2001 4runner... Back in the game after a decade long break!

Nooga_Rock

New member
Hi,

When I was 18 I had a '99 tacoma that I had lifted, 33's, armor etc. I was on TTORA and Yotatech a lot and went to one of the TTORA meetups in tellico. When I graduated I thought I wanted a sports car and got a RSX... i've regretted it for over a decade now. I recently purchased a 2001 SR5 V6 4x4 4runner with 175k miles! I want to build it into an overlanding rig for me and my wife and friends. Already have a long list of mods planned out.

I found the 4runner on a dealer website for a pretty solid price, the exterior and interior were in amazing shape for the age. The dealer indicated that it was in great condition and well maintained. I drove it and it seemed okay besides a check engine light, which were knock sensor codes. I purchased it, on the drive home it really struggled to stay over 70 and got terrible mpg, constantly revving high. After driving it to work the next day, I found a massive oil leak, the entire passengers side of the engine bay was wet. I took it to a local toyota specialist and was informed that the last person to do maintenance on it had really screwed it up...that the valve cover gasket would need to be replaced, scissor gears reloaded, along with other smaller things. I contacted the dealer asking for a take-back or help with the repairs since they did not disclose any of this to me, they of course refused. I went ahead and had them make the repairs and also had them change the timing belt while they were in it... which they then found that it had a crappy aftermarket waterpump that was about to go out and needing replace along with a couple of other screw ups by the last person in there. The total bill ended up being nearly half of what I paid for the vehicle... Anyways, I got a good enough deal upfront that I don't feel that I got a TERRIBLE deal and it's nice to have peace of mind now that everything is repaired. The specialist said that I would be well pleased and it should be running good for a long time now. I did notice a dramatic difference in how it drove. It easily cruises at 80 now and the MPG are in normal range.

Here are some pics:

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So far I have (not shown in pics) plasti dipped my front emblem, the cowl around the hood scoop, and did the deck plate mod.

I'm planning on getting a 3" toytec lift and running 255/85/16's. Next would be sliders and a front bumper. Can't wait!
 
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I miss my 2001 sport -- bought it new and it was in the family until last summer.... the rear dif developed a leak and it could not be repaired-----there was so much frame rust I decided to part with it - SAFETY ISSUE / Overhang
I sold it to a broker that was shipping 4 runners to hati. I am 100% sure it will be running for another 15 yrs....
 
Man, what a bummer. And more amazing to think a dealership would lie.

I would hall their asses to small claims court for the money you spent.

And next time get a PPI.

Good luck,

Eddie
 
Your purchase experience is unfortunate and actually mirrors my dealership purchase of a used Subaru Forester a few years back. I thought I was doing the grown up thing to get a "certified pre-owned" from a big Subaru dealer after having mostly bought cars private party or in some cases from junk yards. I figured now that I was pushing 30 it was time for a low-maintenance reliable car. Worst mistake of my life haha. For me it's gotta be private party from now on.

Glad you got your Toyota reliability back after the crappy dealer experience.
 

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