Want to buy 4runner... What to look out for/ inspect

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Sain6815

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Hey guys,

I'm new here. I have never owned a 4runner or a model this new. I have owned several tacoma 4x4's (1999, 1993, 1989).

What advice can you give me about purchasing a 4runner. I will likely get from an auction... Maybe Craigslist. I need to know what too look out for mechanically and how to inspect this vehicle. I'm a borderline shade tree mechanic... So I feel pretty confident purchasing a used vehicle, but I could definitely use some wisdom from experts such as yourselves.

Thanks!!!
 
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Sain6815 said:
Hey guys,

I'm new here. I have never owned a 4runner or a model this new. I have owned several tacoma 4x4's (1999, 1993, 1989).

What advice can you give me about purchasing a 4runner. I will likely get from an auction... Maybe Craigslist. I need to know what too look out for mechanically and how to inspect this vehicle. I'm a borderline shade tree mechanic... So I feel pretty confident purchasing a used vehicle, but I could definitely use some wisdom from experts such as yourselves.

Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

Depending on miles and V6 vs V8...I'd opt for the V8. At 100k miles you need the timing belt replaced. Other than that, mechanically you should be good to go.
 
I agree, go with the V8 unless you're just super concerned with MPGs and won't be towing over ~ 3500 lbs. Only other thing on the V8 to watch for is the secondary air injection pump failures that show up on the 4.7

I plan to spend the $155 for the bypass kit whenever I find the perfect 4.7 4th gen 4Runner to buy later this year/early next year as a preventative measure. Best of luck in your search
 
Sain6815 said:
Hey guys,

I'm new here. I have never owned a 4runner or a model this new. I have owned several tacoma 4x4's (1999, 1993, 1989).

What advice can you give me about purchasing a 4runner. I will likely get from an auction... Maybe Craigslist. I need to know what too look out for mechanically and how to inspect this vehicle. I'm a borderline shade tree mechanic... So I feel pretty confident purchasing a used vehicle, but I could definitely use some wisdom from experts such as yourselves.

Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

Read through this thread, lots of good info:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/136498-pre-purchase-info-modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html
 
Sain6815 said:
What is the difference in mpg between v8 and v6?
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Maybe 1-2 mpg depending on how you drive. The big difference is in reliability. There have been numerous reports of head gasket issues with the v6 (not shocking for Toyota) while the v8 has been fairly solid. Of course with the v8 comes a timing belt, but I would much rather replace a timing belt every 100K or so than head gaskets.

There really isn't anything 4 runner specific to check. As with any used car you want to check the basics like brakes, cooling system, fluids, etc. You are on the border of the rust belt so a good look underneath is a must.

Maintenance records would be very nice. If is it a v8, knowing when the timing belt was changed is very important.

No matter how great you feel your mechanical skills are, it is always best to get a second opinion. It helps having someone without a vested interest to give an unbiased opinion.
 
Sain6815 said:
What is the difference in mpg between v8 and v6?
Click to expand...

Real world seems to be 2-3 mpg. But as with MPG discussions, every situation is different...elevation, driving style, how well the vehicle was maintained, etc. It isn't uncommon for the V6 4wd to get 22-23 mpg highway/17-18 city and the V8 to touch 20 mpg highway/15-16 city if driven correctly. And that is a HUGE if haha
 
Sungod said:
Maybe 1-2 mpg depending on how you drive. The big difference is in reliability. There have been numerous reports of head gasket issues with the v6 (not shocking for Toyota) while the v8 has been fairly solid. Of course with the v8 comes a timing belt, but I would much rather replace a timing belt every 100K or so than head gaskets.

There really isn't anything 4 runner specific to check. As with any used car you want to check the basics like brakes, cooling system, fluids, etc. You are on the border of the rust belt so a good look underneath is a must.

Maintenance records would be very nice. If is it a v8, knowing when the timing belt was changed is very important.

No matter how great you feel your mechanical skills are, it is always best to get a second opinion. It helps having someone without a vested interest to give an unbiased opinion.
Click to expand...

Depends on what model he is looking at. If the Sport model, he should be checking the XREAS system for leaks...if it leaks, that is more bargaining power for the purchase price (even if he plans to rip it out for an aftermarket setup). Calipers sticking are also a 4Runner specific problem that is far more common than on various other makes/models that can sometimes only be found by actually removing the wheel/tire combo. If it has the rear ride height control system, check that as well for functionality and leaks. The head gasket issues are more common on the early ('03-'04) V6 4Runners than the later V6 models
 
Is head gasket a major concern for the v6? I'm definitely interested in the extra mpg of the v6 because my wife and I both have a decent commute. I've never known toyota engines to be anything but reliable.

If the issue is very renown, can this be changed preventably in a certain interval?
 
Sain6815 said:
Is head gasket a major concern for the v6? I'm definitely interested in the extra mpg of the v6 because my wife and I both have a decent commute. I've never known toyota engines to be anything but reliable.

If the issue is very renown, can this be changed preventably in a certain interval?
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The percentage of HG failures is very low. It is blown out of proportion quite often. You will see a ~2mpg difference between the v6-v8. Neither is very fuel efficient. If you find a clean 4Runner you like go with it.
 
Create a login to the toyota wesite. You can enter the vin and pull up the toyota service records and also see if tsb or recalls have been done. Its a real advantage if the previous owner went to the dealer for service.

If the brakes shake the stearing wheel then chances are a caliper is siezed. Not a big deal if you can replace yourself. Use it to lower the price. Go for a good test drive get the rotors nice and warmed up.

I bought a v8 a few months ago and what everyone else said is acuturate regarding mpg etc.

Also check body panels and windows/windshield for toyota markings and vin numbers. If its all there then likely hasnt been in an accident.

Oh an I think exhaust manifold leak is somewhat common on the v8. Have fun on the search.
 
There was a thread a while back about the V6 head gaskets, someone chimed in that Toyota updated and redesigned the part in mid-2005, so perhaps even later 2005 v6's are safe, but 06+ definitely is safe barring an odd manufacturing defect or an overheat/freak situation. Still, even in the older trucks with the original style gasket I don't think HG failure is an epidemic of any sort, not by a long shot. Keep the coolant fresh in any 4runner you buy and you should be ok, but if you want a v6 then 06+ would definitely be the safest be all other things equal.
 
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