Buying 300k+ 4Runners

[Langcow1]

I have a ‘99 manual with 275,000 miles on it. I am just getting ready to do those ball joints.

 

[Langcow1]

Here’s a question - 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?

I think my biggest worry with each them is potentially the transmission, but I’m not a very knowledgeable mechanic.

 

[Jubsz]

Here’s a question - 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?

I think my biggest worry with each them is potentially the transmission, but I’m not a very knowledgeable mechanic.

I think too subjective of a question to answer. 2003 was a first year model and I believe 2003-2005 had some issues. I'm not super well versed in 4th gens but I did look into them briefly. I believe the 03-05's had some issues with dashboard cracks (would annoy the hell out of me unless just a trail beater), and I think the v6's had some issues with head gaskets in those early years.

For those reasons, an 09 is preferred to an 03. Beyond that, all rubber components and everything else are 6 years older which is significant. Both are old enough that the condition they are in and climate they've been a part of are significant factors too. The 09 has 256k miles. Tons of 4runners have lasted longer than that, tons have died before. It's all a matter of risk. For reliable cars like this, I'd buy whichever is best kept and in the best condition.

Frankly, I don't think I'd be purchasing an 03, at least not until learning more about how often the dash cracks and head gasket things were. I probably wouldn't be purchasing a 2009 with 256k miles for anything more than 5k.

 

[4Runnergenius]

you have all kinds of awesome advice here op - this is great. just for me personally: i would not. thats just me. however, that does not mean you can find something excellent just follow the advice from other posters. the only reason i say no is just too many people out there look at you as a dollar sign. the vibes i get do not make me feel i am getting the sweet end of the deal.

 

[Angus1974]

good advice, thank you. I would love just one of your trucks!

 

[hanks4runner]

If it's a California car with a totally rust free frame and in great shape, I could see someone asking that much for it. Several years ago, a very clean 3rd gen 4Runner from NC with around the same mileage sold for 7k according to the owner.