4th gen purchase

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Dezerts10

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I blew up my daily driver ford explorer Saturday and have a 3rd gen 4runner beater / back up vehicle but need to get a decent new daily driver both myself and my wife can drive occasionally when needed.

Been looking at 04+ v6 4x4 automatic stuff on autotrader. Is there anything to specifically look out for? I put a couple of VIN numbers in the Toyota service data base and one has 104K miles but no service popped up besides a recent recall fix it looked like.

I am leaning 4th gen at the moment because of Toyota reliability. I realistically need something that will last atleast 5 years and have seen a few reference that a 4th gen should easily get close to 300K miles

thanks,
 
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The v6 is a great engine, I love mine! However, do your research on the head gasket failure. I believe they fixed it in 12/05. Also check the frame for rust
 
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I have an 07 sport. Love it. Amazing handling off-road and very comfortable on highway.

Two pieces of advice:

1 - beware of rust. I bought mine online from a dealership in Ohio, which told me there was barely any rust on the vehicle and sent me images that I believe were from a different 4Runner. I nearly sued them after seeing the truck. So, unless you can visually inspect the vehicle yourself, recommend purchasing from a desert state.

2 - The XREAS isn't worth it in my opinion. It's a cool concept, but it's unlikely you'll find a used sport with a fully functional stock suspension, and XREAS replacement is over $3000, so best to just replace with an aftermarket suspension anyway.
 
make sure the transfer case actuator works properly for 4 hi/lo, center diff lock. big expense to replace it
 
Anything specifically to steer clear of? Is there a year that has more known issues? Read about 03-04 head gasket issues. Only think I’ve been thinking about if I go this direction is Id rather have the V6 not a V8.


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Dezerts10 said:
Anything specifically to steer clear of? Is there a year that has more known issues? Read about 03-04 head gasket issues. Only think I’ve been thinking about if I go this direction is Id rather have the V6 not a V8.


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The head gasket issue on the V6 was on the 03, 04, 05, and early 06 year models, Toyota changed the design of the head gasket on build date 12/05 and onwards, so I would look for an 06 model with a build date of 01/06 or any year or build date later than that....or.... any early year models...IF... you can positively confrm that the head gaskets have been done and the vehicle runs as it should!!
 
AuSeeker said:
The head gasket issue on the V6 was on the 03, 04, 05, and early 06 year models, Toyota changed the design of the head gasket on build date 12/05 and onwards, so I would look for an 06 model with a build date of 01/06 or any year or build date later than that....or.... any early year models...IF... you can positively confrm that the head gaskets have been done and the vehicle runs as it should!!
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How do you positively verify a head gasket has been done on one of these trucks? I found an 05 locally with 140k miles owned by a single mother that is a really decent price I’m interested in.

What does a head gasket job run? What are the symptoms of a head gasket issue?

Sorry I’m sure there are threads on this but searching in the phone while watching my 2 year old is not that easy

Thanks


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Dezerts10 said:
How do you positively verify a head gasket has been done on one of these trucks? I found an 05 locally with 140k miles owned by a single mother that is a really decent price I’m interested in.

What does a head gasket job run? What are the symptoms of a head gasket issue?

Sorry I’m sure there are threads on this but searching in the phone while watching my 2 year old is not that easy

Thanks


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Click to expand...

Documentation connected to the vehicle/VIN number, e.g. receipts, Toyota service records etc.
 
If you can, get a V8 4runner. there is only a small 1-2 mpg real world gas mileage difference. The horsepower and TORQUE gain is worth it. It's the only generation to offer the V8. Timing belt can be done for around $600 every 100K miles, so it's hardly a consideration. The V6s have issues of their own including gasket issues (even beyond the 2005 year, just not as common), and their 2wd/4wd capability has the automatic disconnecting differential failure issues.

Even 5th gen owners wish they had the V8 option.

V8 all day!
 
AuSeeker said:
Documentation connected to the vehicle/VIN number, e.g. receipts, Toyota service records etc.
Click to expand...



Looked at an 05 v6 and got the vin and not much in the Toyota owners website as far as documentation.

Also, smelled a little coolant at the front passenger side.




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Have had the 4 liter V6 and now own the V8. As has been stated, the small penalty in MPG is offset by the power and fun factor. Get a V8 Limited and enjoy yourself.
 
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