Anyone recognize this 4runner?

[SoCalAlan]

Hey all,

I've come across a 2003 4runner SR5 V8 with 132000 miles at a local dealer. Looks like there's been some work done to it, but the dealer is clueless about the truck's history. I'm worried about its history. The dealer said it was bought at an auction, but the engine and tranny were not working, so it was rebuilt. I have a 76 and 90 Land Cruiser and I know how reliable these trucks are, so I'm suspicious as to why it was rebuilt so soon.

Anyone here seen this one on this forum before? I'm a newbie on this forum, but a long member of ih8mud.com. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[settytb]

someone painted the cladding...I like it. I think the only painted cladding was using plasti-dip and that was on a black runner. I haven't seen it on the forum you could try looking through the pics sticky. However that young to have both engine/tranny rebuilt is a big red flag. Although it looks tough.

 

[SoCalAlan]

Yea I know that's the concern I have. I'll try looking through the 115 pages of Lift and Tire Pic thread.

 

[NJshadow93]

I've never seen it on here. I was the one that Plasti-Dipped the cladding on my black truck. The only others that have done it was a green '03 and a silver '03 but not sure if that one ever finished. That's a nice looking truck for sure, but a rebuilt engine AND tranny? Especially the V8, who knows what that thing has been through. What's the asking price?

 

[SoCalAlan]

Gotcha.. It's listed at 14900. Clean title.. I wouldn't get close to that price. I've seen how much they're going for and price seems steep. I do know it's been at the dealer for a couple months and according to salesman, there's only 1 other that's shown any sign of interest. My Cruisers are old and simple to work on. I'm not really too familiar with these newer trucks and the mods, so I'm more hesitant.

 

[OHP]

I would walk away from that. You can easily find a newer one, with less miles, in great condition, unmolested for that price. The 4th gens are super reliable and the mods are easy.
Plus, that dealer is seriously trying to bend someone over. If they bought it needing a tranny and engine rebuild you know they've got nothing in it.

 

[eli_lilly]

I just picked up a 4runner a few weeks ago, looks nearly identical except for the tires. Cladding painted also. Had 119k miles and I paid 11k including tax and title.

 

[zstampe]

No one brought up the fact that the dealer may be telling the OP that the engine and tranny are new just to inflate the price some. I find it highly unlikely that motor and trans failed before 200 thousand miles even if they WERE beat on. Look at what some of the members here and over at Toyota 120 do to theirs with the original engine and trans and have more miles than this one.

My .02

 

[settytb]

i picked up my 03 v6 sr5 4wd for 10.5k with ~130k miles on it. I would maybe offer them 10 then walk...

 

[goohead]

Instead of guessing just take it to get a leaks down test. At the same time you can pull one of the transmission cooler hose and smell/look at the ATF.

I would stay away from reman engines as aftermarket companies do not build engines to the same tolerance as Toyota just look at your factory service manual, bearing clearance are given in ten thou, aftermarket builders would prob go thou at most.

Now if it's a new Oem Toyota engine/trans, ask the dealer for the paperwork, they should have the claim they made with Toyota of America for the replacement, if this is the case just comp/leak down test/ check ATF and you should be good to go. Nothing wrong with brand new engine and trans

 

[nevada]

I would walk away from that. You can easily find a newer one, with less miles, in great condition, unmolested for that price. The 4th gens are super reliable and the mods are easy.
Plus, that dealer is seriously trying to bend someone over. If they bought it needing a tranny and engine rebuild you know they've got nothing in it.

ive been shopping. an 05 v8 limited, with about that many miles will sell for closer to $19k around here...

I just picked up a 4runner a few weeks ago, looks nearly identical except for the tires. Cladding painted also. Had 119k miles and I paid 11k including tax and title.

damn, maybe i need to purchase from out of state. fly down, and drive it back...

No one brought up the fact that the dealer may be telling the OP that the engine and tranny are new just to inflate the price some. I find it highly unlikely that motor and trans failed before 200 thousand miles even if they WERE beat on. Look at what some of the members here and over at Toyota 120 do to theirs with the original engine and trans and have more miles than this one.

My .02

yeh, unless they had some way to prove it was done, id call BS on it.

 

[SDr6]

How is the cladding painted?

That thing looks a lot like mine except for the style of wheel... hell even the mileage is about the same.

Oh and I'd stay away from it with a rebuilt engine and tranny, seems like they failed way to early but then again if they have been rebuilt you don't have to worry about it for a long time right?

 

[Hmebuildr]

I got my 03 SR5 V8 last June with 75K on it for 11K so you can find them with less mile and for less money. I do like the look of the Black cladding.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I would run far far away from that truck

 

[TechWrench]

How is the cladding painted?

That thing looks a lot like mine except for the style of wheel... hell even the mileage is about the same.

Oh and I'd stay away from it with a rebuilt engine and tranny, seems like they failed way to early but then again if they have been rebuilt you don't have to worry about it for a long time right?

I tend to agree that the cladding isn't painted, but maybe they went over it with a cleaner. It looks just like mine. It is an early '03, which all had the grey cladding. It wasn't until mid-year that they switched to the color matched trim.