4th gen purchase

[Berty_K]

The V8 certainly has its merits, but the V6 was fine for my day to day. Also, the timing chain was a big factor for me.

https://youtu.be/8tWF4QCR8U4

 

[Dezerts10]

Odometer fraud? Is that a thing??

I dunno, but I had my buddy who is a used car sales ma run the VIN number and this is what it showed on CARFAX

 

[Dezerts10]

I dunno, but I had my buddy who is a used car sales ma run the VIN number and this is what it showed on CARFAX

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[Dezerts10]

Can someone help me understand this v8 awd / 4wd thing.

I’m only used to my 3rd gen where you are normally 2wd unless you shift into 4hi or 4 low.

Do the v8 4runners have power to all 4 wheels all the time?


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[ScooterMD]

Can someone help me understand this v8 awd / 4wd thing.


Do the v8 4runners have power to all 4 wheels all the time?

That's my understanding.

 

[ScooterMD]

I dunno, but I had my buddy who is a used car sales ma run the VIN number and this is what it showed on CARFAX

That's F'd up. I always check a carfax on vehicles I am considering purchasing but never thought to double check that the mileage adds up.

 

[4RunnerIdiot]

OD fraud happens all the time. Like... way more than you think. Especially on older vehicles that hold their value well, like 4th gen 4runners.

 

[Berty_K]

Can someone help me understand this v8 awd / 4wd thing.

I’m only used to my 3rd gen where you are normally 2wd unless you shift into 4hi or 4 low.

Do the v8 4runners have power to all 4 wheels all the time?


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V8 is fulltime 4wd (4hi) with an open diff when you're driving on the road.

You can shift shift into 4lo for more torque.

You can lock the center diff for better traction when you're offroad.

 

[toytrukn78]

Excellent article, thanks for the post.

 

[Dezerts10]

Anyone know what this means?


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[NTX4runner]

2004 Limited V8

Just purchased a 2004 Limited 4wd V8. I will be slowly restoring this vehicle for some off road fun and camping.

From the Carfax I received it has had dealer maintenance most of it's life. It's spent all of it life in the Southwest US so not rust that I have found yet,

 

[woodman60]

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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Only service records will conclusively show the head gasket was done.

You'll see a wide range of prices for the head gasket job around here. I got an estimate from the dealer of around $5K. That included water pump, radiator, belt, hoses, thermostat, and a valve job if needed on the heads. Without the additional, probably $3500 or so, but may as well plan for the worst.

They quote 20 hours of labor.

 

[Dezerts10]

Just purchased a 2004 Limited 4wd V8. I will be slowly restoring this vehicle for some off road fun and camping.

From the Carfax I received it has had dealer maintenance most of it's life. It's spent all of it life in the Southwest US so not rust that I have found yet,

how many miles and how much was it?

Ive found an 07 limited with 150K but they want close to $15K with a lot of Carfax documented work from Toyota. Not sure if I can bite though.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

I don't see a lot of 2003 4Runners with head gasket failures. The years I do see the most failures are the 04 and some 05. (even 06 if the production date was in late 05)

I have over 218K on my 03 V6 and its still going strong.
Just remember that not all early 4th gen V6 4Runners have bad head gaskets. Always test drive the vehicle when the engine is cold to see if you get that engine shutter at start up. Also, if the price of the 4Runner is too good to be true, then something could be wrong with it.
You may even want to take it to a mechanic so he can check it for you to be sure.

Good luck.

 

[NTX4runner]

Swapped out the dome lights with LEDs.


Before

After

 

[blackjackck]

If you buy a decent 4th Gen from a Toyota dealership you can then buy a Platinum Plan from any toyota dealership in the country and negotiate a low price on that plan. Then you can beat the shit out of it and get the dealership to replace and repair all the big ticket item including XREAS, T-case actuator, etc.

 

[cognus]

07 a very clean year if you can find one that has not been neglected.
Here USA/Southwest, 08's are rare, and there is some sort of issue with 08 i cannot remember at the moment. some small thing changed. But fewer were built/sold. Late 06 probably just as solid.

I prefer, and bought, one that had never had a trailer hitch on it, and the roof paint was in good shape. to me, both are indicators. then the more obvious things - records, mechanic checkover. I bought mine with 130K, now over 180k, feels and drives like new

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.

 

[smokeyyank]

Good info, I'm looking for a 4runner and this helped a bunch.