4th Gen Buying Info

[jzeyer]

I'm new to the 4X4 world and I am looking to buy my first. It will most likely be a 2003 - 2005 4Runner. I've seen several articles and reviews on the web stating owners are getting 200K - 300K miles out of them with basic maintenance. Sounds great to me since I don't like working on cars!

I was just wondering if anyone here has purchased a used 4Runner from this year range and what your experience has been. I'm also looking for any ideas on what to check when looking at a used 4Runner - beyond the obvious (engine/trans leaks, etc.). how does one test the transfer case, 4-wheel drive options, etc.?

Most of the listings I have found have had about 150-160K miles on them. Are there any major concerns with this amount of miles on a 4Runner?

Any advise you can give would be greatly appreciated. I plan on starting my hunt around March or April of next year.

 

[NuclearN8]

let me help. Read this entire sticky then if you still have specific questions, ask them.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

how to operate the 4X4 should be on the visor but if not... 4x4 high is on the fly up to 50 mph... 4x4 lo you need to be in neutral with foot on brake before rotating switch. same to go back to 4hi...
Don't forget to test the diff lock (drive straight when engaged if on pavement)

If I was looking at 2003-2005 I'd go with a v8, header cracks seems to be less prevalant than blown HG issues in the V6 but in the big picture both are rare for total units sold.

Good luck with your search. You'll be happy with a used 4th Gen.

 

[jzeyer]

Many thanks!!

Thank you very much for this link. What a fantastic amount of info!! I'll have to look in to how to change the timing belt. This seems to be a common issue with the V8s. I haven't found a link though that says how often this should be replaced. I definitely want to find a T4R with service records available. I've found some with CARFAX info. But, I'm not sure how inclusive that would be. Thanks again, I have some more reading to do.

 

[m85476585]

Carfax really only has things like sales, accidents, and mandatory inspections. It might not even be complete with that info.

If it was serviced at a Toyota dealer, you can get the service records on the toyota owners website. Just put in the VIN and register it as yours. I think it works even if you don't own it yet, but don't tell anyone! When I bought mine from a 3rd party, I called the dealer and they told me they couldn't give me the records since it wasn't mine.

I think standard practice is to put a sticker somewhere after the timing belt service. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/54954-lets-talk-timing-belt.html

These trucks seem to need more work than smaller, simpler cars. They are more complicated, so there's more stuff to break. I wish I could get a 4runner with manual everything.

 

[Hapeacres]

I purchased an 04 V8 with 147K almost two years ago for 7500 off a used car lot. The runner had only one owner from Boston, never been used for towing, never was used for 4 wheeling, and had incredible service history records from Toyota dealer. The only thing that was never done was the timing belt which I used to get the price down from the used car dealer. Since then I replaced the original exhaust with Gibson cat back, replaced the rusted power steering and transmission cooler lines and swapped the shocks with Bilsteins. Runner now has 172,000 miles and runs very strong. Rust is biggest problem in northeast. I tow my boat and 14 foot trailer with two ATV's no problem- like nothing behind me! just do your research, test drive and negotiate!

 

[jzeyer]

Follow Up

Just wanted to post a follow up and - again - thank you kind folks for the pre-purchase info. I ended up buying an '07 SR5. It was on the higher side in mileage with 145K. But, it was one owner and serviced by Toyota every 4K miles or so and all the records were up to date. After driving it for these few weeks, I can't see myself driving anything else! Now, I'm looking at a list of mods. I think I'm going to start with the LED lighting upgrade ....