Buying a 2007-2009 4runner in a few months

[lionscourt]

I need a mid size SuV for camping/family and work--carrying cabinet doors and drawers--and, as I had a 97 Lexus SC400 that's been bullet proof for 20years, I wanted to keep it in the family. Many of the people who own 3rd generation 4Runners still have them in my neighborhood so decided on either a 4th generation 4runner or Tacoma but really like the enclosed aspect of the 4runner for audio and family outings/camping. After going over and over the different aspects of both trucks, I realized I only wanted the Tacoma for work and helping people move(!) while I really like the 4runner for a variety of reasons...camping, work, owner recidivism, and audio, not to mention the look of one on nice tires and slightly raised. I plan on buying one (2007-2009 Limited Ed.) with less than 75K miles in about 2-3months....
Can't wait!

 

[TheTurboMRT]

I need a mid size SuV for camping/family and work--carrying cabinet doors and drawers--and, as I had a 97 Lexus SC400 that's been bullet proof for 20years, I wanted to keep it in the family. Many of the people who own 3rd generation 4Runners still have them in my neighborhood so decided on either a 4th generation 4runner or Tacoma but really like the enclosed aspect of the 4runner for audio and family outings/camping. After going over and over the different aspects of both trucks, I realized I only wanted the Tacoma for work and helping people move(!) while I really like the 4runner for a variety of reasons...camping, work, owner recidivism, and audio, not to mention the look of one on nice tires and slightly raised. I plan on buying one (2007-2009 Limited Ed.) with less than 75K miles in about 2-3months....
Can't wait!

If you're looking for a limited, keep an eye on the GX470 as well.

 

[lionscourt]

If you're looking for a limited, keep an eye on the GX470 as well.

I HATE the rear door but LOVE the rest of the GX, especially the front cabin and would be all over it cept' for that rear door opening....

 

[luke87gt]

Why are you ruling out 2006?

 

[fayewong]

I HATE the rear door but LOVE the rest of the GX, especially the front cabin and would be all over it cept' for that rear door opening....

the stereo unit and GPS on those things suck, you can't modify it since your AC is tied to the monitor. Backup camera is washed out like a 90's spy camera. I got both, so Gx470 is definitely better in terms of comfort. but 4runners give you more options to modify and expand.

 

[TheTurboMRT]

the stereo unit and GPS on those things suck, you can't modify it since your AC is tied to the monitor. Backup camera is washed out like a 90's spy camera. I got both, so Gx470 is definitely better in terms of comfort. but 4runners give you more options to modify and expand.

If you're concern is modifying the stereo, get the one without the premium sound, and you can switch it out. Personally I like the ML system in mine, and haven't had any problems with the back up camera being washed out.
The nav isn't tied into traffic, which is annoying, so I just use it as a "you are here" map to figure out side streets I wouldn't otherwise have used. Just make sure you have the most up to date Nav disc. They're about $10 on eBay.


The side opening door is annoying AF though. The only benefit I've seen, is I can have my Thule rooftop box on and still open the rear door without hitting the box with the spoiler

 

[waypoint]

I just picked up an '07 4Runner Limited, 162K miles and has a few issues...great project the next few weeks. I've owned an '03 Tundra followed by an '04 Tacoma, both were great vehicles.

This vehicle's punch list includes a P0016 CEL, leaking front brake caliper, swaybar end links rattling, and both outboard CV boots torn. Plus a few dashboard lights burned out, e.g. AC controls.

Fun times ahead.

 

[camp332]

I love my 08. Don't worry about the noisy 4.0 V6(if you go the V6 route). That's just the way they are. Great vehicles to work on.

 

[lionscourt]

Why are you ruling out 2006?

Not ruling it out... It's just that my targeted strike is a 2008 LE because I've read on here there's a few subtle changes from previous years that I might find useful.... forgot what they were though.....:toilet3:

 

[lionscourt]

I love my 08. Don't worry about the noisy 4.0 V6(if you go the V6 route). That's just the way they are. Great vehicles to work on.

nice one....white is my targeted color

 

[jerseygeorge]

I just bought a 2007 Sport, 2WD, 130,000 miles and its in amazing shape. Its a runaround town and beach car in San Diego. There were many in amazing shape and condition in SoCal. But as you are aware the prices are $$$$ crazy here. I paid top notch this time around, sought a deal, but owned a Montero with a failing transmission. Owning a 4runner in the northeast, where all are 4WD I was surprised how many 2WD on the market here, and the premium paid for 4WD.

 

[JabzSA]

Good luck

Cant go wrong with a '07.

I have a Sport, v6 that's about to roll over on 90k miles....but some folks view...shes barely broken in!

Recently moved from Dallas, Tx to NY...so use it as a run around etc....jack of all trades...and master of all too.

Really great vehicle. I service it (myself) religiously every 5k miles....absolutely no issues with it at all.

Good luck.

