long story short is i'm looking for a vehicle that will haul the kids around town go on long road trips and go on light trails with the family. I really like the looks of the 4r but I a concerned about a reliability I prefer the 4.0 (selectable t case) but I think the v8 is a better choice.

1. should I steer clear of the v6 I really want this to be my last vehicle purchase for a while. (head gasket issue seems to have no real fix)

2. should vehicles with over 150k be out of the question (I can do the repair work myself)

3. do these have comfortable seats or are they like most toyotas and have horrible lumbar suppor (owned 07 yaris and 06 prius).

i'm also concerned about frame and lift gate rust, can these issues be narrowed down to build dates and if I find one without rust what is the best fix for these issues? I think this forum needs a 4runner buyers guide maybe this thread can be put in a sticky if it explains all the 4runner issues.

I know in 08 curtain airbags were standard but which package or how do you identify which 4runner has curtain airbags?

its name (curtain airbag)will be printed on a small plastic cap near the top of the C pillar.

Toyota can also answer the question if you tell them the VIN

1. You will be just fine with the V6. The V8 is probably one of the most reliable engines Toyota has produced though.

2. If the truck was serviced appropriately (oil change/tire rotation every 5k, timing belt and water pump changed at 90K ONLY ON V8), you will be fine. The truck is made to last forever.

3. I find the leather seats in my 05 more comfortable than the cloth in my sport. The lumbar support is good but seats are low to the floor. Not the most comfortable on long drives.

I have a v6 and everything is fine with it. No real problems

High mileage is a consideration but you have to consider if it's been well maintained. If fluids have been changed regularly and that makes a huge difference. Did the previous owner tow a lot ( tougher on the tranny when lot of towing)

Whatever you do take it to a mechanic you trust and pay them the 100 bucks or whatever to have a throroughly checked out. Check the engine compression, transmission, etc. test drive the car when it is cold and see how the tranny shifts. Is it smooth? Look for leaks, etc. get underneath the car. Drive it on the highway and see how the car feels. Spend at least 30min with the car if
possible. When you shift from D to R, how smooth is it

Went and looked at this today but did not drive it, looks really clean might need rotors soon they seem to be rusting more than i'd like. its just a shame that its been smoked in, I spotted a burn mark on the drivers seat.

Cars for Sale: 2003 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 Sport V8 in Chattanooga, TN 37412: Sport Utility Details - 316094786 - AutoTrader.com

If you are not in a rush, take your time to find the right one. Don't jump at the first one you see but at the same time if a good one comes along dont wait too long to make an offer.

if you go back to drive it, theres a few things you should check, some are , make sure the xreas isnt leaking, the jbl doesnt have cd problems, check for exhaust manifold leak, the 4LO actuator works, sunroof has no opening/closing problems or rust, check for sticking calipers,

1. There's not that big of a head gasket problem with the V6's. There are some, but there are WAY more cracked headers on the V8. Unfortunately they're both expensive to fix. But head gasket's don't just go out one day and then your engine is trashed the next. There are warning signs that most people just ignore or dismiss as an engine getting older. It's something that requires inattentiveness to your engine before it'll destroy your engine.

2. For me they would be - but maybe for you they're not. At 150k miles even if everything has been meticulously serviced you start to get wear and tear parts break like CV joints. But then you add in the fact that you really don't know the complete history of a vehicle and you could run into other problems. Personally if I was you I'd rather spend a few thousand extra up front to get in the 80k-100k range of miles.

3. I've never owned another Toyota but I can say the seats aren't great. They're not terrible - I can live with them. But at the same time they could definitely be more comfortable.

Frame rust is just dependent on what the frame has been exposed to. The further north you go in the US the worse the rust will be. Just check the car histories to see what states they've been registered in.

I can't remember if it was always an option on the 4th gen of if it was introduced in a certain year but if the vehicle has an RSCA button to the left of the steering column, by where the differential lock is, then it's got side curtain airbags.

I'm in the same life situation as you. My 4Runner has been a great choice and it is by far the best vehicle that I have ever owned. I would not avoid the V6, but I can only speak for my V8. I have had my truck for four years now and have only done scheduled maintenance and mods (no other repairs). This vehicle suits families well, go for it!

2006 and up. so u have a good option for aftermarkt upgrades that can actually work on your truck!

Frame rust is/should NOT be an issue any more. We've been known to get snow here in NH....and where I grew up in upstate NY. If the problem was so bad...you'd NEVER see a single car over 10yo around here...not to mention the 15 and 20 yo vehicles I see all the time.