Buying a used 04 4Runner Sport - What maintenance to do?

[TheStigE36]

I am looking to buy a 2004 4Runner Sport 4x4 tomorrow. The one I am looking at is clean but it has 124,000 on the clock. I am going to do some early preventative maintenance on it after purchasing. So my question is what all would you guys change? Assume there are no records with the vehicle...

I figure oil, coolant, brake flush, transmission fluid (or is that a sealed system on these?), and the 4x4 diff fluid. Are these what you guys recommend? I plan to replace the whole cooling system (ie radiator, water pump, hoses, and thermostat) in the next few months to just prevent later headaches and possible overheating with the coming summer. Are there any other things you think should be done? Thanks for the help and I sincerely look forward to joining the ranks soon!

 

[zerowkul98]

Id change all the fluids: coolant, diff's, tranny, power steering. Id make sure the timing belt was changed out, and hopefully the water pump changed out at the same time. Id check the calipers for frozen pistons and id make sure the 4wd-lo actuator works and does not leak.

 

[TheStigE36]

Ok so now I am confused... I have read a few places that this model with the V6 does not have a timing belt and instead has a timing chain that you do not change out. Is that true? If you do have to change the timing chain/belt, what can I expect to spend on this?

 

[jimithing]

Ok so now I am confused... I have read a few places that this model with the V6 does not have a timing belt and instead has a timing chain that you do not change out. Is that true? If you do have to change the timing chain/belt, what can I expect to spend on this?

You're correct - if it's the V6 it has a chain. The V8 has a belt. You don't need to change the chain unless it starts making noise which shouldn't be for quite a few more miles.

Also, don't forget to change the plugs.

 

[jimithing]

Also go register the VIN number at the Toyota Owners website and you'll be able to see if there was an maintenance done by Toyota.

 

[zerowkul98]

Ok so now I am confused... I have read a few places that this model with the V6 does not have a timing belt and instead has a timing chain that you do not change out. Is that true? If you do have to change the timing chain/belt, what can I expect to spend on this?

My mistake. I assumed it was a V8 when you said 4x4. My b.

 

[earthrealm]

yeah, they have pretty much covered all the bases.checking the vin @toyota site and a carfax should unearth some more info.

btw: how much is the car listed for?...am searching for something similar..the ones i hv seen are a lil too rich for me