I bought an '04 3 months ago, similar mileage on vehicle. Here's how I test-drove it: Rural-area best, test drive on level road with no (minimal) traffic).
1. Shift from "N" to "R", back to "N", then to each forward gear, one at a time from "N". Note feel of engagement, watching for rough, or slow engagement.
2. Accelerate at light throttle from a stop, watching shift points on tachometer, holding throttle steady. Shifts should feel smooth, no engine "speed-up" as each occurs.
3. At constant speed, around 40 or so, let go of steering wheel (nice, flat road), observe if veh. tracks reasonably straight with no "pull" to one side or the other. Then apply brakes lightly, observe braking effort for "pull".
4. Listen, drive with windows open, observe noises you feel should not be there, gear whine, clunking sounds, that sort of thing.
5. Pull onto non-paved area, stop, shift to "N", engage 4X4 HIGH if so equipped. The indicator lamp on the instrument panel should illuminate immediately. Drive forward, listening for noises; turn wheels, observing for jerkiness or "pull" in the steering wheel. Some roughness is normal in 4X4. Stop, place in "N", and engage 4X4 LOW if equipped. Lamp should illuminate within a number of seconds to indicate engagement. Watch for lengthy time to engage, or no engage at all. Drive a short distance, slowly, in 4X4 LOW listening for unusual transfer case noise; operation should be near-silent. Shift out of 4X4 operation to 4X4 AUTO, in "N", case should leave 4X4 LOW within a short time. If it does not, move vehicle in reverse slowly 20 or 30 feet, try again.
6. For me, mechanicals are most important. However, check all lights, turn signals, horn, etc., if you are so inclined. My test drive of the '04 made me satisfied it was a good deal. We are quite happy with it's performance thus far. BTW, in your case, the asking price is good, by local standards around our neck of the woods. imp