 

[NOLA Runner]

We own an '08 SR5 2wd purchased new, 96k miles. No mechanical issues in 9+ years. Side & curtain air bags became standard n '08. We also bought an '07 Limited 4wd (with 73k miles) in 2010. At 110k now, again with zero mechanical issues. I looked at new Tacoma's before buying the '07 Limited. The 4 Runners have many features the trucks lack and it's easy to rent a small trailer when you need to move things. I believe these SUV's built in Japan have to be among the most reliable models ever built.

 

[Renol]

4th gen 4runners seem pretty bullet proof. My dad got an 04 with the v8 new when they came out and the only mechanical issues he's had is the transfer case not wanting to lock or engage 4LO but that's probably because he never cycled it like you're supposed to every once in a while.

I just picked up an 07 myself with 88k miles on it in V6 flavor. Best part is it's not the grey, black, or white that 90% of cars come in these days. But I do think about the visibility of the red when I'm zipping down the highway. In any case it makes it easy to spot in the parking lot . Once the "new car" feeling wears off (and my pocket book recovers) I'll be doing some tasteful interior mods.

It does sound like you have your eye on a specific car so good luck with everything. Just don't fall in love with one then get stuck with a clunker. I hunted down another 07 with less than 77k miles but the motor didn't run well and the body looked like the guy used it for batting practice with angle irons. Dealer tried to tell me it was typical "city damage" lol suffice to say I kept looking.

 

[lionscourt]

I went today and looked this 2008 Limited.... It was in pretty good shape. The interior was in good shape except for the ceiling which was pretty scratched up. I think it was around 96K miles. My first time really looking inside a 4runner so just went to check it out...not buying right now. The salesman said they were sticking to the price right now as they'd only had the truck a week....

2008 Toyota 4Runner Limited for sale in Costa Mesa, CA | Stock #: 169

 

[Juicy]

I went today and looked this 2008 Limited.... It was in pretty good shape. The interior was in good shape except for the ceiling which was pretty scratched up. I think it was around 96K miles. My first time really looking inside a 4runner so just went to check it out...not buying right now. The salesman said they were sticking to the price right now as they'd only had the truck a week....

2008 Toyota 4Runner Limited for sale in Costa Mesa, CA | Stock #: 169

That looks really nice, but my advice is if you see one you like DO NOT hesitate for even a second because it will be gone quick. The ones that sit usually have something wrong (like with most used cars). If you are picky and really set on sticking to what you listed, be prepared to look for months and months.

 

[Fl_tigers]

I went today and looked this 2008 Limited.... It was in pretty good shape. The interior was in good shape except for the ceiling which was pretty scratched up. I think it was around 96K miles. My first time really looking inside a 4runner so just went to check it out...not buying right now. The salesman said they were sticking to the price right now as they'd only had the truck a week....

2008 Toyota 4Runner Limited for sale in Costa Mesa, CA | Stock #: 169

As Juicy Said, that will not last long. That is low mileage and looks in really good shape. I do think the price is a bit high however you may spend the next 2 years trying to find something with that low mileage.

 

[jerseygeorge]

Its a little bit of a drive for you, but I just purchased a 2007 Sport, 2WD, 124k, very nice shape, 13,900. Not cheap, but a very good dealer. They have a large selection of 4runner and Tacoma and if you read the reviews they are well deserved. Not at all like any used dealer I have visited. Very chill, not pushy. And they know every model, every year, every detail. They have a really nice niche in our favorite vehicle! I asked where they get their inventory and it comes from a large dealer in LA area. Whoever is the biggest dealer, is where it comes from.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/miramar-motor-sports-san-diego-3

 

[lionscourt]

That looks really nice, but my advice is if you see one you like DO NOT hesitate for even a second because it will be gone quick. The ones that sit usually have something wrong (like with most used cars). If you are picky and really set on sticking to what you listed, be prepared to look for months and months.

Good advice but you notice in original post I mentioned I would not be buying for a couple months. Everything right now is just fact finding and confirming my feelings about the year and make I'm going after. Given that any point in time is fairly relative to a short time later, I should have a similar selection to what is out there now in a few months... I've found in car purchasing it's almost always better to wait if it's not what you're looking for...

 

[lionscourt]

Its a little bit of a drive for you, but I just purchased a 2007 Sport, 2WD, 124k, very nice shape, 13,900. Not cheap, but a very good dealer. They have a large selection of 4runner and Tacoma and if you read the reviews they are well deserved. Not at all like any used dealer I have visited. Very chill, not pushy. And they know every model, every year, every detail. They have a really nice niche in our favorite vehicle! I asked where they get their inventory and it comes from a large dealer in LA area. Whoever is the biggest dealer, is where it comes from.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/miramar-motor-sports-san-diego-3

Thanks...I checked them out and SD is not out of my range but they don't yet have the year(s) I'm looking for. They've come up on several of my searches with cargurus, autotrader,...I'll keep an eye out on them and if something comes up, SD is just a hour or so away