Buying a 04 Sport and have questions

[CadSquared]

I am looking at getting my first 4runner and found one that seems quite good near where I am right now in Vermont. Is a 04, V8 Sport Ed with a bit over 120k miles.

Normally a car like this would be out of my price range but with the miles it has I can manage to swing it.

My questions are
1. Should I be worried about the miles? I have a friend with a V8 Tacoma and his is hitting 200k this year but that is my only experience with the motor.

2. In checking the vehicle out I noticed that there was a wet spot, feels like lubricant of some type around the back of the transfer case, I have attached a picture of the area in question. There does not seem to be a active leak their now, but just curious about what might have caused it.

Thanks in Advance for your help!

 

[V8Limited4wd]

Don't get it unless you're willing to pay to get that fixed. The internal seal is broken so it is leaking. From what I've read the whole part has to be replaced, the seal can't be replaced.

 

[CadSquared]

Ok thanks man, I will see what the dealership will do.

Thanks again for the heads up.

 

[natevans65]

04 V8 is AWESOME! I have the same model with 146K miles on it. I am the original owner but I am very happy with the truck and expect to get 300K miles out of it. I run all Amsoil fluids in it except the radiator ( Toyota Red Juice 50/50 mix) including the differentials, transfer, brake and PS fluid. Tranny has the OEM WS fluid from Toyota due to it being a sealed system and kinda difficult to work on from a fluid changing perspective. 120K miles is nothing....change the fluids, timing belt and see if it has had the 90K or 120K scheduled maintenance done by the dealer. Easy to find out via the dealership. I have had friends with the v-6 and they all said it feels under powered and you cant beat the All-Wheel Drive with the V-8 when it comes to snow or wet roads. You can also get an extended powertrain warranty for 100K miles (which I have did @120K mile). Lots of mods you can do for the 4th Gen Toyota's......My vote is for the V-8...!!!

 

[xlaxx]

I would steer clear of this unit. I have been searching for a used 4Runner for quite some time now. In my searches, the 04 - 07 V8 Runners are starting to develop exhaust manifold leaks and can get pretty pricey to fix. My Toyota-dealer mechanic told me to steer clear of the V8 in my research. There is a recent thread on this website about this particular defect with about 5 owners recognizing the problem at present. The V6 is a sound option if you are not towing something over 2 tons,... fairly economical yet peppy. :hello:

 

[SMEE]

Wouldn't get the vehicle in the pic. That's a pretty nasty fluid leak.

 

[Carl_G]

Xlaxx, your writing style rings a bell..... Hmmmm. V8 brah by any chance?

 

[stanleybb50]

Xlaxx, your writing style rings a bell..... Hmmmm. V8 brah by any chance?

V8 Brah (and several other names) was a huuuuge fan of the v8's. I see where you're coming from, but don't think so in this case.

*edit. Adding that his post on this thread I think shows it can't be v8brah.

(xlaxx might be wondering what we're talking about now... lol)

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=93802


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[Carl_G]

That's right I reversed it!

Sorry Xlaxx, carry on as regular.

 

[xlaxx]

V8 Brah (and several other names) was a huuuuge fan of the v8's. I see where you're coming from, but don't think so in this case.

*edit. Adding that his post on this thread I think shows it can't be v8brah.

(xlaxx might be wondering what we're talking about now... lol)

Amateur Radio Antenna Applications - Toyota 4Runner Forum


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Ya,... no clue what you guys are talking about. Big fan of the 4Runners though. I never owned one until late last night!:guitar3: Newbie to the site and don't want to hijack this thread. Thanks for the welcome,... well,... sort of I guess.

 

[stanleybb50]

Ya,... no clue what you guys are talking about. Big fan of the 4Runners though. I never owned one until late last night!:guitar3: Newbie to the site and don't want to hijack this thread. Thanks for the welcome,... well,... sort of I guess.

Haha. Welcome! And congrats on the new ride! I'm about three months into my first 4runner and love it more each day!

Like you said though, I guess we're hijacking the thread. Welcome again though!


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[ridefast]

Id pass! You can find a better deal elsewhere. Im sure thats not the only 4runner for sale where you live. Your friends Tacoma has the v6 4.0 or 4 banger not the v8. V6 is a solid decision if you are not towing more than 5k although it can tow more.

 

[mac0822]

Not to hijack this thread, but if you decide against this 4Runner, I live in Vermont and have a beautiful 2004 Sport V8 AWD with only 78,500 miles that I'm considering selling. I'm the original owner and the only reason I'm thinking about selling is because my family is now into camping and we need a truck to haul.

Just PM me if interested. Thanks.