2004 4R - 200K / Fix-it or Tradein

[suuny]

Hello Folks: I have a 2004 V6 2WD, had been running great bought it new in 2003. Its about 200K now (199,545K ). I found some oil leak took it to dealer and below is what he said

1. Oil Pan Gasket Leaking
2. Rear Main oil Seal Leaking ($2000 just for Item 1 & 2)
3. Rear Brakes almost there
4. Steering column needs to be replaced ( since I had a mild shake when I hit 60-65 mph) - ~$1400
5. Tires need to replaced - ~1000

I also hear some squeaks near the serpentine belt on rainy days fixed the belts and pulleys still comes up on rainy days not sure what it might be i see some seepage near the power steering pump

Total expense I expect ~$5000 - $5500. The value of the car is about the same or less. My question is should I fix it or get another car for a trade in. This has been my car for 14 years never let me down ( just regular maintenance and brake & once replaced calipers)... just wanted your thoughts. Is it worth the fix .. or should I just trade in for a new one any thoughts..?

Regards
Sundar

 

[Trumpet]

Bring it to an independent mechanic and get a second opinion, and quote. Maybe not tell them what the dealer said, see what they find.

 

[xarons21]

if you are mechanically inclined whatsoever, the brakes and oil pan gasket should be easy.

The steering column is doubtful especially if you need tires. A LOT can cause vibrations. unbalanced tires will also do that. tie rods, ball joints, bearings etc.

Ive got 180K on mine, and it drives like new, with stock tires on wider rims and lifted.

For no car payments for maybe... a grand worth of work (from what it sounds like) i'd keep it. even 2K is 4-5 payments. if you still love the truck, and its in good condition. keep her.

 

[capri_auto]

It's very possible the mechanic is trying to rip you off. Steering column is probably fine... Drop the front skid plate and clean the oil off the motor with a rag. Then look for yourself where the oil is coming from. How much oil are you leaking?

Maybe it just needs washer for the drain plug. Rear brakes are a normal maintenance item, easy to change yourself or not all too expensive to have done. Check ebay for new tires and just have them mounted and balanced at an indi shop. I got brand new Nittos for $600 delivered. As already stated, if you like the truck and shes in good shape just get caught up on the maintenance. F payments.

 

[suuny]

Thanks for all the feedback. I went to pickup the car evening from the stealer-ship since I declined any of their fixes citing the cost reasons, they changed saying they recommend fixing the Gasket quoting 450$ and recommended wait and watch for the Oil seal.

I looked at the breakdown
Oil gasket is $18 and the
Oil seal is $46 just parts
the remaining of the $1900 they quoted me is Labor will labor cost so much.. ?

I went to the same stealership about 4 months to get my Trans flush and fill and since then this mess started not sure if they messed up something..while they messed.
I will keep posted on the quote from the independent mechanic..again thanks for all your feedback..
I am in the tristate area anyone knows any mechanic or recommend one I would be happy to go as I have not found since I moved from Texas 4 Years ago..

Sundar


Based on "Trumpet" recon.. I have asked for a quote with an Independent mechanic.

Based on how much trade in they are willing to give if its too low like 2K I would keep her and fix her myself on the side

 

[treekanay]

It comes down to how much you like the vehicle. I cracked the block on my Dodge Dakota but because I didn't like it, I traded it in on my 4Runner. If my 4Runner does the same thing, she will get fixed!

 

[Gavino18]

Let us know what the indi mechanic said. Last place I would go would be the stealership. Tires are easy to find deals on just look and be patient!

I think you can get away with spending far less than what you were quoted with either doing the work yourself or finding a trusted independent mechanic.

Good luck and let us know what happens:hungry:

 

[Ventil8]

Hello Folks: I have a 2004 V6 2WD, had been running great bought it new in 2003. Its about 200K now (199,545K ). I found some oil leak took it to dealer and below is what he said

1. Oil Pan Gasket Leaking
2. Rear Main oil Seal Leaking ($2000 just for Item 1 & 2)
3. Rear Brakes almost there
4. Steering column needs to be replaced ( since I had a mild shake when I hit 60-65 mph) - ~$1400
5. Tires need to replaced - ~1000

I also hear some squeaks near the serpentine belt on rainy days fixed the belts and pulleys still comes up on rainy days not sure what it might be i see some seepage near the power steering pump

Total expense I expect ~$5000 - $5500. The value of the car is about the same or less. My question is should I fix it or get another car for a trade in. This has been my car for 14 years never let me down ( just regular maintenance and brake & once replaced calipers)... just wanted your thoughts. Is it worth the fix .. or should I just trade in for a new one any thoughts..?

