Another new buyer question thread

M

Monoman2345

New member
Hey all!

Some recent changes in my life and a new job have opened up some opportunities, one being that I need a car, and you guys know the only option is a V8 4Runner. I am already going to test drive two tomorrow, so I could be a proud new owner by as soon as tomorrow.

I have been scouring this forum for about 6th months trying to learn everything I can, but I definitely didn't think I would be purchasing one this soon.

I am curious, what should I be looking for tomorrow that is 4Runner specific, that should scare me away from buying? I know to ask if the timing belt, water pump and a few other things have been replaced (all I am looking at are between 130-170k miles) and to also check for frame rust, but what else should I look for or ask about? One dealer already tried to tell me the V8's are chain driven, not belt, so I know I'll be in for a time there.

I also tried to use this site I've seen linked around the forum, but looks like I can't get access without owning a Toyota. Welcome to Toyota Owners

Any or all suggestions heavily appreciated, and I am excited to join the gang!
 
Register to hide this ad
Check the liftgate for rust
- if 4wd, make sure 4 lo engages
- see if they have differential change maintenance
- See if the suspension have been replaced
- If Limited/ JBL check the speakers

- good luck
 
Monoman2345 said:
Hey all!

Some recent changes in my life and a new job have opened up some opportunities, one being that I need a car, and you guys know the only option is a V8 4Runner. I am already going to test drive two tomorrow, so I could be a proud new owner by as soon as tomorrow.

I have been scouring this forum for about 6th months trying to learn everything I can, but I definitely didn't think I would be purchasing one this soon.

I am curious, what should I be looking for tomorrow that is 4Runner specific, that should scare me away from buying? I know to ask if the timing belt, water pump and a few other things have been replaced (all I am looking at are between 130-170k miles) and to also check for frame rust, but what else should I look for or ask about? One dealer already tried to tell me the V8's are chain driven, not belt, so I know I'll be in for a time there.

I also tried to use this site I've seen linked around the forum, but looks like I can't get access without owning a Toyota. Welcome to Toyota Owners

Any or all suggestions heavily appreciated, and I am excited to join the gang!
Click to expand...

You don't have to own a Toyota to register at Toyota Owner's website, and all you need is a Vin Number to check any info that maybe on there, I got the Vin Numbers for each Toyota I have looked at from the owners/dealers and checked them out on there before buying, unless something has changed on there in the last few years.

For the most part any service history, etc. on there is only from Toyota dealers and only IF they filed that info with Toyota Corporate, you won't find any service history from private companies.

You also can find owners manuals other general documents etc. without registering or logging in.
 
Last edited:
AuSeeker said:
You don't have to own a Toyota to register at Toyota Owner's website, and all you need is a Vin Number to check any info that maybe on there, I got the Vin Numbers for each Toyota I have looked at from the owners/dealers and checked them out on there before buying, unless something has changed on there in the last few years.

For the most part any service history, etc. on there is only from Toyota dealers and only IF they filed that info with Toyota Corporate, you won't find any service history from private companies.

You also can find owners manuals other general documents etc. without registering or logging in.
Click to expand...

You're totally right, I should've tried the site first as well. Looks like both I am looking at have pretty extensive maintenance records from stealerships from 0-130k on the odometer. Just the newest 20k miles appear to be a mystery.

And looks like neither specifically state the timing belt has been replaced, oof
 
If you test drive a full time 4x4 one, make sure the center differential lock works. Lack of use can cause the actuator to seize up.

It's pricey to replace the actuator

Don't put up with any BS explanations if it doesn't work. Make them fix it on their dime or walk.
 
Monoman2345 said:
You're totally right, I should've tried the site first as well. Looks like both I am looking at have pretty extensive maintenance records from stealerships from 0-130k on the odometer. Just the newest 20k miles appear to be a mystery.

And looks like neither specifically state the timing belt has been replaced, oof
Click to expand...


If they had an Indy shop do it there might not be a record so check under the hood. Should be a sticker somewhere saying at what mileage it was changed if it was. Usually on the timing cover or on the fan shroud. Might be a good way to negotiate the price if it wasn’t done. If they’ll knock off $1k towards that I’d say that’s fair.

Only other real no go’s would be if all 4x4 modes don’t engage (lights will blink and not turn solid) or if frame is a rust bucket. Everything else is serviceable in my opinion, like fluid changes and suspension upgrades, brakes etc


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
montijo505 said:
If they had an Indy shop do it there might not be a record so check under the hood. Should be a sticker somewhere saying at what mileage it was changed if it was. Usually on the timing cover or on the fan shroud. Might be a good way to negotiate the price if it wasn’t done. If they’ll knock off $1k towards that I’d say that’s fair.

