2006 4Runner Trouble from day1 Buyer Beware

L

LisaMarie

New member
Someone mentioned I should post to this board.
So here it is.
This is my 1st time posting. I just purchased 2006 4Runner with 122K. Upgrading from my 1990.
I had the vehicle for about 50 miles when I noticed driving between 23-40
mph I get this shutter in front end. Took it back to Toyota dealer he told me to
get use to it. Just accelerate when it does it. I said not acceptable, fix it. He called back today and said they flushed transmission 2-3 times. Still the problem is there. He stated even if they put in new transmission couldn't
guarantee it would fix problem. He said problem between computer and torque converter.
I've read all the post about the "rumble strip" issues.
So today I get into car and I have check engine light, VSC lights, and vsc traction light. This is all within 24 hours of picking up from dealer.
I was driving yesterday in 4wd 30mph heard a loud clunking noise, it felt like I ran over a huge rock in road. It I can't even believe they told me to keep driving it. I'm kind of from the old school if there's a problem FIX IT..

I'm still within my 30 day period. At this point I don't even want the car.
The vehicle's spent more time at Dealer than in my driveway.
I think I got the shaft. Also being a women they think they can tell you any line of....
 
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As long as you're within their 30 day return policy, Return it and don't look back ..

:welcome: to T4R.ORG and I am glad you found yourway here, as there is a wealth of info about anything you wish to know about your 4runner, or your next one when you buy it :reddance:

PS: Very admirable for a lady to post and know what she is talking about and/or knows what she wants... :yo:

Good Luck !!!
 
They are taking advantage of you, especially because you are a women. They don't know that you know exactly what you're doing. Tell them to take it back and better luck with the next sucker!
 
Thanks for posting this.

I have a few questions- in your title you state, "Buyer Beware".

What is the buyer to be aware of...? Are you saying to avoid a certain dealer (?), are you saying avoid a 4Runner(?), are you saying avoid your 4Runner (?)...

I would read the link below about lemon laws as they apply to cars in New York and if it were me, I'd be at the dealership the moment they open tomorrow talking to the Service Manager or the Dealership Manager, at the very least.

Used Car Lemon Law Fact Sheet | Eric T. Schneiderman

Good luck.
 
What I'm stating is these cars have a problem. From what I understand the Tundra's have same issue. I would caution anyone who is considering purchasing this vehicle to really put it through it an extremely thorough test drive.In hindsight maybe my fault was vehicle wasn't up to operating temperature and I should of driven it at lower speeds more stop and go. I just contacted another Toyo dealer who stated radiator was replaced, they said "if they replaced the radiator at some point there is a possibilty that coolant got into the tranny which can cause shuddering".
Another thing I counted on was the Carfax. On the list of things reported it didn't state anything on the radiator being replaced. When I picked up my vehicle Friday on my repair order it listed vehicle functioning normal, and the service manager telling me problem was still there.
In hindsight I would not purchase this vehicle. Way too much aggravation.
 
LisaMarie said:
What I'm stating is these cars have a problem. From what I understand the Tundra's have same issue. I would caution anyone who is considering purchasing this vehicle to really put it through it an extremely thorough test drive...In hindsight I would not purchase this vehicle. Way too much aggravation.
Click to expand...

The particular vehicle YOU purchased is a lemon, but the 4Runner in general is extremely reliable if properly cared for. The onus was on you to make sure you did your due diligence before purchasing the vehicle, but you're not going to win any friends coming in here and claiming to be wary of 4Runners in general.

Troy McClure? I may remember you from such films as "Teen Drivers: Blood on the Highway"...
 
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Haha yes I think you can tell, we all love 4Runners. Don't hate. Is this one bad? Sure. The 4Runner itself? No. That has been proven time and time again, ask any of us.
 
LisaMarie said:
What I'm stating is these cars have a problem. From what I understand the Tundra's have same issue. I would caution anyone who is considering purchasing this vehicle to really put it through it an extremely thorough test drive.In hindsight maybe my fault was vehicle wasn't up to operating temperature and I should of driven it at lower speeds more stop and go. I just contacted another Toyo dealer who stated radiator was replaced, they said "if they replaced the radiator at some point there is a possibilty that coolant got into the tranny which can cause shuddering".
Another thing I counted on was the Carfax. On the list of things reported it didn't state anything on the radiator being replaced. When I picked up my vehicle Friday on my repair order it listed vehicle functioning normal, and the service manager telling me problem was still there.
In hindsight I would not purchase this vehicle. Way too much aggravation.
Click to expand...


