Advice on 2003 for sale

M

MDJR

New member
Hey all,
Still looking for that 4th gen, especially now that the Impala is going into the shop for head gaskets and intake gasket with only 66,000 miles. Power train warranty is up soon and I'm not keeping it. Anyway, there is a 2003 SR5 4runner for sale near me with 44K V8 black 4x4 for 15,990. Sounds a little high to me but it's one owner, clean carfax and appears to be in really good shape. What do you think?
 
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That is very low miles for an '03. I bet the previous owner used it for towing or camping only, and kept it in the garage the rest of the time. I think if you can get the price about $1000 lower, it would be a good deal.
 
That's what I'm thinking too. It's comparable to prices in my area, even a little cheaper. I was hoping with gas prices and summer coming that prices might drop a little more. Might be hard to get a loan on an 03. Think I'll look at it soon though.
 
Always bargain ... but, the $16K for a car that currently has 44K miles with the ability to go 200K plus in mileage is a great deal if you ask me.

Impala 66K with major repairs already ... just sayin' ...
 
My black '03 SR5 was $13,000 with 77,900 miles in NJ back in July. I'm not sure about prices in your area so I can't really compare. Try to make sure it was serviced regularly (by time, not just miles. That truck had plenty of sitting around), listen for any noises, check the amount of rust, make sure it switches into 4LO. Most people neglect their 4x4 systems by not using it and it's one of those use it or lose it situations. Also, make sure there is no seepage/leaks coming from around the transfer case. Listen for sounds that would indicate a cracked exhaust manifold (ticking on cold start up, goes away in 30 seconds). Although the timing belt is good for at least 90k, you might want to consider getting that replaced. Or you could negotiate by having the seller replace the timing belt to justify the high price. Good luck, you will love that V8!
 
I too think that is about $1000 to $1500 too high, considering what NJshadow and myself have recently paid for similar runners. Mine is 04 with 65K miles. Is the original owner selling it? If so inform him about needing a timing belt, maybe new tires if original, potential rust, and what other similar ones are selling for. He may negotiate more than you think. Same here on the V8. The couple extra MPG's on the V6 are not worth what your missing from the V8. Good luck.
 
I bought my 03 v6 sr5 4x4 for 10500 but mine had about 125k on the clock... That's an awesomely low mileage find. wow!
 
Good points everyone. I was thinking about the timing belt, good negotiating tool. It is at a local Toyota dealer. They have replaced the tires already so those are new. I haven't seen it in person though but seems like a good truck. Just had a baby in December so I feel a little guilty even going out to look at this, but after having my car go bad and reading it's a common problem I'm going to have to do something before the warranty is up.
 
Took a look at it today and it's in great shape. didn' drive it though. After some reading on here I'm a little concerned with the exhaust manifold leak issues a lot seem to be having. I don't want to trade one car with problems for another that might be just as costly. Can anyone tell me to what extent the exhaust manifold issue would effect the long term reliability of the vehicle? Meaning is this just an audible issue? We do have emissions testing here in IL but I'm not sure it would fail for that unless it's very audible.
 
MDJR said:
Took a look at it today and it's in great shape. didn' drive it though. After some reading on here I'm a little concerned with the exhaust manifold leak issues a lot seem to be having. I don't want to trade one car with problems for another that might be just as costly. Can anyone tell me to what extent the exhaust manifold issue would effect the long term reliability of the vehicle? Meaning is this just an audible issue? We do have emissions testing here in IL but I'm not sure it would fail for that unless it's very audible.
Click to expand...

It gets worse over time, mine started as a faint ticking on initial cold startup and went away after 5 minutes of driving or so.

Now 9 months later, the ticking is much more pronounced and much louder and does not completely go away after 5 minutes of driving (although it's much less noticeable). It's downright embarrassing when I leave for work in the morning.

As far a long term reliability.... I'm sure it negatively effects power output and fuel economy to some degree.

The bolts are damn near impossible to get to on the manifolds... I could swap out the shorties on my old Mustang in about 45 minutes, these I've heard are a 10 hour job or something.

Not looking forward to doing them thats for sure, hopefully the DT replacements will see the light of day so I dont have to buy another set of poorly designed Toyota ones. :nono:
 
Well I guess I don't have to worry about the 2003 anymore since they sold the truck already! I missed out again...guess I should move quicker next time! 9 days according to the carfax that this was for sale...can't believe how quick it went. I guess I'll get the Impala fixed next week and take my time looking for the next cherry 4Runner that comes along (hopefully). Just hope I can find another just as good as this was in my price range. :ybrick:
 
I went through the same thing when I was looking. "Oh a nice one, I'll call tomorrow." Then the ad is gone! I was lucky enough to get my truck at a small used car dealership and it was flawless. If you can find one like that, armed with the info you learn on this forum, you will probably get a great deal on an awesome truck with a decent amount of miles.
 
I set up an alert on AutoTrader so I'll know when any new one's are posted. Other than that I guess all I can do is be patient. My dad has an 07 Limited V8, Salsa red and every since he bought it, and I drove it, that was it. Maybe I can convince him to sell me his, haha. Anyway, thanks for the tips.
 
Just so you know, now that you drove a V8, you have no choice but to get a V8 haha. The V6 is good too, but now you're probably hooked lol. Also, have you tried cars.com? I found a lot more results on cars.com when I was searching than on autotrader. Actually I don't think the one I bought was listed on autotrader.
 
I have to say the v8 is very nice. I'm old school and the V8 rumble is like music to my ears. I've had Trans Am's, Firebirds, and even a V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and I really like the V8. I'm a little concerned with the V6 head gasket leaks I've been coming across here a there. I hear Toyota has an updated gasket now but coming from my Impala with a HG leak I'd rather avoid the V6 is possible. My budget is the problem. With a 5 month old and a future house hunt next year I don't want to stretch us out too much. My family comes first but I really would like, for ONCE, to have a vehicle I trust and want to keep for a long time. From driving my dad's, and reading this forum, I think the 4Runner is for me. With that said I'm going to try and be patient and see what comes up. In the meantime I'll live vicariously through all of you!
 
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