Buying a new to me 4runner, couple of questions

[jimithing]

My old 4Runner is a goner and I'm going to need a new one. My last 4Runner was a V6 and I never had any problems with it. Very solid truck. There's a 4Runner that's almost identical to the one I had except that it's a V8. I know V6 vs V8 has been a topic of much controversy around here and I'm not trying to start one of those threads, I just want to make sure I understand the important differences between the two. Here's what I have so far:

• V8 has a timing belt that needs to be changed every 90k miles. The V6 has a chain.
• The V8 gives you more towing capacity vs the V6
• The V8 uses a little more gas than the V6
• The V8 comes with iridium spark plugs that are good until 100k whereas the V6 has plugs that have to be changed at 30k.
• V8 will be full time 4WD where my V6 was not.
• V6 oil was ridiculously easy to change myself. I understand the V8 isn't quite as easy.

Is there anything else I'm missing here?

Also, the 4Runner I'm thinking about is a 2007 and it's only showing 36000 on the odometer. How likely is it that someone disconnected the odometer for some time and the mileage is much higher than that? It just seems strange that a 2007 has so few miles to me. If I go look at it in person what should I be checking for on a V8 to make sure everything is in good working order? Thanks in advance.

 

[jow]

1. I purchased a 07 V6 with 43,000 0n it the Friday before Christmas.

2. I checked the Carfax mileage at each year’s state inspection to try and verify the mileage as correct.

3. Chcek for dealership records and at what mileage the services were performed Any T4R Dealer per Vin#. Check owner’s service records dated/miles against dealer’s database of records.

Good Luck! jow

 

[Mark86]

I think on the newer vehicles, it would be very tough to tamper with the odometer. As far as I know, there is nothing in particular to look for because the V8 is a durable engine. You should definitely check the service history, carfax records, and look around for signs of flood/body damage. I have 89k on my V8 and she still purs like a kitten. I have the dealer change my oil every 5k and my truck is happy. You covered all of the big differences between the V6 and V8 in your first post. The only thing you missed was the little V8 badge on the grill if you get the V8 Good luck with your purchase!

 

[wombie]

I have an 06 and it only has 36k on it - I don't think you need to worry about the low mileage. You could check the service records (hopefully the previous owner took it to a toyota dealer, in which case all the records would be online).

 

[natevans65]

A V-8 with a cat-back system sounds oh so much nicer than a V-6.....same with the K&N CAI as well. Can't go wrong with a V-8.

 

[jimithing]

Thanks guys. The carfax for the vehicle does show regular maintenance at the dealership because it was originally a lease vehicle.

 

[JungleJim]

Thanks guys. The carfax for the vehicle does show regular maintenance at the dealership because it was originally a lease vehicle.

You do not need to use a dealership for maintenance for a leased vehicle, but the maintenance has to be performed.

The maintenance was done because it was a leased vehicle.