Any advice for a soon to be newbie?

[Stono-see-um]

Howdy all. Long time American car guy, looking to buy my first Toyota.

I am going to look at an '03 SR5 V8 4x4 w/ 160k miles , on Wednesday. Looks all stock to me. I'm driving from SC to NC, and if all goes well I'm going to buy it.

I plan to do a pre-purchase inspection at the local Toyo dealer, and there is no record of the timing belt being replaced that I can find, so that'll be the first thing that happens the next morning. Got a couple quotes from local independent shops, one came in at $775 & the other $773. Belt & Water pump, inspect everything else.

I've read over the 4th gen buyers guides and such, but nothing like asking current drivers! Anything I should look out for on my own? I assume Toyo will check the transmission for the "Strawberry Milkshake Syndrome".?

Thanks everyone and I hope I can contribute along the way!

John

 

[gshadow325]

it cost me over $500 for oem red box timing belt stuff(pulleys, belts, pump, coolant) plus $250 labor. thats a indy labor rate and thats parts at a discount too.

so the two quotes you got, lets hope everything is changed out.

look for the bump thud bang when you go from a stand still. driveshaft needs to be lubed.

 

[Atlanta_man]

If the dealer shops are anything like they are around here, I'd find a good independent shop for the look-see/drive around/listen to. Nothing about this inspection is Toyota specific.

 

[Cygan1008]

I have the same year, motor and 4x4 with 166k. Bought mine with 153k and would do it again. My recommendations, go get an inspection done and the timing belt changed like you said. Then switch the fluids to synthetic and climb under there with a grease gun and get everything with a grease fitting lubed well. My oil, transfer case, front diff and rear diff were all switched to Mobil 1 and it def made a difference. Use whatever brand you prefer. I see a lot of good things about the penzoil synthetics. Other then that enjoy!! I highly doubt you will regret it.

Also check out the Toyota owners website if you haven't already. It may have some of the maint listed but if not it's a great way to start logging what you have done and keeping tabs on what needs to be done.

 

[Stono-see-um]

I did look in Raleigh for a indie shop, but haven't seen one. Looks like Toyo dealer it is...
Both quotes I got for the timing belt were from local indies. I asked about the pulleys and such, they just said they would inspect and see. Hope they don't try to rack up the price later on.

I've really been itching for a 4Runner, but can't a decent one here in Charleston for a reasonable price. Sold my truck last Friday and have been driving our old Mercedes diesel. I gotta get out of that thing!!

I'll let ya'll know how it goes! And pics, of course.

 

[littlehandegan]

Pay the small fee for a inspection!

Nice to see another Charleston guy.

 

[JustSomeName]

soon to be newbie...that's like a new level of noob

 

[Stono-see-um]

soon to be newbie...that's like a new level of noob

Hey! I can't claim to be a noob, without actually owning a 4Runner! That would make me a hack.. or something.

 

[Stono-see-um]

Well, I bought it!

She's a little rough around the edges (needs a new tail light, rear bumper pad, a wheel center cap, and a good compound and wax) but she runs excellently. Dropped her off this morning to get the timing belt and water pump done. They went down on their price too, to $715. I was happy about that.

But, they gave me a Prius to drive as a loner. Man, that thing sucks.

So as a noob, where's the best place to buy exterior parts? Please don't say use the search function! It'd take all day to find each website...other than eBay of course.

 

[Cygan1008]

Welcome!

 

[asimdada]

Congrats on the purchase. The truck looks good

 

[bgibbs11]

Well, I bought it!

She's a little rough around the edges (needs a new tail light, rear bumper pad, a wheel center cap, and a good compound and wax) but she runs excellently. Dropped her off this morning to get the timing belt and water pump done. They went down on their price too, to $715. I was happy about that.

But, they gave me a Prius to drive as a loner. Man, that thing sucks.

So as a noob, where's the best place to buy exterior parts? Please don't say use the search function! It'd take all day to find each website...other than eBay of course.

Ebay is where I get most things for my truck. I would also recommend checking out the classified section of this forum. People like to upgrade from the 03-05 tailights and put in 06-09 LEDs. You can normally get OEM tails for an 03-05 wicked cheap on the forum from people who upgraded. Or go all out and upgrade yourself (about $200 for aftermarket OEM look-a-like LED tails)

 

[Stono-see-um]

Ebay is where I get most things for my truck. I would also recommend checking out the classified section of this forum. People like to upgrade from the 03-05 tailights and put in 06-09 LEDs. You can normally get OEM tails for an 03-05 wicked cheap on the forum from people who upgraded. Or go all out and upgrade yourself (about $200 for aftermarket OEM look-a-like LED tails)

Now I want the 06+ tail lights. Thanks for starting upgrade bug in me!

On another note. Just got it back from the shop today. They busted a hole in the radiator while removing the fan, so I got a free radiator out of the deal too!