Regards
Sundar

I'm the original owner of my 4Runner and I get the same write up with every oil change/tire rotation at the dealership.

1. Timing cover leak( it has had a leak for the last 6 years?)
2. Rear XREAS shocks are leaking(I've looked them over myself and it does have a small leak) but the suspension still feels firm.
3. Gasket cover leak(another dealership fixed this, how could it leak again)?

I've got 145,000 miles and the 4Runner runs great! I've gotten ONE check engine code in the 12 YEARS that I've owned this vehicle. I've maintained this vehicle as best as i could. The last service that it had done was the driver/passenger CV boots.

I haven't had a car payment in 7 years. Would I spend $4-5000 to keep this 4Runner going? ABSOLUTELY! Look at it this way, would you rather spend $XXXX to keep your 4runner running or spend $35-44,000 on a NEW 4runner? Even a used 5th gen is going to be expensive. I wouldn't buy another 4gen, not that I don't like them, in fact, I LOVE them, but out with the old, in with the new! Whenever I see a brand new shiny TRD PRO on the road, I think, man, I can't wait to special order MINE! But, then I run the numbers and its like I fall in love with my 4Runner all over again

 

[RedRumt4r]

i just PMed you. if you are in Houston i can send you to some independent mechanics man. hit me up!

 

[suuny]

I got a quote from an Indpendent mechanic in Hartford CT area

1. Oil Pan Gasket - $245 (Labor & Parts)
2. Rear main oil seal - $1000 (Labor & Parts)
3. Power steering rack and pinion assembly & outer tie rods - $1400.00 (Labor, alignment & Parts)

He said he is using all toyota parts or I could get him parts.
He suggested he will fix the Oil Pan Gasket first & then steam clean everything underneath to watch and wait to see if the Rear main oil seal is really leaking, he suggested that I can easily do the Oil Pan Gasket fix myself, he feels he does not see any issues with the power steering rack and pinion and wants me to put on hold.

Any suggestions or DIY guides that shows how to do it for my year would be great I am pumped to do it (oil pan gasket) myself. I have some basic tool box set, also what tools sizes do I need and the amount of torque to tight. I could not find any youtube video.

I also found that fixing the Rear main oil seal, could sometimes be a issue http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/134385-rear-main-seal-leaking-advice.html

 

[duffdog]

Its a 2wd... I say just ditch it, they aren't worth any money anyways. People literally give away 2runners all the time around here because nobody wants them. A 4wd is a different story as they are very desirable and hold their value for years to come.

 

[Qlaloo]

Its a 2wd... I say just ditch it, they aren't worth any money anyways. People literally give away 2runners all the time around here because nobody wants them. A 4wd is a different story as they are very desirable and hold their value for years to come.

I would trade my 4wd 4R for a 2wd 4R in a heart beat.

 

[JeffMerr]

Its a 2wd... I say just ditch it, they aren't worth any money anyways. People literally give away 2runners all the time around here because nobody wants them. A 4wd is a different story as they are very desirable and hold their value for years to come.

Lol hardly the case. I sold my previous 2wd 4runner with 130k miles for 9k. Not everyone wheels, some people want a durable nice looking SUV to put around in.

 

[mayneattraction]

Lol hardly the case. I sold my previous 2wd 4runner with 130k miles for 9k. Not everyone wheels, some people want a durable nice looking SUV to put around in.

Correct and that was me about 9 months ago. Bought a 1 owner, 2006 4Runner, 2WD with 58,000 miles on it (4.7 V8 Sport Edition.)

I don't go off road and just wanted a good reliable SUV (built like a truck) and I love it. Rented a new 2017 Mustang last week on a business trip, fun to drive, but it sure felt good to get back in my 4 Runner when I got home.

 

[ray k]

Its a 2wd... I say just ditch it, they aren't worth any money anyways. People literally give away 2runners all the time around here because nobody wants them. A 4wd is a different story as they are very desirable and hold their value for years to come.

I think that was a hint saying just give it to him.

 

[duffdog]

Lol hardly the case. I sold my previous 2wd 4runner with 130k miles for 9k. Not everyone wheels, some people want a durable nice looking SUV to put around in.

I have never met these people... I guess if you willingly buy a 5000lb suv that gets 18mpg or less with no possibility of going offroad then you would also pay someone 9k for a 2runner.