2006 4Runner Trouble from day1 Buyer Beware

[WillK]

If they're saying the radiator failed allowing water into the transmission through the transmission lines then I guess that's possible. Generally you would find that transmission fluid would find it's way into the water, then through the engine- not a good thing at all.

But that is not a common problem on any 4th Gen (2003-2009) 4 Runner. It's more common in the Gen 3's (1995-2002).

As I said before, I would be talking to the Dealer Manager and telling him how you're getting screwed. I'm not sure what recourse you have through Lemon Law at this point, so you might have to plead your case to the dealer.

And don't listen to people here. Carfax is important, although not accurate. A lot of times, Carfax has a guarantee. I'm not sure of all of the rules/guidelines, but below is the link. It might be worth looking into. But again, I'd be at the dealer telling them its unsafe to drive it in that condition.

The CARFAX® Buyback Guarantee®

 

[zimdba]

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?

I don't know why you're wasting your time on this board. Return it ASAP and find another one that doesn't have these problems from a dealer that doesn't suck.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

I don't know why you're wasting your time on this board. Return it ASAP and find another one that doesn't have these problems from a dealer that doesn't suck.

I agree 100%. The dealer is obviously trying to pull something over on you. Return the car ASAP and find another dealer with some morals (I'm sure they exist).

 

[CXS]

This is the same one you mentioned previously?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/new-members/157150-purchasing-2006-4runner-rumble-issue.html

You should have returned it then...

 

[YotaDriver]

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...The dealer told me...So I guess my bigger question is do 2006 4Runners have this issue?

I've got a 2006 4Runner with the V6 and I've got almost 123,000 miles on it right now. I'm the second owner and I haven't had to replace any of the items you mentioned in your post. Just today I put a new battery in it, but that was replacing the factory original Panasonic.

I do brakes, tires, I've got new shocks and springs waiting to be installed, and I keep up with all my fluid changes, spark plugs, keeping zerks greased, etc. and mine has been near flawless.

I have no shudders at any speed, and if I DID I'd have it addressed; I wouldn't sell it and let it be someone else's problem (unless I disclosed it up front).

Anyway, what I'm saying is that the dealer you're working with does not sound trustworthy. There isn't a snowball's chance in hell you should accept a severe sounding mechanical deficiency as something you just need to accelerate through. I'd take the car back, get my money back, and would lambaste these a-holes via social media until the end of time.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Since you say that it takes some time for the issue to pop up, maybe the trans fluid is not at the correct level. ATF expands as it is heated so there is a special method for checking the level on these 4runners. Is there any way to get a contact number for the previous owner?

 

[noshortcuts]

....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?

NO! they don't have this issue. Something is wrong. Don't be attached when the truck has a significant problem with no clear fix and especially when the dealer is whack and you have a way out. You'll be better off finding another 4runner.

 

[Doozi]

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?

No issues with mine. I'd just take this particular 4Runner back to that dealer and find another one at a better dealer.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

[MENTION=102633]LisaMarie[/MENTION]

They are trying to take advantage of you, they know they screwed up and they want to try and delay you on returning the vehicle until you no longer can. This is typical of dealerships and lots now because in their twisted little brains they think they can "get away with selling a crap vehicle."

I'm sorry the 4Runner you purchased is such a problem child, some people just don't take care of their vehicles and then dump them as trade-ins and then the dealer tries to push it off on another unsuspecting customer as a result. But I would urge you NOT to condemn ALL 4th Gen 4Runners because of one bad example. To do so is just a effort in poor logic and scientific method, it'd be like me saying; "this milk is bad, I will never buy milk again."

You need to take that vehicle back to them and find another dealer to buy from because this one has already shown they are not interested in working with you as a customer.
[MENTION=49]Sungod[/MENTION]

This is common practice now, because of the recession MANY people buy more used cars than New Ones; particularly the sub-10k range so many dealerships are grabbing up high mileage cars to turn around and sell. Our dealership has been doing this for years and it has been a constant battle for technicians to get them done right. Our sales department is sleazy and crooked and many times this is the type of "product" our sales people sell because they won't authorize repairs on obviously damaged vehicles and then when the customer brings it back and complains they blame us as if we were the ones that not only bought the used car, but put it on the front line without every fixing a damn thing.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

[MENTION=102633]se of the recession MANY people buy more used cars than New Ones; particularly the sub-10k range so many dealerships are grabbing up high mileage cars to turn around and sell. Our dealership has been doing this for years and it has been a constant battle for technicians to get them done right. Our sales department is sleazy and crooked and many times this is the type of "product" our sales people sell because they won't authorize repairs on obviously damaged vehicles and then when the customer brings it back and complains they blame us as if we were the ones that not only bought the used car, but put it on the front line without every fixing a damn thing.

This is scary...and maddening!

