Hello im looking into buying a 3rd or 4th gen whatever i find a good deal on but there is no buyer guide sticky to help what to look for in 4th gens, kinda like they do for 3rd gens. i read the sticky about the air bag system but other then that nada. this is 1 of the 4th gen's i'm looking at, so any tips in buying a 4th gen 4x4?

Cars for Sale: 2005 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 SR5 V6 in Escondido, CA 92029: Sport Utility Details - 314882035 - AutoTrader.com

Run a CarFax and run the VIN through the toyota owner's website to see all stealership maintenance records!

Also, make sure you check that the 4WD goes into 4LO and the actuator works smoothly. I've heard that when it isn't "exercised" regularly, that it can become stuck and is a costly repair!

I just looked up the VIN on toyota owners website and this vehicle has a good history of service. The owner took care of the vehicle well. However, at 108K miles, the price is a little bit high, may be you can talk it down a bit.

get it on a lift and look for any wet spots that may indicate any leaks, especially the actuator. Its the black box next to the transfer case. If there is any seepage from there do not buy as it is very costly to repair. Also drive and let go of the wheel to see if tracks straight. Then apply brakes lightly and let go of wheel to see if the brakes make it turn one way or other. Then apply brakes and let go of brakes to see if calipers are sticking. Is there any suspension noise? Sway bar and control arm bushings have been known to wear out and cause noise. not a big fix but something to be aware about. also reports of cracked manifolds, check that out also. make sure timing belt/water pump service done every 7 years or 90K on the V8 (not the V6).

Absolutely! And make sure the radio is off when you're doing the test drive and the salesman is not "running his mouth" to distract you from any noises, so that you can focus on how the truck is running, etc.

Thanks for the tips, if you click on the link the stealership gives you a carfax, and i may go look at it this weekend if i like i will start fighting the price.

Have you looked into the V8? I just bought my '03 with 78,000 miles in July for $13,000. The V8 is a more solid engine and much smoother, quieter, and much more powerful. The V6 is a good engine too, but there are a few reported cases of head gasket failures. And as the others said check for rust, whether the 4WD works as should and the brakes. You will not regret getting a 4th gen regardless of engine, they are solid trucks! Good luck, and test drive a V8!

V8 doesn't sound bad but I'm trying to get rid of a v8 unless it gives you more mpg on the 4rnner? I don't mind head gasket issues the 4.7 mag on my ram have the same issues.

In the summer I was getting a little over 18 mpg. In the winter, with the winter mix fuel, I'm getting about 16.3-17.8 mpg. Also, the Toyota 2UZ-FE (4.7 L V8) is one of the toughest, most durable, and most reliable engines out there. The only thing you would have to worry about with the V8 is changing the timing belt (recommended at 90k miles) and there have been a handful of cracked manifolds out there. But the V6 is a good engine and both V6 and V8 are far more powerful than the 3rd gens (although the 3.4 in the 3rd gens are also known to be bulletproof). You will enjoy whichever 4Runner you decide on!

I concur. Drive the v8.

If you don't now, then don't ever - because you will want one.