all the way to the other one. I don't want to rush, but I also want to get this done due to work and family factors. Please help.
It's time for me to upgrade from a well used Xterra to a more capable and family friendly 4x4 work wagon/family hauler/foul weather commuter on the 120 platform. I'd like help with a specific decision. Oh wise and experienced ones, please guide me as I begin this journey. Sorry about the long post.
I'm capable of moderately difficult DIY maintenance, repairs, and mods but I'm looking for something that's mostly ready to go and will have relatively few needs and breakdowns over 8-10 years of ownership. I've been casually looking locally for a 2005-2008 4R with sub-100k miles and a third row but I've tried to stay open to trim, engine, XREAS or no, etc. I found myself leaning toward V6s tho for lower running costs, timing chain, etc.
When I test drove a low miles but badly pimped V8 Sport in November, there were two other sub-90k 4Rs on my local craigslists for $16k or so. Now that I have a little time to shop I'm not seeing much with low miles at reasonable prices within an hour drive. There is a 2005 Limited with 91k at a dealer for $16000. Higher miles or silly prices on everything else currently. And then I jokingly searched for GX470s...and I feel drawn like a moth to a flame. There's a 2007 with 109k and all dealer work for $17500 that I'm waiting on for photos and more info. But then..
There is a 2006 nav/ML non KDSS with 119k for $14500 negotiable. It's 3 hours away. With VIN and more info from sellers, I see Lexus service through 2013 and 80k miles, and then it was sold and service records vanish. Third owners bought it a year ago at 105k and have run it up toward 120k supposedly just doing oil, rotations, and some brake work. Timing belt job has NOT been done as far as seller knows, the tires are at 40-50%, but supposedly everything works, no exterior flaws, and minor interior wear. The owner says the air suspension works, but it sounds like he's not totally familiar with it. I like the color.
Am I crazy for wanting to drive 3 hours there and back to check this out? And possibly go back to BUY it needing an overdue timing belt job (I could do it myself as long as DIY guide and cam tensioner tool or whatever else is needed is available) and soon tires, on top of the sliders, rack, and maybe skids that I'd need to pick up ASAP? I would have to make two trips, once to see it and maybe negotiate to a lower price, and again to bring the check and seal the deal.
I want to try to look at both the other trucks before going all the way to the other one. I don't want to rush, but I also want to get this done due to work and family factors. Please help.
