Should I buy this 2002 Sequoia? (1 Viewer)

[CBFJ]

Here's part 2 of my quest for a high-mile cheap Sequoia to use sparingly at the cottage. I have a line on this 2002 Limited with 226,000 on it. The guy is asking $5,500 but will take $4,000. Runs/drives great, one owner previous to this guy, no issues. Rust-free CO truck. Needs tires.

Here's the interesting part- PO said he did the timing belt 30K miles ago but there's no documentation. So the seller bought a kit from Rock Auto and is proposing to have a mechanic replace it, along with water pump and fluid flush. He's proposing passing along the cost to me on top of the $4,000- he thinks $1,000 at the most.

While I like the idea and would prefer to have the work done before I buy, I'm also feeling a little exposed here, and don't like the idea of unknown costs and possibly undocumented "after hours" work.

So, how would you guys contain the potential downsides here? And is a $200 Rock Auto timing belt kit a legit non-dealership way to go? I'm usually a dealership guy when it comes to big ticket items. I could potentially tell him to skip all the work and sell it to me for $4,000 and I get all the work done, but at a much higher cost to me. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[CBFJ]

Also, the front seats are rough- driver's has craters in it. Any recommendations for bomber seat covers that will smooth out the damage?

 

[AmericanKing]

Looks like a clean Sequoia. Most likely need a new radiator and thermostat too if it’s original. I paid $700 in labor for a TB and WB in Albuquerque.

I prefer the 2004 models. Toyota upgraded to a larger lower ball joint, it still can fail tho. Toyota also upgraded the transmission I believe they added more disc. Plus the larger 13wl brakes were added.

 

[LandCruisinMy93]

I bought an all toyota parts kit from Ebay when I did mine. It was something like $389. It had the camshaft seals, idlers, timing belt, etc... all the stuff you want to replace while you're in there. Coolant was included. I would pay extra for toyota parts but that's me.

As mentioned you should go ahead and replace the Radiator and I would check the heater hoses at the firewall. Last thing you want Niantic do all that and lose a cheap heater hose going up a pass or something. Seen it happen on a couple of 100 series.

The work honestly isn't that difficult if you're at all mechanically inclined. However, if you're not, I'd have a dealership do the work. I would take it at $4000 and you'll probably be close to the $5500 after the timing maintenance. As for tires, check craigslist for takeoffs. I never bought a new set of tires or wheels for mine. I would get the 17" Tacoma and 4Runner alloys with new or nearly new tires from people who would buy a new rig and immediately lift it. I think $400 was the absolute most I ever paid for 4 new tires with wheels. Sometimes you'll catch people that work at the dealerships selling them, some dealerships let their mechanics etc... take them home if the customer doesn't want them.

 

[vipergrhd]

That won't last here in Cali, at 4k that's a bargain having a one owner. Did you buy it?

 

[CBFJ]

That won't last here in Cali, at 4k that's a bargain having a one owner. Did you buy it?

Yeah, I gave him a deposit to hold it til I can get there.

Sounds like it's all reasonable maintenance; I just have to decide if I want his guy to do it, or a dealership. Thanks for all the input mudders!

Now I have a Land Cruiser, Highlander, 4Runner and Sequoia. Seems like a Sienna may be next...

 

[AmericanKing]

Yeah, I gave him a deposit to hold it til I can get there.

Sounds like it's all reasonable maintenance; I just have to decide if I want his guy to do it, or a dealership. Thanks for all the input mudders!

Now I have a Land Cruiser, Highlander, 4Runner and Sequoia. Seems like a Sienna may be next...

Sienna have 8 cups holders. haha