4th gen buying advise please

[hiimh8m3]

Hey guys, I'm going to look at a 4th gen 4runner, 2004 sr5. Listed at 8900, 149k miles, ad states no engine signs, runs like a beast, reliable, and ac/heat works. i asked about frame, and they said there is some rest as the car is 15+ years old, so idk if that means its just surface or if its rotted, so I will be on the lookout. My question is, what should I look for and is 8900 a decent price? I attached phots

 

[hiimh8m3]

I just took the car for a test drive. Few concerns if you guys can give me some advice id appreciate it!

Under radiator support, cross member, whatever it is that's metal was rusted gone essentially. Rest of frame looked REALLY GOOD. AAlso while driving vsc off and trac off was also illuminated in the dash, but no other lights.

They want 8900, other than those issues everything else was good and it drove and shifted well.

Do I even bother putting in an offer or should I stay away? Please help! This would be my first 4runner!

 

[hiimh8m3]

Could you guys take a look at this link and see if there is anything I should be really concerned about?

Log into Facebook

lol how you just gonna hijack my thread? get 10 posts in welcoming people then make your own post bud

 

[Barefoot]

I just took the car for a test drive. Few concerns if you guys can give me some advice id appreciate it!

Under radiator support, cross member, whatever it is that's metal was rusted gone essentially. Rest of frame looked REALLY GOOD. AAlso while driving vsc off and trac off was also illuminated in the dash, but no other lights.

They want 8900, other than those issues everything else was good and it drove and shifted well.

Do I even bother putting in an offer or should I stay away? Please help! This would be my first 4runner!

I'd keep looking

 

[AuSeeker]

I just took the car for a test drive. Few concerns if you guys can give me some advice id appreciate it!

Under radiator support, cross member, whatever it is that's metal was rusted gone essentially. Rest of frame looked REALLY GOOD. AAlso while driving vsc off and trac off was also illuminated in the dash, but no other lights.

They want 8900, other than those issues everything else was good and it drove and shifted well.

Do I even bother putting in an offer or should I stay away? Please help! This would be my first 4runner!

I'd also keep looking, that radiator support is a sure sign that there's a lot more bad rust you're not seeing, these frames many times are rusting from the inside out and I'm sure that frame is doing the same.

 

[hiimh8m3]

I'd also keep looking, that radiator support is a sure sign that there's a lot more bad rust you're not seeing, these frames many times are rusting from the inside out and I'm sure that frame is doing the same.

It was the radiator support and the cross member. I'm definitely moving on

I'd keep looking

I looked into the frame rust repairs and definitely staying away.

 

[AuSeeker]

It was the radiator support and the cross member. I'm definitely moving on


I looked into the frame rust repairs and definitely staying away.

When you're looking at other 4th gen T4Rs for frame rust, that radiator support is usually one of the first things to start rusting to check on, another area to check out is the top of the frame behind the front passenger's tire next to the firewall, there's an AC condensation drain tube that drips down on the frame and many times especially with vehicles from the "rust/snow belt" areas the top of the frame there can be badly rusted.

 

[hiimh8m3]

When you're looking at other 4th gen T4Rs for frame rust, that radiator support is usually one of the first things to start rusting to check on, another area to check out is the top of the frame behind the front passenger's tire next to the firewall, there's an AC condensation drain tube that drips down on the frame and many times especially with vehicles from the "rust/snow belt" areas the top of the frame there can be badly rusted.

thats good to know as well! in my area, im seeing 04's for like $9k with 150-170k. I feel like thats a bit pricey, but I just found an 07 for $9700, with 157k. If i'm able to get it down to $9k, and the frame is good, I think I might jump on it

 

[AuSeeker]

thats good to know as well! in my area, im seeing 04's for like $9k with 150-170k. I feel like thats a bit pricey, but I just found an 07 for $9700, with 157k. If i'm able to get it down to $9k, and the frame is good, I think I might jump on it

When looking take a small hammer with you, it rather easy to get under most 4th gens without having to jack them up, tap on the frame in as many places as you can, if any areas don't sound solid but look solid it's most likely rusting from the inside out!

 

[meltdowner]

Get under it and look at the frame. Surface rust is ok, but look for large flaking rust spots.

 

[Luv4R]

As others may have noted, surface rust on the frame is going to happen, its bulging, flaking rust you want to be concerned of.

I would also be asking the selletr for any maint records, and when the Serpentine belt was changed and the ATF and Diff oils.

 

[huskylover]

i just bought a low mileage 61 k 2005 4runner.
from what i can see from carfax and dealer, they have just changed the oil regularly.
Do I need to change the engine coolant, transmission fluid and spark plugs as the truck is 15 years old now?
Do I need to change all these now for preventive maintainence?
Any advice for a newbie?
Thanks in advance.

 

[jguzon]

Hi there, I have a similar question and thought that it might help others as well compare the rust severity. Can you guys share your thoughts on the severity of the following pictures? I'm driving 4 hours to check it out and wanted input from people who have more experience with this rust thing.

 

[hiimh8m3]

Sooooo I've moved on to another one. However this one doesn't have much rust but it did have some sludge out something on the cross member. I attached a photo. What do you guys think? Is this normal to catch road oils here? I attached a photo below

 

[hiimh8m3]