Hello, all.

Narrowing my current search down to 2010-2014 SR5/TE models.

Those mileage years come in anywhere from 75,000 miles to 175,000.

That, in turn, yields prices anywhere from $14,000 to $22,000.

Obviously, the older ones with higher mileage put me on the lower end of the price range and newer ones with less mileage put me on the higher end.

So, my question is: are there bigger maintenance "issues" i should be looking at for those higher mileage options? I have only owned 3rd gens and loved them (took my first one from 190k to 295k without any issues) but am less familiar with the 5th gens and what to be thinking about. I have read the standard 5th gen threads for new buyers, but I would love any further advice on what to really look out for and/or what to be wary of as the mileage climbs.

Thank you!

JT

Bump

No, there's not. There's no timing belt so that's not an issue. Always with an older vehicle things can go wrong, but 4Runners are pretty darn reliable. Most just go and go, and there is no big $$$ scheduled maintenance.

2014 Trail Premium here with 95k

I wouldn’t have purchased the vehicle with 79k with the intent on adding 200k of my own miles if I thought it was going to be an issue.

That said, ours was CPO so we rung them up for drivers side key key cylinder and a failing passenger side seat adjustment motor. The seat motor was still working, and was replaced as a precaution because it seemed to be struggling and I wanted to ring the bastards up for every dime I could on GP. Seat motor would have been roughly a G without warranty through the dealer. Way less the DIY grown man route.

Other than that, it’s been rock solid. We wheel the shit out of it for what it is, and it just keeps taking it. Put it back on the interstate and set the cruise for 80 and it sails away quietly.

When she reaches 250 I’ll put her on the farm with the Disco I and buy another with low miles and do it again.

Thank you, all. I thought I knew the answer, but still had to ask.

That's always been my way of looking at it with the 3rd gens as well. It just "feels" a lot different taking that approach when I'm paying $15-17,000 compared to $5-7,000!

I am super excited about the timing chain vs the belt, though.

I personally wouldnt upgrade or pay that much for a 4runner those years. Just buy cheap 3rd gen and fix as you go along.. Dont think theres that much of difference or improvements to be worth $10k+ or more.

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I appreciate your opinion. I have been in that same camp for a long time myself.

I am now at the point, however, where the extra cost may be worth the fear, and in some cases reality, of breaking down and putting plans on hold while I wait for parts to get shipped in, etc. The aging 3rd gens are finally getting to the point, it seems, where parts aren't at the fingertips of those in every locale and their general age in such that even well-maintained rigs are bound to have some things happen simply due to age. Of course, 5th gens could have things happen to, but trusting in Toyota's reliability is something I can take a stand on and knowing that I have something 10-14 years newer, combined with the aforementioned reliability, seems like a good reason to finally "upgrade."

It is not a decision I take lightly, though, and I have certainly thought exactly what you expressed multiple times.

I have had three different third gens and drove them (collectively) around 150k miles all over the US on road trips. They have been great. I think I'm just

Not of a ton of help, but my 2015 with 90k has had zero issues. Beside brake pads and rotors at 70k I have not replaced a single part outside of routine maintenance.

Having owned it for 82 out of the 90k miles I can say it still drives great. No noticeable loss of power/compression. Ive modified the suspension so no input on that. The wear and tear on the interior has also been minimal besides the steering wheel discoloring slightly.

Following..

I have a 2016 with 128,000 miles. Bought brand new (Oct. 2015). Been to Moab twice from Texas. Make 700 mile round trips to the family ranch every few weeks. I need and Use 4WD a lot more than the average driver. I have only had tires, fluid changes, brake pads and rotors. I do need to replace some bushings and ball joints before they get any worse and I’m pretty sure the Bilstein or comparable shocks on the Pro will not be “cheap” when they finally give in.
I love this vehicle.
By comparison, my 2003 Dodge 3500 dually 4x4 has had two transmissions, multiple front suspension issues and only has 178K. The Cummins diesel has been rock solid though.

I'd be looking at accident history and maintenance records for starters. I'd also try to get any prospect up on a lift for a look see. Living in Ohio, rust can be an issue. Look at everything else too: leaks, damage, repairs, new parts, broken stuff, etc.

I know all about having to work on your daily driver, over and over! My previous vehicle was a 2007 Nissan Murano AWD. It had 21,000 miles on it when I bought it and 115,000 miles on it when I sold it. Was very dependable until the last 15,000-20,000 miles I put on it. I had to replace the radiator (upper tank split into), both lower control arms (bushings and ball joints shot), a/c clutch and pulley assembly (it was metal to metal and grinding), high pressure power steering hose, front struts and rear shocks, drivers side window motor...needless to say, I got tired of working on it and was willing to shell out the money for a reliable vehicle that was roomy, comfortable and needed to be 4 wheel drive. I've got about 5500 miles on my 2019 4runner and love it! Bought it brand new with 2 miles on the odometer when I test drove it.

2011 SR5
purchased with 156K
motor oil change: $50
trans flush: ~$150
new Pads all around - Wagoner OEX ceramic: $128 (installed myself)
alignment $50
new serpintene belt: can't remember... less than $200 installed
PCV Valve: $10
Bilstein 5100s all around: $372 from Dobson's + $378 to install
throttle body clean: $5 bottle plus my own wrench time

New bumpers, tires, lift, and a rack can all add up to a pretty big ticket item.

Cummins motors are outstanding, unfortunately they wrap a dodge truck around them.