04-05 4 runners

[Kevin_L]

Hi all new to this forum, first post here.
I'm in the market for a used 04 or 05 Toyota 4 runner, I want to know what are the most common problems people get from these vehicle? I have found 2 used ones around my area, they both have about 160K miles on them and are asking 9 thousand each, that's probably not the best deal but I can't find any that I will qualify for because of my credit lol, anyways what are some of the things I should look for or ask the dealer about the vehicle ? Btw are these cars timming belt or timming chain engines?

 

[WXman]

V6 or V8?

Mine is V8. I don't have room to list all the problems I have had to fix since I got it 7 months ago at 104,000 miles... but the big ones would be exhaust manifolds, CV shafts, leaking shocks when equipped with XREAS system, brake calipers that seized, and serious undercarriage rust issues.

Brake booster failure, timing belt on the V8s, head gaskets on the V6s, etc. can also be very expensive repairs. I'd recommend having a mechanic you trust look the entire vehicle over thoroughly before buying.

 

[Ventil8]

I have 2005 V6, timing chain. Original owner and I haven't had any major issues. I have 800 miles to go before I reach 100,000 miles.

 

[Kevin_L]

V6 or V8?

Mine is V8. I don't have room to list all the problems I have had to fix since I got it 7 months ago at 104,000 miles... but the big ones would be exhaust manifolds, CV shafts, leaking shocks when equipped with XREAS system, brake calipers that seized, and serious undercarriage rust issues.

Brake booster failure, timing belt on the V8s, head gaskets on the V6s, etc. can also be very expensive repairs. I'd recommend having a mechanic you trust look the entire vehicle over thoroughly before buying.

I'm looking at the v6, one of my concern is that the mileage is pretty high on these 2 cars i found, how long can these cars go? I know some Toyota/Hondas are known for longivity but on these 4 runners I have no ideas

 

[Kevin_L]

I have 2005 V6, timing chain. Original owner and I haven't had any major issues. I have 800 miles to go before I reach 100,000 miles.

That's good to know, what are the thing Toyota recommend to replace at 100k miles?

I know most cars with timming belt requires a replacement at around 90-100k miles but if these v6 4 runners are timming chains can it go longer than 100k before replacing the chains?

 

[Craigers]

I'm looking at the v6, one of my concern is that the mileage is pretty high on these 2 cars i found, how long can these cars go? I know some Toyota/Hondas are known for longivity but on these 4 runners I have no ideas

There is one guy with well over 500K MILES on his 4th gen V6. There are a few V8's in the 300K-400K miles range. But plenty of V6's and V8's with 250K+ miles. Look for the Highest Mileage 4th Gen thread in this forum.

With proper maintenance, either should last a very long time.

 

[WXman]

I'm looking at the v6, one of my concern is that the mileage is pretty high on these 2 cars i found, how long can these cars go? I know some Toyota/Hondas are known for longivity but on these 4 runners I have no ideas

4Runners are like anything else. They have their problems and their high points. There's no such thing as magic Toyota dust. Any vehicle will go 500,000 with luck and good maintenance.

Best thing to do is if you like the 4Runner better than anything else in it's class, buy the best one you can afford and then maintain it well and hope for the best. You'll be happy with it overall. $9K isn't an absolutely horrible price for one of these as long as it's in great condition.

 

[CookieRoe]

That's good to know, what are the thing Toyota recommend to replace at 100k miles?

I know most cars with timming belt requires a replacement at around 90-100k miles but if these v6 4 runners are timming chains can it go longer than 100k before replacing the chains?

When purchasing a used, perform the following (unless service history proves it's already been done, if not......... proceed to be safe)

From memory: service @ 100K miles:

• oil change and filter
• air filter: engine/cabin
• front/rear differential fluid change
• transfer case fluid change
• Transmission drain/fill
• Radiator drain/fill
• replace spark plugs (V8s=every 100K miles, V6s=every 30K miles)

everything else is inspection and replace when necessary. You can use this as a guide as well:

Toyota Parts and Service

Timing chains last the life of the engine (usually).

 

[IOP25]

Search "P0306 code". 2004 V6 seems to have some problems that Toyota is ignoring. The same #6 cylinder is back causing problems just like with the 2nd generation 4Runners. Could run $4K. Unfortunately, a $9K car is a crapshoot.

 

[bzettler83]

Pushing 115k on my 05 v8, knock on wood never had an issue. Well with the exception of cv boots due to my lift, I have just done regular maintenance.
I have been the owner since 35k miles, pull 5000lb boat all summer and quads in the winter. Still runs like a champ!

 

[awdjunkies]

All I can say is, in order to prepare or prevent a catastrophe? MAINTENANCE, MAINTENANCE, MAINTENANCE!!!!

Even if only a few (For now) have chimed in, you can see that they both have their strengths and weaknesses.. As mentioned earlier, Go for the one you like, take it to a trusty mechanic whom will check it from head to toe so to speak, in order to give it a clean bill of health or let you know what areas need to be addressed. That way you can still purchase it, this is "THE ONE" then address said issues as time and money present themselves to you...

Good Luck!! And remember, to read the Stickies and http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/37419-highest-mileage-4th-gen.html :grouphug:

 

[Desert Fox]

Spend some time and read through the 4th gen sections. That will educate you on what people are running into and what they did about it.

Like people, vehicles are not all the same, they seem to have their own personalities.

With any used vehicle you have to plan on repairs and maintenance. Think about what you can do your self and what you are going to have to pay someone else to do.

EVERY used vehicle I have ever owned, regardless of the milage, the first thing I did was replaced the fluids (with exception of tranny fluid). Not know int what is being used bothers me so I replace the motor oil and gear oil with quality synthetics. It does not cost that much and is easy to do.

Toyotas that are taken care of will last for a lot of miles.

Sometimes people that have poor credit scores fall into a trap and buy things because they can, meaning that someone will take a risk and give them a loan at a higher cost. What they are buying may be junk but they do it because they cant get approved at other places.

Dont fall into to that trap. It will cost you a lot more.

If the vehicle is not a sound buy, then stay away from it, even if you can get approved.

Find a dealer or credit union that is reputable and will work with you, they do exist.

Good luck

 

[piccrazy30]

We saved to buy both of our Runners and I looked for many months. I refused to buy unless they had maintenance records. I feel like if someone doesn't take care of their truck then its not going to take care of me. Just like [MENTION=25740]awdjunkies[/MENTION] said….MAINTENANCE.

You will know when its the right one!! I fell in love when I saw mine Good luck in your search, can't wait to see what you get!!