Am I splitting hairs??

[gilp]

Hi all, its been awhile since I posted but I'm always lurking here as I just love the site.

Looking for a 4th gen, 04,05,06. I currently have a 98 limited that I bought with 128 on it, now has 150 still running super strong.

My question is this - I see what looks to be a real nice 04 sport v8 4wd listed in CL here:

2004 Toyota 4Runner SportEdition 4WD, One Owner!

$11,5 with 140k mileage.

The price looks really good, especially for southern cal but for some reason I cant get past the 140k. I've also been looking at a 05 limited for $16k with 109k mi and and a 06 sport with for $18.5 with 78k mileage but that is just right at the very top of my price range. I really wanted a limited, mainly for the heated leathers AND was hoping for an 05/06 with the more horse power but those things are not a huge deal, as I can get upgrade the seats and the more power issue, from what I've ready is not a huge difference.

So is it worth another $5-7 to get something a bit newer with a few more features and less mileage, or at this point am I just splitting hairs?

thoughts about my thoughts?

thanks in advance everyone!!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Yes you're splitting itty bitty hairs! LoL

But seriously, its a Toyota, as long as you take care of it and treat it fairly nice it will run easily into the 300k range with few issues. Many members have run their 4th Gens to higher mileage with minimum issues.

That being said, look at all the wear tear items, and service to see how well maintained it has been. Make sure the Timing belt on the V8 has been changed around the 90-100k mark, coolant flush, trans flush, ect have been done at least once by 140k.

140k is a tad high, but in respect to these vehicles its more or less just broken in, lol. If the mechanicals check out at 140k (which they most likely will), the only thing left to really nit pick about is going to be how much abuse the xterior/interior have had for that many miles. Granted, the 78k one might be worse inside than the 140k, but its still 140k of someone's ass in those seats and playing with switches and such.

 

[Huskey]

I'd go with the 05 LTD unless it has adjustable air suspension in the rear (RAS). After that its a toss up, if you plan to tow anything, get the V8, and if you plan to keep it a long time grab the lower mileage runner. IMO you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[zimdba]

I haven't driven both, but I'd want the extra 20-30hp of the 05+ V8. That + lower mileage + Limited extras = I'd go for the '05 limited.

Of course a well maintained '04 might be better than an abused 05 limited.

 

[gilp]

Thanks for the feedback. There is another discussion going on about sport or limited and I think that one convinced me to hold out for a limited. The main reason for buying this vehicle is for long trips with the family, so comfort is the way to go. Plus I dont have lots of extra time/cash to spend on upgrades.

I think I will hold out just a little longer and see if something else pops up. The 05 one is at a dealer, so that is retail price, plus it doesnt have the those rims like the sport an other limiteds have. Keep waiting...impatiently lol

 

[Sungod]

Here is what I have seen from my 03 with 130k on it. I have owned it since new. In the first 8 years I put nothing but gas and oil in it and of course pads and calipers. In the past year I have put in the following:

Timing belt -$150
Water pump - $100
Front bearings - $250
Axle shafts - $150
Sun Visor - $55
Window gaskets - $75
Floor mats - $75

It seems at the 8 year mark things started to break. Getting a vehicle with 140K you are likely to start seeing these things pop up. Make sure you add those costs into the price. You might find it better to look for something with 60-80K.