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Run. Run as far away as fast as you can. It sounds like it was in an accident & not properly repaired. Also go to the media (Local news, etc) with your story and spread trash about that dealer. Bad publicity= less business and that's the last thing they want. Tell them refund or take them to court. 100% unacceptable.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

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.

I have a 2003 and it drives straight as an arrow & doesn't shake/ shudder 1 bit. I think you're pissed because you failed to completely inspect it. Never, ever take Carfaxs word. They can only report what was reported to them, and 95% of the time it isn't. Don't go bashing the 4Runner because you got screwed.

 

[LisaMarie]

[MENTION=102633]LisaMarie[/MENTION]

They are trying to take advantage of you, they know they screwed up and they want to try and delay you on returning the vehicle until you no longer can. This is typical of dealerships and lots now because in their twisted little brains they think they can "get away with selling a crap vehicle."

I'm sorry the 4Runner you purchased is such a problem child, some people just don't take care of their vehicles and then dump them as trade-ins and then the dealer tries to push it off on another unsuspecting customer as a result. But I would urge you NOT to condemn ALL 4th Gen 4Runners because of one bad example. To do so is just a effort in poor logic and scientific method, it'd be like me saying; "this milk is bad, I will never buy milk again."

You need to take that vehicle back to them and find another dealer to buy from because this one has already shown they are not interested in working with you as a customer.
[MENTION=49]Sungod[/MENTION]

This is common practice now, because of the recession MANY people buy more used cars than New Ones; particularly the sub-10k range so many dealerships are grabbing up high mileage cars to turn around and sell. Our dealership has been doing this for years and it has been a constant battle for technicians to get them done right. Our sales department is sleazy and crooked and many times this is the type of "product" our sales people sell because they won't authorize repairs on obviously damaged vehicles and then when the customer brings it back and complains they blame us as if we were the ones that not only bought the used car, but put it on the front line without every fixing a damn thing.

I Thank everyone so much for the insight into this vehicle. I now know the car isn't suppose to shudder. I was so upset when the service manager called me to pick up vehicle and stated problem was still there. When I went to pick up vehicle I didn't bother to look at my receipt right away. When I did, it said problem fixed, shifts normally. Wow what liars.
So I drafted them a letter yesterday sent certified mail and stated the discrepancy in the paper work. and told them I would appreciate the record for my vehicle being stated in a truthful manner. If this problem isn’t correctly stated on my pick up slip, it leads me to believe other problems haven’t been disclosed or stated accurately. I also stated I just wanted a car to drive, not all of these problems. I can’t accept a vehicle that will not pass NYS inspection, let alone a vehicle that is not operating satisfactorily. This is inexcusable for a supposedly reputable dealer. This vehicle is not up to mine or your standards.

Again, I would like to thank all 4Runner people who came to my assistance.
I do believe if this problem was resolved before I purchased car it would of been a great vehicle.

Anyway I just called the tow company and their on the way. Wish me luck!
Happy Motoring!

 

[awdjunkies]

Good Luck, Happy Motoring, and hopefully it gets resolved before the 30 days is up.. Meaning, they don't sit on the car while at the dealership, to run up the clock, so to speak...

 

[ASUMTNEER]

good luck and please keep us updated.

 

[Calimander]

My 05 v6 sr5 has had the shudder for over 1 year now. I tried the tranny fluid changeout at the dealer to no avail. What I can say is that it hasn't gotten any worse in over 20k miles. You do get to the point of hardly noticing it. But unless you got a screaming deal on it I would take it back for sure.

 

[LisaMarie]

good luck and please keep us updated.

Ok dealer called and left message on answering machine. Said the check engine light, vsc, and stability control lights were caused by faulty gas cap, and there was a service bulletin about it. Didn't mention anything about the shuddering in car.
Any idea on how to respond to this?

 

[YotaDriver]

Ok dealer called and left message on answering machine. Said the check engine light, vsc, and stability control lights were caused by faulty gas cap, and there was a service bulletin about it. Didn't mention anything about the shuddering in car.
Any idea on how to respond to this?

Yeah, ask them when you can get your money back. Don't let them play games with you on this; they sold you a mechanically unsound vehicle. Or, tell them to knock $3,000 off the purchase price and provide you with a bumper-to-bumper warranty for 3/36,000 minimum.

They won't go for it, so maybe put a call in to a lawyer, too. Having an attorney contact them - even if it's just having them write a letter on your behalf - will let them know you're serious.

 

[Kmvreter]

...
Any idea on how to respond to this?

I agree with all the other posts about turning it in and getting your money back. You seem reluctant to do this. Why?
This dealer isn't taking you serious so cut ties with them.

 

[LisaMarie]

Dealer just called. They are replacing torque converter and transmission with a used one that has under 100K miles.
They are giving me a 6 month warranty with this. They've changed their
attitude and told me they want to make it right and make me happy.
So maybe my letter addressed to owner of Dealership did some good.
They should of done this from the very beginning. Under the lemon Law it's 3 strikes and your out. I think it's a fair deal.