Buying 4runner

jrowland3

New member
I am looking at a 2004 Limited V6 4x4 with 92000 @ 12900.00
1. Is this a good deal
2. What should I be looking for?
3. What type of maintenance will I be looking at with that many miles?

I have done most of the work on my previous cars...Volvo,Saab & Jeeps

Just wondering what some of you think...car rides really nice
 
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You will find a lot of info here addressing this very question.

Price: That's such a local phenomenon but do a lot of online shopping in the states around you to get an idea. Craigs list is not a bad place to use for a localized search resource. You can separate dealer and private sales.

Maintenance: I will let the many knowledgeable V6 owners here answer that or you can search for answers to same question.

It a great rig; best of luck.
 
1. Seems like a decent price if it's in good shape but I agree with kilroy - prices are somewhat regional so go to autotrader.com and see what similar 4Runners are priced at around you.

2. 4th Gen 4Runners have been known to get frozen calipers, especially if you live where they salt the roads in the winter. Obviously you also want to look for a decent service history. Not a bad idea to have a compression test on a car with that many miles before buying. There have been a few bad head gaskets reported so the compression test should show you if that's a problem or not. A hydrocarbon check in the coolant is also used to detect head gasket problems but there are other things than can cause bad compression so I like the compression test.

3. I am a big believer in starting with fresh fluids anytime you buy a used car. For a 4Runner that means engine oil, transfer case oil, and the front and rear differentials. With that many miles you should also evaluate the coolant and brake fluid and change if necessary. I personally would do the transmission fluid as well unless you have documentation to prove it's been done recently. Starting in 2004 they went to a sealed transmission so there's no dipstick to check the fluid. You basically drain and fill the pan a few times (running the car between) and you should cycle out most of the old fluid.

I would also change the plugs. The factory plugs are supposed to be changed at 30k so hopefully they've been changed by now but I'd put a fresh set in unless, again, unless it's documented that it's been done very recently by a decent shop or Toyota dealer. I wouldn't trust the previous owner if they did it - maybe that's just me.
 
Thanks....plan on doing all fluid changes......also going to try and negoiate a timing belt and water pump change with dealer since it is at the Toyota dealership
 
Yes indeed. Just like every other item without a mfg recommended change date.

By the way I had a timing chain break without any noise or warning at 40K miles (not a 4runner). Many things break without early warning noises. When depends on design, materials, environment, stress and strain, and cosmic rays.
 
Seems like a good price depending on its history and location.

I paid 14,500 for mine. It was a babied one owner, driven by a 73 year old Air Force captain with perfect maintenance records - everything done, on time, by the dealership and verifiable through Toyota. That was important to me and 4runners hold their value in Colorado.

Things to look for? Depending on location, check for rust on the undercarriage and around the tailgate. Also, try 4Low before you buy it. I've read reports of them freezing up/not working if never used. Can be an expensive repair.

The V8 may or may not be worth more or less $$$ depending on price of gas at the time. I'd be happy with either engine. Both are fantastic. :)

If you have the VIN, you might go to the owners section of Toyota.com and see what comes up. It's free and can't hurt.

Have had mine for two months and still love it.
 
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