Need some assistance on a possible buy

[emsielie]

There is a local 04 Runner limited V8 for sale for 13000cdn. Has 218xxxkms. Looks set up, well maintained with records and also appears this used to be a members vehicle. There is a stock one same amount of kms for 9000 but dont think i can get the mods to that level for 4000.00. question is, is this a good value, or worth buying. Or should i go with the stock one. Below is a link to the google drive to see the pics.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UxPb4czUdfQp5uvL13Isxv_4WAAMGKYR

Thanks in advance all

 

[Saint Nick]

I think there is two ways to look at it.

1) Modified - If you know the vehicle and it's been well maintained, the mods have been completed in the correct way, and it's not been heavily abused, then it may be worth making an offer. The
downside of this is that you may find over time you are not 100% with how the previous owner has modified it and end up changing it to suit you - of course at a cost!

2) Stock - With this one, providing it's in decent condition, will give you a clean slate to start modding from in a way that is to your liking from the start. In that way, you will know how everything is
done, you get to choose what parts are used, you shouldn't end up wasting money on things that you don't want/need, and you can't change things in the order you want. I don't know what
things cost in Canada, but you may even find that 4000 CDN buys you what you want and then some

I know what I would do, but good luck which ever one you choose.

Nick

 

[DaveInDenver]

I prefer to start with a stock truck but there's no guarantee it hasn't been abused or neglected. I'd take a thoughtfully modified vehicle built by someone who doesn't let oil change intervals run long or skimp on repairs over a stock truck owned by someone indifferent to it's upkeep. If I was making a generalization it would be to evaluate any vehicle based on merit. Don't be afraid to consider a well maintained modified vehicle and don't assume stock automatically mean without faults. Do compression checks, inspect fluids, etc. on any vehicle.

 

[battleaxe]

I took a look at the two ads you're talking about. Personally, unless I know the builder, I do tend to navigate towards a stock vehicle over a modified one.

The white one doesn't look terrible. I'd take a serious look at the suspension, frame, and the rest of the aftermarket components. From the ad, I don't know if the seller really knows much about it other than the winch and the stereo.

The stock one has a full service history. That's usually a good sign in my opinion.