Only other real no go’s would be if all 4x4 modes don’t engage (lights will blink and not turn solid) or if frame is a rust bucket. Everything else is serviceable in my opinion, like fluid changes and suspension upgrades, brakes etc


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Another weird place to look for the timing belt sticker in on the bottom side of the hood, the only reason I say this is because I couldn't find any history of mine being replaced before or after I bought it, so I was planning on doing it ASAP just for peace of mind...but one day I was checking the oil and other fluids and just happened to look up at the under side of the hood and there was the sticker, not sure why the mechanic put it there in such a place that it may never be seen but I was very happy to find it!!
 
AuSeeker said:
Another weird place to look for the timing belt sticker in on the bottom side of the hood, the only reason I say this is because I couldn't find any history of mine being replaced before or after I bought it, so I was planning on doing it ASAP just for peace of mind...but one day I was checking the oil and other fluids and just happened to look up at the under side of the hood and there was the sticker, not sure why the mechanic put it there in such a place that it may never be seen but I was very happy to find it!!
Click to expand...


Yes exactly have a good look around. Glad you got lucky!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Related question

I posted this in a different thread but the question is more appropriate here:

What is higher importance: miles or age? I am eying two 4th gen 4runners. One is a 2003 with 160,000 miles. The other is a 2009 with 256,000. Both are the same price (at a dealer).

Do the year-to-year improvements from 2003 to 2009 make up for the extra 100,000 miles? Or do you always figure less miles is less wear and tear?

Is there any advice in checking the tranny? That’s one thing that worries me, if I needed to replace it sometime soon.

I should add that my current 4runner is a ‘99 manual with 275,000 miles and am considering replacing it with one of these, or getting one of these and keeping the ‘99 as a backup.
 
Last edited:
I think in general it’s vehicle to vehicle - that’s pretty far apart in both years and mileage

If they both appear the same in terms of frame, interior, maintenance - I’d probably look at the 09. The late 05+ Have less transmission and head gasket issues
 
Langcow1 said:
What is higher importance: miles or age? I am eying two 4th gen 4runners. One is a 2003 with 160,000 miles. The other is a 2009 with 256,000. Both are the same price (at a dealer).

Do the year-to-year improvements from 2003 to 2009 make up for the extra 100,000 miles? Or do you always figure less miles is less wear and tear?
Click to expand...

A good question as I am in the same boat, I'm looking at a few that are 03-05 low miles vs 06-09 higher miles.

The one I checked last weekend fell through the second I saw it, extreme clear coat peal and it was a smokers car. Going to check another local 03 this weekend, other than that it's the few out of states I'm already talking to dealers about.. but they're looking way better on the spec sheet, just not excited to ship it or fly and drive
 
Monoman2345 said:
A good question as I am in the same boat, I'm looking at a few that are 03-05 low miles vs 06-09 higher miles.

The one I checked last weekend fell through the second I saw it, extreme clear coat peal and it was a smokers car. Going to check another local 03 this weekend, other than that it's the few out of states I'm already talking to dealers about.. but they're looking way better on the spec sheet, just not excited to ship it or fly and drive
Click to expand...

My advice is to not worry about miles so much but more about the vehicle having a service record/carfax. Anything under 200k with a service record would be legit for me.
 
I haven’t taken a look at the 2003 yet but I have a feeling it’s going to be well rusted too. It spent most of its life in the northeast
 
Last edited:
Langcow1 said:
I haven’t taken a look at the 2003 yet but I have a feeling it’s going to be well rusted too. It spent most of its life in the northeast
Click to expand...

I'm in good talks with a dealership that has basically my perfect 4Runner in Maryland.. praying for the frame.. everything else is like I plucked the 4th gen of my dreams, out of my dreams lol
 
Called in to check on the 4Runner I was supposed to see tomorrow and it already sold! Man these things are impossible to pin down, last in the state I was interested in
 
Just bought an '06 V8 with 135xxx last week! Feeling like I overpaid but glad to finally have one. Things I checked for:

  • Exhaust manifold leaks – believe you'll hear a clicking on startup
  • Rust (found a rust free one)
  • Timing belt change (seller could not find paperwork but SWEARS it was done at 120k –– I will be looking for stickers as suggested earlier in this thread tomorrow, hadn't noticed any yet!)
  • All electrical + stereo working
  • 4Lo + Center Diff Lock engaging (found this sketchy to try as pretty sure you're not supposed to use this on pavement)
  • Fuse boxes for any aftermarket installations -- no rats nests, etc.

I don't have buyers remorse yet! Just ordered some JBA high caster upper control arms yesterday, looking forward to getting my suspension dialed in to clear a slight tire rub on 285/70/17s. Currently running Bilstein 5100s front + rear with Bilstein springs in the back & OEM springs in the front. Need to get my 15 posts in so I can get some proper advice on that, lol.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_9520_2.jpg
    IMG_9520_2.jpg
    86.4 KB · Views: 110
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 222 (members: 0, guests: 222)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,306
Messages
3,554,046
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top