I don't think that your experience with this one lemon is indicative of all 4runners on the market. Did you make an account on here just to complain about it or do you want our advice on how to handle the situation? Are you trying to dissuade a bunch of 4runner nuts from buying 4runners? By writing off 4runners, you're dismissing one of the most reliable trucks on the market. I'm sure that many can attest to that. Though, I'm sure you're an ASE certified mechanic who has worked on hundreds of 4runners and seen this hundreds of times.

Your purchasing THIS specific vehicle could have been a bad move, but generalizing it to all 4runners is also a mistake... Yes, these cars do have problems. The pre 06 v6's have headgasket issues and the v8's have exhaust manifold leaks. Find me a car that doesn't have some systemic production issue. You just need to know what to look for.

Also, never trust carfax.
 
I hate it when the dealer takes advantage of someone. However, if this 4runner had the symptoms right off the bat then it probably did it on a test drive. You did test drive it, right? These 4runners can be a little quirky to some people. What was your previous vehicle? Has this 4runner been wrecked before? I hate to tell you but, coming to a 4runner forum and sceaming to avoid 4runners after you bought a used 2006 with 122k isn't really going to stand for anything. Any vehicle with that much mileage could have just as much or more issues. Again, I'm sorry you are having issues with your new to you 4runner but I think the real issue is a dealer that doesn't want to pay for a proper fix.
 
If they won't fix it now, they sure won't after your 30 days. Return car now!

I imagine they knew before they even sold the truck that it was too costly to fix and still make money on it. At least you bought somewhere you can return it. I bought my 2006 with ~100k on it from a private seller and have never had a problem. But if I did, it would be my problem.
 
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I had a 1990 Toyota 4Runner that I just sold this year(that yes, I was still driving). I also drive a Mercedes. Both cars were and still are extremely reliable. That is exactly why I decided to purchase and upgrade to a 4Runner. I was counting on reliability and the fact I was purchasing this from a Toyota dealer who serviced it .My Mom has an 05 that's been excellent for her with no problems.

I only get the shudder vibration after the car had been driven for 1/2 hour. Not while cold. I test drove this car for less than that.
I'm not here to bash the 4runners and say they are all bad. I just don't understand what happened with this one.
 
so you have trouble lights on, & the dealer flushed the trans & admitted to there being a problem with the computer &/ or TC but cant or wont fix it? either insist that they fix or replace the trans, or please, return it fast while you can!
 
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I am kind of shocked that a dealer would sell a car with 122K. Most avoid them just for reasons like yours (and the hassle of dealing with people that shop for high mileage cars like that). I can't help but wonder why you didn't notice the issue on your test drive. With 122k you can't expect perfection. It does after all have 122k. If I were to buy a high mileage vehicle, I would be sure to do a detailed check before buying it. I don't think this has anything to do with you being a woman, probably more that you didn't do your homework.
 
Sungod said:
I am kind of shocked that a dealer would sell a car with 122K. Most avoid them just for reasons like yours (and the hassle of dealing with people that shop for high mileage cars like that). I can't help but wonder why you didn't notice the issue on your test drive. With 122k you can't expect perfection. It does after all have 122k. If I were to buy a high mileage vehicle, I would be sure to do a detailed check before buying it. I don't think this has anything to do with you being a woman, probably more that you didn't do your homework.
Click to expand...

You know I checked CARFAX it was maintained at dealer. I'm not expecting perfection. I assumed in time I'd have to replace alternator, water pump,shocks, etc.
I checked the fluids looked under it. It had good pick-up. I even backed up and drove it in reverse down a back road.. It went down road straight and brakes felt great. The vehicle had great pick up. No play in steering. It seemed ok with me. I did more highway driving at higher speeds. Like I said the vehicle needs to warm up at minimally 1/2 hour. You can bypass this shutter feeling if you accelerate during 23-40 mph. The dealer told me that's exactly what I should do. He also stated it's normal for this year vehicle to have this vibration/shudder.
So I guess my bigger question is do 2006 4Runners have this issue?
 
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