buyer's expertise needed, buying a 4runner Options

[99Celica]

so i've found the 4runner i've been looking for after months of searching. 94 22re 4x4 5speed if u wanted to know (also has AC roof rack and can tow)

The seller first posted an ad on craigslist for 4500, which I can't afford. At the end of his ad he stated that the price is firm, no offers. Well he ended up putting it on ebay and the auction just ended today with no bids. His price on ebay was 4400. KBB lists it at 3800 excellent and 3200 good. His 4runner is good condition but has rebuilt engine due to timing belt breaking. Any opinions on what its really worth?

My question is what would be a good offer now that he seems to be budging somewhat. I was thinking 3500-3800.

I'm also worried about someone else offering more and taking it first

Any input appreciated,

Travis

[razor7]

I used to own a '91 4 runner with every package thrown on (sport, towing, had the spare tire on the tailgate, running boards, etc.) It was a 3.0 V6 22RE block. Let me tell you, that care was BULLET PROOF. I literally slid down hill (on black ice) at about 15mph into the front of a Honda Odyssey, the 4 runner (or Betty as I called her) took out the radiator, front headlight, hood, and other internals. Betty however had a tiny dent...

Now the bad news is that you'll only get 14mpg around town (12mpg now that the Govt. thought it was a good idea to add Ethanol to our fuel... asshats). The good news is that on a trip to LA (HWY 5) I was getting 24mpg with 2 passengers and a lot of weight (as in moving back a friend from college).

I ended up selling betty with 165k, an auto transmission that was dying, a 12in sub, alpine deck, infinity speakers, new suspension, new bidgestone duellers, new rotors, new pads, new oil change, freshly rebuilt engine at 135k, and a new windshield for $2900. That in turn went into the down payment on my celi (bought from a dealership).

So basically, I think 4500 is WAY overpriced. 4runners are everywhere. Keep searching CL and you'll find a great one.

-TC