A Few 4th Gen Questions...

[Roadtripr]

i think of about 5 errors in engineering on my 4runner alone that are $$$$ to repair, and dealer specific. They are issues that are talked about daily on this forum. [/QUOTE]

Care to clarify, I would like to know what common issues 4th gens have as I am looking at one

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

some of the issues that I (and others on here) have dealt (on the v8 model) with are

(1) front calipers seizing constantly
(2) xreas leaking, and basically this calls for a complete overhaul ($3000+ repair)
(3) exhaust manifold leak, dealer part only, no aftermarket ($2000)
(4) undercarriage rots like it was under water for yrs
(5) 4lo doesn't engage (requires another $$$$ repair)

Still love it though

 

[Roadtripr]

Thanks. I appreciate the honesty. I'm leaning towards the v6.
Yikes brakes are major issue.
I live in warm climate so I hope rust will be minor
4lo is another major. Not what u want when it's needed.
Thanks again

How is the V6 engine in reliability?

 

[Bigmikelakers]

I guess I am completely unaware of this "Head Gasket Problem"?? I've been lurking around T4R since 05 and never seen that thread???

I read the thread on the head gaskets the other day.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/73706-2004-limited-edition-4runner-4x4-head-gasket.html

Then another dude warped his head.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51415-engine-goner-warped-head-long-block.html

Theres more I'm sure but, these are the ones I've read recently. I'm gonna ask the guys over at tacomaworld if anyone has had any problems with the 1GR.

Now that I think about it, maybe the 2003 and 2004 1GR 4runners may have some problems because those are the first years of the engine? The 2nd gen Tacoma was introduced in 2005 maybe they got the kinks out by then.

 

[Roadtripr]

I read the thread on the head gaskets the other day.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/73706-2004-limited-edition-4runner-4x4-head-gasket.html

Oi, just what happened to my old 3rd gen.

 

[gptoy96]

(2) xreas leaking, and basically this calls for a complete overhaul ($3000+ repair) - most people take advantage of this and go aftermarket for cheaper and get lift at same time, suspensions will wear out in any vehicle eventually.
(5) 4lo doesn't engage (requires another $$$$ repair) - seems to be mostly because of un-use, regularly shift to 4lo as owners manual directs and you shouldn't have this problem.

Now that I think about it, maybe the 2003 and 2004 1GR 4runners may have some problems because those are the first years of the engine? The 2nd gen Tacoma was introduced in 2005 maybe they got the kinks out by then.

There's only been a very small number of v6 engine issues, if your needs were suited by a v6 I wouldn't hesitate to get one. It's been a while since I read the one thread but I think I remember it was caused by overheating from wheeling. They are great motors, if you were shopping for a 2nd gen 3.slow then it'd be a different story.

 

[Roadtripr]

There's only been a very small number of v6 engine issues, if your needs were suited by a v6 I wouldn't hesitate to get one. It's been a while since I read the one thread but I think I remember it was caused by overheating from wheeling. They are great motors, if you were shopping for a 2nd gen 3.slow then it'd be a different story.

OK.
Yep the old 2nd gen was known for this. But I simply don't want such an old car as a DD too.

 

[Bigmikelakers]

There's only been a very small number of v6 engine issues, if your needs were suited by a v6 I wouldn't hesitate to get one. It's been a while since I read the one thread but I think I remember it was caused by overheating from wheeling. They are great motors, if you were shopping for a 2nd gen 3.slow then it'd be a different story.

Yeah you're probably right. I'm just a little paronoid. A few years ago me and my ex bought a 1991 Acura Legend. I did no research on it whatsover and as soon I bought it it overheated due to a head gasket problem. Come to find out, Legend V6's from that generation and even into the RL generation were prone to head gasket problems.

 

[settytb]

There have been like 3 reports of head gasket failure on the v6 that i've seen... There are tons of reports of the exhaust manifold leaking in the v8 and piston slap. Also, the 8 has a timing belt to change. It's just more expensive to maintain than the v6. Both are great engines. I'm just sick of people bashing the 6 when the 8 has it's own issues as well.

 

[ninefinger]

Piston slap in the V8? Where, who has reported this?

I have the exhaust manifold leak and yes its probably more common than people think, but then again it doesn't really affect anything major - you can keep driving it like it is forever pretty much without consequence. The only reason to fix it is to get rid of the quiet noise that you hear 1st thing in the morning...not really a reason to stay away from the V8, just be aware and maybe use it as a point for negotiating.

 

[ClockWork]

There have been like 3 reports of head gasket failure on the v6 that i've seen... There are tons of reports of the exhaust manifold leaking in the v8 and piston slap. Also, the 8 has a timing belt to change. It's just more expensive to maintain than the v6. Both are great engines. I'm just sick of people bashing the 6 when the 8 has it's own issues as well.

Except none of the issues that cause any real problems. Chains stretch, belts don't. Haven't read of a 2UZ belt failure yet.