So I went to Hayes auto sales to check out that 97 white 4Runner with the 5 speed, elocker and 3.4 I get there and in seconds I LOVE the truck. The door was open so I helped myself. it was super clean on the inside and only had 120k miles! They were asking 7k. I quickly checked everything out on the inside and everything was clean.
But then...
I jumped out, and gave it a full scan. I started at the front bumper. I noticed some rust/pitting on the front bumper. And instantly told myself, I REALLY dont want to look under the truck. I did. It had surface rust all over the running boards and on the frame. Not that big of a deal, but it was kind of a downer. It had a new clutch, cat, and catback, ( probably stolen ) and new shocks/coils.
One of the Vultures came over to me ( one of the employee's ) and was like Hey are you interested in that car. and I told him it depends.... yada yada. and he simply told me its a TMU car. And I was like wtf is that? some sort of special deal going on and then he told me "total mileage unknown" and instantly my stomach sank... I carfaxed it via my phone. its gone from 240k down to 140k, up to 200k and back down to 120k since 97 and was totally disappointed. I was completely uninterested at this point with the surface rust issues and what not. I was nice about it and continued to talk to him. and I was like so with a vehicle that could possibly have 400k miles. How do you handle deals like this? and He basically told me CASH ONLY. and I was like hmm... how much would you go down and he said the lowest I could go down is 300 bucks, which is the tax and reg fees. im like so wait... you want $7,000 for a truck that has surface rust, no known actual mileage or maintenance? and he's like Yep! we usually buy cars that look and run good. I was completely dumbfounded at this point. I didn't know dealers could completely screw people. Not to mention there was a green 2000 4Runner sitting next to it for $1000 more with actual mileage, and a california owned car so no rust...
I walked away at this point. Poor 4Runner :/ thats a beautiful car and the poor thing is probably going to sit on that lot for a long time. too bad its a 5 speed, e locked, v6.
The search continues.