4th gen buying $$$ advice needed

T

therm

New member
Hi guys,

Long time lurker looking to move from 3rd to 4th gen... My budget ( around $13k ) kinda dictates an 03-05 4th gen. I don't really need 4wd and I'm tall so sunroof isn't a dealbreaker. Going to be buying in the next month or so ... probably from private party that has good maintenance records.

Here are a few local i have found

looking at this one tomorrow, 2nd owner, 119k. has most maintenance records ( need to check on timing belt )

03' Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition

and this one is close too

2005 Toyota 4Runner Limited

as well as this one

2005 Toyota 4 runner sport ed.


any advice/ opinions greatly appreciated. i'd like to have this 4r for at least 5 years.

thanks,

therm
 
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The 2nd 2 look really nice. It's always nice to have lower mileage, but that's no substitute for good maintenance. The limited has the records so I'd look over those.

The leather, sound system, and V8 are all nice to have!

Best advice is to compare the 3, see which has been maintained better, and go with your gut. You already have one so you know these things will last forever if taken care of properly.

We'd had our '05 4x4 V8 for about a year now, paid $15,100, had around 56k when we got it, and we've loved having it!!
 
Just make sure you get an independent inspection done before buying the car from a private party. You really have no recourse if something isn't right after taking it home. Also, understand that the V6's have no timing belt - they have a chain that's usually good for the life of the vehicle. V8's have the timing belt that is supposed to be changed every 90k miles. The service for that runs $500-$1200 depending on what else they do while they've got everything apart and what part of the country you live in. You might call around and see how much it will be where you live. Just something else you need to add to the cost of buying a V8 if it hasn't been done yet.
 
thanks for replies,

i looked at the 03 and its a bit rough around the edges, probably worth paying more $$ for less miles. i did love the v8 engine but havent tried driving a v6 4r yet.

and the hunt continues
 
2005 has the better V8- variable valve timing and more HP.
2006+ has the newer fenders, projector headlights and LED tails. You can upgrade the lights down the road if you get a '03-'05.

If you're not going to offroad, drive in snow, or tow anything, a 2wd V6 would do fine and get better MPG. Then again, why not go highlander if those are your requirements? It's more car like and rides nicer. The 4runner is a body on frame "truck" suitable for off-roading and towing.
 
zimm, thanks for feedback.

i plan on doing a bit of fire roads/ dirt roads just nothing crazy. i love my 99 4runner i just want to update a bit


does the 05+ 4runner v8 engine still need the timing belt change?
 
Yes the 05+ V8 needs the belt changed as well. Definately drive a v6 before you buy one. It was faster than I expected.

That 2005 sport looks pretty good.

Just an FYI -

I'm in So Cal as well and I bought an 04 SR5 2wd V6 with 70K miles for $13K last month. It was really clean with all service records. You should be able to find what you want with a little patience.

Also if you didnt know, the 03 and 04 V6 have the 4 speed auto trans, V8s have the 5 speed. 05 and up have the 5 speed trans with both engines. I would have liked the 5 speed v6 in a perfect world.
 
Last edited:
therm said:
zimm, thanks for feedback.

i plan on doing a bit of fire roads/ dirt roads just nothing crazy. i love my 99 4runner i just want to update a bit


does the 05+ 4runner v8 engine still need the timing belt change?
Click to expand...

Yes and spark plugs every 30k.
 
yes i'm hopefully looking at the 05 sport this weekend... the 05 limited hasnt done the timing belt change so that scares me as to what other maintenance hasnt been done.

i think the v6 will be enough engine for my needs.

i'm not too patient a person but i want to get this purchase right!!
 
ClockWork said:
No, the V8 spark plugs are rated for 120k, bud.

Get the V8.
Click to expand...

You're right, it's the V6 that needs them at 30,000.

Maint guide for 30,000 miles

Lubricate propeller shaft (4WD)
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt
Replace cabin air filter
Replace engine air filter
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Replace spark plugs
5
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs

Note 5 for spark plugs says: 5, 1GR-FE engine. Maintenance services of spark plugs are required under the terms of the Emissions Control Warranty.
 
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