I have been following several threads here and reading about the amount of maintenance if dis or dat happens. I am becoming doubtful whether the 4th Gen is a lower maintenance suv than I thought it was.

Example: I am unaware that Jeep needs the 4x4 system exercised at least monthly to avoid an actuator problem, frame rot, CV boots bad, needing a trained eye to check out all of these speed bump issues that can cost a new buyer mucho dinero. I am becoming a bit more skeptical about my purchasing one of these.

Comments anyone?

I notice your profile says you're in Mexico, so I wouldn't think rust should be a huge concern. In the northern states, honestly it's on the owner for not keeping on top of it (unless they didn't own it from early in its life, then the owner should at least try to play catch-up), as all cars up here rust bad eventually unless you're diligent. CV boots are going to be a thing on any car that has them; they're just rubber, and with age they get brittle, especially if you mess around with their angle a lot. The 4x4 system is totally a legitimate complaint, but how important does that seem compared to how long a Toyota will last when cared for? In how many Jeep forums is 250k with virtually zero maintenance considered the minimum life of an engine? That's high-mileage XJ territory, and around here it's just another 4Runner doing its thing.

In short, I wouldn't be skeptical. Like any car just keep on top of stuff, but if you do so with this one it will last incredibly long.

So, should I be less concerned if the 4Run I was looking at was a CA car? Ca doesn't use salt on their roads.

I would still inspect it since that could have spent time on a salty beach, but yes, I'd generally be less concerned. Also, make sure you check the passenger side frame rail by the front tire, right where the AC drain line drips onto the frame (no idea why Toyota did that). My 4Runner came from Michigan and has plenty of surface rust, but only rot on the common rad support and a bit starting right where the AC drain is.

California cars, on average, will be in better condition than cars from the Midwest or Northeastern US.

They don’t call it the “rust belt” for nothing.


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And now we know why cars in Ca are priced higher?

Low rust or rust-free 4Runners aren't just in California. A vehicle in any southern US state should work too. For example, I bought my '07 in 2014 and it had spent its life in South Carolina. I live in Georgia. No rust problems when I got it or since.

The key is the frequency of winter weather and the resulting need to make roadways passable through the use of salt and/or other corrosive materials.

And everything costs more in California!

Is there anything I should be looking for in a 2003-2005 that's a warning sign to stay away? I'm looking to spend $5K on a 2003-2005 4Runner with no rust and less than 150K miles. I've found some in my area, but some are V6 and some are V8. Which engine has less problems and will last forever?

Do a little research and you'll find that both engines have pluses and minuses. Given that you're in the Chicago area, the number one thing you should be worried about is frame rust. REALLY check out the frame of any 4Runner you're thinking of buying.

Will do. That's one of the bad things about living up here. Salt kills nice cars. I was looking at some on Craigslist in TN/GA area, but they're asking $5K for one with 300K+ miles.

Not sure where you will find a $5K priced 4Run with your restrictions. But let us know.

Engaging the 4X4 system is not maintenance. It is the opposite of maintenance: usage.

I owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee years ago and its 4X4 "part time" system was CRAP. It engaged when it felt like it. The transfer case leaked continuously despite many dealer attempts to fix it with their secret Mopar snake oil additive. And the front end geometry on that thing was a MESS. I replaced every ball joint, end link and bushing on it and it still had vague steering. Even the local Jeep dealer couldn't get my steering stabilizer off without damaging other parts...that they were forced to replace.

The 4Runner is a dream compared to the Jeep.

Nice

In the mileage range you are looking for, is a much lower than the norm for those years. The normal annual mileage used pretty much everywhere is 12,000. That means there is a higher price applied for cars with less than the average. Then, with the frame rust issue looming, and the likelihood of a head gasket leaking (about a $3,000 repair bill + hotel if your on the road away from home), you have to count all the chickens when doing your research. There are many good 4Run's out there but you have to take ur time and check em out.

What a brilliant post - Many thanks for sharing