about to buy my 1st 4R, help!

[weberic3]

Hi (yes i'm a noob (as i shake my head in shame)),

I'm about to buy a used 4th gen 4R and i need some help on what to look for, like:
- are there some "options/packages" we won't be able to live without
-what maintenance should be done at 50kmi, 75k and 100k
-anything else that'll help this purchase go smoothly

We live in CO and need something that will do well in the snow (pretty much anything will better our '95 saturn), have enough power to climb mountains at 70mph, fit a car seat for our unborn (hopefully its a boy!), and be fun to drive
We're hoping to spend less than $15K.

Thanks so much!! Anything helps!!

-Eric

 

[Uneek]

Service intervals:
http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com

Options, definately 4WD for snow. I would say get a Sport Edition or Limited for the heated mirrors. Limited for heated seats if you like them. Pretty much the 4Runner in any trim comes with all the necessities. Things you may want would be navigation, moonroof (though you might end up with rattles), spoiler (personal preference, but I've noticed my back window is more clearer than ones I see coming back from snowboarding without it).

 

[weberic3]

thats great info thanks!
Ya, we definitely want the 4wd. I was specifically wondering if the v6 is powerful enough to haul up through mountain passes or if we should go with the v8 (but maybe many of you really like being able to go 2WD, so stick with the 6 cyl).

That service interval info is perfect, i was also hoping to find out if there are any common issues with a specific model or year (i know consumer reports had no issues). Basically, do you 4R owners have any gripes about your toy that you might be able to give me a heads up about?

Thanks again uneek!

Eric

 

[BlairB]

thats great info thanks!
Ya, we definitely want the 4wd. I was specifically wondering if the v6 is powerful enough to haul up through mountain passes or if we should go with the v8 (but maybe many of you really like being able to go 2WD, so stick with the 6 cyl).

That service interval info is perfect, i was also hoping to find out if there are any common issues with a specific model or year (i know consumer reports had no issues). Basically, do you 4R owners have any gripes about your toy that you might be able to give me a heads up about?

Thanks again uneek!

Eric

By all means the v6 will be powerful enough to go through the mountain passes, unless you are towing something pretty heavy.

As for issues, there is nothing of major note. You will likely experience a "clunk" in the rear end occasionally at stop lights, but other than that it should be a great vehicle. Any sort of issues seem universal for all the years, but if you are planning on getting a V6, I would get a 2006 or newer, since they went from a 4 speed transmission to a 5 speed, you also get projector headlights and a few other minor things.

And I like the sport since it has the sweet hoodscoop and an interior that I really like

Any other questions, ask away.

 

[weberic3]

Ya, that scoop does look good. And thanks for the tip about the v6 engine!
This is great, any other help out there?

 

[MikesToy]

Ya, that scoop does look good. And thanks for the tip about the v6 engine!
This is great, any other help out there?

Knock off $5K or more from the dealer's price.

 

[weberic3]

Knock off $5K or more from the dealer's price.

Ok thanks MikesToy, but are you talking about the pricing on a new 4R? We're looking from '03-'06.

BTW, i see your in the springs too. When are you looking to sell your 4R?

 

[Specialized]

Sunroof Sunroof Sunroof

I got my Runner brand new. From day 1 the sunroof used to make this binding noise when I opened and closed it. I took it in they said it was fine. At 50,000 miles the sunroof was stuck open. About $1200 to repair. Don't let that stop you from getting a model with a sunroof, just make sure it doesn't bind up or make strange noises when opening.
I used to drive to the mountains of Big Bear Cali. It handled well in the snow even with the factory duncraps.
Even with the sunroof issue and poor gas mileage I love my truck and wouldn't trade it for the world.:biggrin2:

 

[weberic3]

oh ok, thanks Specialized. I'm glad to hear that even with a few issues your still happy with your 4Runner!