Hey all,

I'm currently in the market for a 4th gen 4runner. Given my $14000 or so budget, I'll be getting something in the low 100,000 mile category, and my choices are somewhat limited on the used market. I can't afford to fly across the country to get one, so I'm scouring within 150 miles of home.

So . . . I've got a few questions I'm hoping folks could help me with:

Trouble spots: Is there anything I should be on the lookout for, either in terms of maintanence when I get my truck or danger-signs to look for when I'm buying? Are 4th gens plagued by any particular issues I should be aware of? What key things should I look at? Timing belt is a big thing with the V8s, no? Anything else?

V8 or V6?: I'm inclined to get a V8 because of the greater torque and power-band, but obviously that limits my choices. But how differently, really, do 4runners with the two engines behave? Is holding out for a V8 worth it in terms of power and/or reliability? Is one engine more reliable than the other? Am I dead wrong and the V6 is the better powerplant?

X-REAS: I'm considering the Sport version specifically because of this (it will be 90% daily driver, 10% must-go-there-regardless-of-weather/terrain), since it's supposed to improve street handling. BUT . . . two questions: does it make that much of a difference? Also, how long do these last on average before stuff breaks, and how much expense to fix it? I've heard north of $1500 for repairs? In short, is this something I should hold out for on a prospective sale, or should I be avoiding needless expense/headache/choice limits? Is it worth it?

Last but not least, but perhaps the most subjective - Reliability: Obviously, there's a reputation for amazing durability and longevity with the 4runner. Equally obviously, there are no guarantees in life. But what are the chances that say, a 2003 with 100,000 would make 250,000 without major expense? Good or poor?

Thanks in advance for any input the folks here care to give - any pointer or suggestions are welcome and appreciated. I look forward to joining the ranks soon . . .

-Tuthmose

The biggest thing you'll want to look for is maintenance. At 90-100k miles, the timing belt (v8) should have been replaced. If not, that's a sign that other maintenance may have been skipped as well, and that's a costly maintenance item (to do it right). I can't answer all of your questions, but let me say this: be patient. I looked for several months trying to find ANY 4th gen for $12k or less. My car finally sold, and that day I found my 4runner. I ended up getting a 03 Limited v8 4x4 (with every option available, JBL, Nav, Heated seats, auto leveling suspension, etc) and 120k miles for $11,500 out the door. It also came with pretty detailed maintenance records, and most maintenance was done at the Toyota dealer where it was originally purchased (1 owner). Deals are there, you just have to be patient.

Thanks, Ark Swamp Rider!

Sadly, my ability to be patient is a bit compromised at the moment. We just had a second child in June, and my current vehicle has got to go. I'm in a 2001 Vehicross at the moment; she's a heck of a lot of fun, capable on-road and off- and pretty quick for a truck too . . . but there is no way short of defying the laws of physics that I fit a second car seat in her. Frankly, just putting the one in there was a near-Herculean effort. So . . . several months I do not have. I can stretch it for a bit more, though, so I'm trying to make the best decision under tight circumstances.

-Tuthmose

Where are you located? Search online and see what you cand find. I've known of quite a few people who've purchased a car and had it shipped to them, that may be something you should consider. A few good places to look are Autotrader, Cars.com, and Craigslist

Overall, both engines are reliable, the key is maintenance. If done properly and on time, either should last well beyond 200,000 miles.
XREAS is nice, but not really reliable. Many have had shocks leak before 50k miles, so when you look at buying one with over 100k, it's very possible it'll start leaking soon. At that point, your best bet is to pull it and install a regular suspension. I'd advise forgetting about XREAS and plan on a FJ suspension swap (shocks and springs). Many have done this with great results (I have just the front springs, love the ride). This wouldn't be right away, but just letting you know I wouldn't make XREAS the deciding factor.

I've got 95k miles on my '03 V8 with XREAS. It isn't a big deal. If it leaks, then replace it with regular shocks -- which won't cost much more than replacing the shocks on a 4Runner without XREAS. If you buy a 4Runner with 100k miles and regular shocks, chances are you'll have to replace the regular shocks before long as well.

sunroof and remote fob door lock/unlock actutator-motor issues are common
and
expensive

If you can find a V8, go for it. I love that motor. I didn't want leather or XREAS so the SR5 made sense BUT I had to have a sunroof. I had to drive 90 miles to a dealership in the boonies but I got exactly what I wanted....a white 4x4 SR5 with a sunroof. I drove a few Limited and Sports before that. They were all nice and I actually like the feel of leather a lot but it gets too hot for me. Get under the vehicle to check for leaks and rust as well. I did that each time.