2006 Limited V6 4x4 purchase

[HURRICANES]

Currently own a 99 Limited with 175,000 miles with elocker and have really enjoyed it. I am going to look at an 06 limited 4x4 6cyl tomorrow that has 136,000 miles on it. Dealer is asking $12.5. Its been a local vehicle since new so I don't have to worry about rust (southern vehicle). Carfax looks good. I plan to check with the local Toyota dealership to see if they can give me some maintenance history (timing belt, etc). Did most of the limited's come with the xreas suspension? If so, should I avoid it? I would assume the shocks leaking would be the only tell that something is wrong with the suspension? Any other known issue's with that year in general? Thanks for any input!

 

[Dylan]

I plan to check with the local Toyota dealership to see if they can give me some maintenance history (timing belt, etc). Did most of the limited's come with the xreas suspension? If so, should I avoid it? I would assume the shocks leaking would be the only tell that something is wrong with the suspension? Any other known issue's with that year in general? Thanks for any input!

Register the VIN on toyota.com and you can see the Toyota Dealership service history. It will only show Toyota shops, unless the previous owner kept their own records on the website.

As far as XREAS, many Limiteds that I saw when shopping had the feature. It's easiest to detect by looking in the rear wheel well at the top of the shock. If it has a hose coming out near the top of the shock then it has XREAS.

The V6 has a timing chain and is good for the life I believe. The V8s have the t-belt that needs replacing.

Good luck, and search the forums. There's other good info out there for prospective buyers.

 

[CookieRoe]

XREAS: It's a b***h. Rides/corner nice though. I had mine repaired when it started leaking. I love it, but it's a b***h b/c it's very expensive to repair. If you plan on any suspension mods, then don't worry about (b/c you'll more than likely rip it out). At 136,000, it's PROBABLY on it's way out. CHECK IT!! If the shock (any) is slightly wet, complain about it. Have them replace it or lower the price.

Calipers: Make sure none of them are frozen.

TransferCase: Make sure it goes into 4x4 ok and make sure 4Lo works too.

Check service history. Make sure heads (gasket) is ok. Since its an 06, you more than likely are fine (it is believed this is the year the gasket was redesigned).

Hope this helps. Good luck!

:yo:

 

[HURRICANES]

I also found an 04 v8 limited 4x4 with 116,000 for $12k. I added to toyota.com and its had timing belt, water pump, diff fluids and spark plugs changed at 95k miles. Also states that transfer case actuator o ring was replaced. I like the look of the 06' (black) better than the 04' (silver). The 04 has that rear spoiler that i can't stand...i guess it could be removed. I couldn't get any history on the 06... The 04 with the history seems better...what do you all think?

06 v6 with no history or 04 v8 with good service history?

 

[YotaDriver]

06 v6 with no history or 04 v8 with good service history?

I've got a black '06 Limited with the V6 myself so I'm admittedly biased, but I'd go with that one. Prior to purchase I'd request a compression test to make sure there's no leakage in any of the cylinders - especially #6. Mine's only got 122k on it right now but it's been completely reliable and has not required any repairs to date.

When I was shopping for mine I specifically looked for the V6 because I wanted to have the ability to run in 2-hi as opposed to full-time AWD like the V8. With hindsight, I probably would have gone with the V8 but I'm by no means unhappy with the V6. It's a strong engine and the minor advanage (1-3 mpg) in fuel efficiency over the V8 will add up over time.

In short, I'd have a thorough pre-purchase inspection done by a neutral mechanic who doesn't stand to profit off the sale. If it's got a clean bill of health I'd get the '06. I'd offer them $10,000 to start and see if they'll meet you in the middle, however.

 

[awdjunkies]

Not being biased BUT... If it was me, I'd go for the v8 with the history of receipts/service records... Why? because you also want to think about longevity(In terms of not having to wait till you hit a certain age/mileage to worry about the HG) and towing capacity.

Although every answer you will get will be somewhat biased towards their own. Even if both engines have their plus and minus... In the end, get whatever you think, you will be comfortable in every category, from MPGs, and power delivery, to payment if you are financing...

 

[HURRICANES]

I have the dealer (where its currently located / dodge dealership) checking to see if the 06 has the XREAS. The 04 that I am considering does. Drawback to the 04 is its located in FL so I would be buying sight unseen. I guess its not a deal breaker either way...but I definately don't want to sink a lot of $$ right after getting it. One thing I can do with the 06 is to have it checked at my local Toyota dealership. The cost for the pre-purchase inspection is $79.00. The service rep indicated they could easily tell if there were any head gasket problems, etc.. I had the service rep pull up the history and there was very little that Toyota had on file. I am going to check it out tomorrow to see how it looks.