Advice

[hi50]

Ive searched for hours and hours and read all kinds of posts. The Mrs and I have all but decided to look for 06-09 T4R's. Were not too picky on things, but I'd rather not have an SR5. But the big must is 4wd. When we are out looking at them, other than the very obvious, what are some things to look out for or keep an eye on? Id hate to buy one and in the next 6 months down the line be dropping big money into parts or maintenance issues. Thanks in advance

 

[Bamaskeet]

Make sure it will go into low range and lock all wheels.

The dash lights will stop blinking when it locks in.

 

[CXS]

Click for Answers

 

[hi50]

^^^ thats the last place I killed a weekend afternoon reading. The 4wd engaging is something we will look at. Are there any specific spots that rust more than others or any specific trouble things that will need to be done?

 

[JustSomeName]

^^^ thats the last place I killed a weekend afternoon reading. The 4wd engaging is something we will look at. Are there any specific spots that rust more than others or any specific trouble things that will need to be done?

buy from california and drive it home, then you wont even have to worry about rust

 

[Bskelton]

I would look good at the frame. It's a good indication of rust. My frame is pretty rusty and I have ran into some problems with breaking heads off bolts because of the rust. Not a deal breaker for me but I wish I would have looked for one with little to no rust harder.

 

[Martinjmpr]

buy from california and drive it home, then you wont even have to worry about rust

Don't have to go all the way to Cali and pay California prices. There are a bajillion 4runners in Colorado and the other rocky mountain states. We have a dry climate and we don't use salt on our roads here so rust isn't a problem.

 

[Greydog]

Partial list:

1. Trans shudder around 30-40 mph in highest gear. Check for any trans fluid servicing.

2. V8: timing belt changes and cracked exh headers. V6: head gasket on cylinder 4 or 6.

3. Any check lights VSC off, get the codes!

4. Rust under the radiator support, some get real bad.

5. Other stuff that it may need are mileage based wear, but can get pricey. Better if you can do some work yourself.

 

[hi50]

Mahalo for all the help guys. One thing I have learned from here is that there are no real big issues like other vehicles out there that are notorious for something bad