Two V6 4WD 2006 Runners:

• One is a Sport, the other an SR5

• The Sport mileage is 150,000, SR5 250,000

• The Sport has frame rust needing remediation, SR5 no frame rust

Mechanically, both are otherwise reasonably well maintained, no suspension, transmission issues.

If the asking prices are basically the same, about 5 large, which is best and why?

Personally I’d go with the sr5 if the sport has frame rust not many differences between the two besides cosmetic. Ya it has more miles but depending on how bad the rust is is difficult to say. I have a 2003 sr5 I got it with 237000 miles and I just did my oil change on Saturday at 288000 miles it runs great. Only major component I had to replace so far in it was the radiator because it cracked and well that happens with age.


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^^^^^ Thanks...

But honestly $5000 is a great price so if the rust isn’t crazy bad just get an estimate on how much it would cost to repair. All in all it’s your choice, great vehicle great engine. As long as regular maintenance has been done in each neither is a bad option. Just depends on what you can do and what you’re willing to do.


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I would take the higher mileage SR5 with a clean frame. Also! Look at the build dates on the 4Runner for both. If its build in the second half of 2006 (I think) then it comes with the revised headgasket which was a common fail point on the v6 earlier models!
I have enjoyed my SR5 because the speakers were also basic (no JBL amp setup) so upgrading everything was exceedingly simple.
These gearhead items aside- which one is in your favorite color? Which one are you gonna be turning around to look at everytime you park it?

Amount of rust would be one of my deciding factors, the other factor would be the build date for a 2006 T4R, a build date from 12/05 and onward has the redesigned head gasket, check the VIN sticker on the driver's door jamb for the build date.

Honestly, I would stay away from both. Once the 4runners frame starts rotting , yes it can be repaired but how bad is it now? These frames rust quick once they have started. Depending how bad it is, the body could be compromised due to the frame being weak. Even though you can fix the frames with say Safe t cap or some other way, the old rotted sections are still rotted, and just covered up. and will get worse. The caps only cover 3 sides. Just look at Ford pickups that the frames rotted and the frames bent inward. Also you have to deal with the Michigan winters and other areas on the frame are still exposed.

Even though the SR5 has the v6 with 250k, its still 250k. Do you know it's past? Do you know it's service history? By this point to make it reliable you would have to replace hoses, brake hoses, bushings, etc. If nothing has been replaced, then you will end up most likely spending a few dollars to make it right.

If you have the time and extra money I would wait and find better ones, expand your search radius. You might find one in the southern states for the same price and most likely rust free and possibly less mileage. It might be worth it. Good luck.

Some great insight here, thanks a bunch you guys...

More or less what I was going to say. The rusted frame is a hard no. The SR5 is the more attractive option but that is a lot of miles on an engine, even a well-designed engine with a full maintenance record. Used car prices are dropping. I would find a better option, even if it cost a little more.

Price doesn't sound too bad for the SR5 if it is truly rust free. I just bought my 07 Sport with 230k miles and will probably have in the neighborhood of $1,000 in parts plus my time making it right. I would absolutely not consider a rusty one.

Rusted frames can potentially become suuuuch a pain and is something that absolutely needs to be addressed so I'd just straight up avoid that