Buying Advice '07

[henrydbrown]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I owned a '90 4Runner for 5 years that served me faithfully on & off the road as well as under a tree that fell on it. I sold it this summer and I'm now in the market for a 4th Generation for commuting, camping, and general utility.

I'm looking at a 2007 SR-5 4wd with 71k miles on it. The owner says they have all the maintenance receipts and it is still under a "Premium Platinum Warranty" from the dealer for 4k more miles.

I'm mechanically inclined (replaced clutch on my '90 etc) but would appreciate any advice on what to look for on these newer models.

 

[mredskins]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I owned a '90 4Runner for 5 years that served me faithfully on & off the road as well as under a tree that fell on it. I sold it this summer and I'm now in the market for a 4th Generation for commuting, camping, and general utility.

I'm looking at a 2007 SR-5 4wd with 71k miles on it. The owner says they have all the maintenance receipts and it is still under a "Premium Platinum Warranty" from the dealer for 4k more miles.

I'm mechanically inclined (replaced clutch on my '90 etc) but would appreciate any advice on what to look for on these newer models.

Don't do it! They are built like crap see my thread.

 

[Nuke]

I also owned a '90 2nd gen with the 3.slow engine. Sold it to a friend with 205,000 miles on it in very good condition. I replaced it with a 2000 3rd gen with the 3.6L engine and loved it. Sold THAT to a friend with only 152,000 miles in great condition only because I got a good deal on my current '08 with the 4.0L engine (just turned 30,000 miles). Those 4Runners were/are 3 of my 6 Toyotas. The other 3 (2 Camrys and 1 Celica) were of equal or better reliability.

I can't even think of any issues worth mentioning. Test drive it and maybe have a mechanic that knows Toyotas look it over.

 

[peter78]

Don't do it! They are built like crap see my thread.

First off you are probably in the minority here, since it is a 4Runner forum. Second, we allow dissent, it would of been nice if you included a link to your troubles.

One thing you will notice is that you will get better mileage, if the 2007 is a V6. The 3rd generation gets better mileage than the 2nd generation and belive it or not, my 4th gen gets slights better mileage overall. About a 1/2 mile better than my 3rd gen. which is something I didn't expect.

What you will notice the most would be safety, air bags, anitlock brakes, 4 wheel discs, anit-skid control, traction control, but you will also notice a lot more complication compared to your 1990 model. You might even feel a little more disconnected when you drive, sure it is quieter, but all those computers and telling what is going on, I think it will be a big difference, but to me it still has that 4Runner feel and that is what I like about my 4th generation 4Runner.

 

[mredskins]

First off you are probably in the minority here, since it is a 4Runner forum. Second, we allow dissent, it would of been nice if you included a link to your troubles.

One thing you will notice is that you will get better mileage, if the 2007 is a V6. The 3rd generation gets better mileage than the 2nd generation and belive it or not, my 4th gen gets slights better mileage overall. About a 1/2 mile better than my 3rd gen. which is something I didn't expect.

What you will notice the most would be safety, air bags, anitlock brakes, 4 wheel discs, anit-skid control, traction control, but you will also notice a lot more complication compared to your 1990 model. You might even feel a little more disconnected when you drive, sure it is quieter, but all those computers and telling what is going on, I think it will be a big difference, but to me it still has that 4Runner feel and that is what I like about my 4th generation 4Runner.

I have had trouble (major trouble) with my 07 I am giving my opinion. He is welcome to buy mine we both live here in MD; it is in the lot at Jones Junction in Bel Air as we speak. Make me an offer.

My thread of troubles is labeled Seems Loud.

 

[Barefoot]

Take a look at the front brake calipers. They get sticky, and uneven pad wear results. Kinda pricey to replace.

 

[Jeff M]

Don't do it! They are built like crap see my thread.

Overreact much?

 

[Skywlkr]

I have had trouble (major trouble) with my 07 I am giving my opinion. He is welcome to buy mine we both live here in MD; it is in the lot at Jones Junction in Bel Air as we speak. Make me an offer.

My thread of troubles is labeled Seems Loud.

Major trouble? You only talk about a potential issue with the differential (which hasn't even been diagnosed). Beside, even if it is a defective part for some reason you haven't even heard if Toyota will just replace it.

Kind of jumping the gun on its quality IMO.

 

[JCR]

^^^ I agree. I hope there's nothing really wrong with your diff but I think it has been proven that the 4runner is a very reliable vehicle.

 

[henrydbrown]

Ironically this one had a rear diff problem too

Gents:

Thanks for the advice. I'm tracking on the "separation" from the road due to the modernity of the vehicle. I just sold my 81 Porsche 911 - one of the most tactile vehicles ever made.... well a Willis Jeep also has a lot of feel but the Porsche was visceral!

MRedskins - did Toyota replace it under warranty? Ironically, the one I'm looking at had the rear differential go bad and it was replaced under the (extended) warranty - though I'm not sure the power train warranty would not have covered it anyway.

Seems like this caliper thing is a trend - anyway I can check it by "feel"?

 

[mredskins]

Gents:

Thanks for the advice. I'm tracking on the "separation" from the road due to the modernity of the vehicle. I just sold my 81 Porsche 911 - one of the most tactile vehicles ever made.... well a Willis Jeep also has a lot of feel but the Porsche was visceral!

MRedskins - did Toyota replace it under warranty? Ironically, the one I'm looking at had the rear differential go bad and it was replaced under the (extended) warranty - though I'm not sure the power train warranty would not have covered it anyway.

Seems like this caliper thing is a trend - anyway I can check it by "feel"?

I will let you know tomorrow that is when they will let me know they can't decide if it is the rear diff, tranny, axle bearings, or wheel bearings. joy!

 

[MikesToy]

Back to OP. I thought the Premium Platinum Package was good upto 100K mi

 

[peter78]

I have had trouble (major trouble) with my 07 I am giving my opinion. He is welcome to buy mine we both live here in MD; it is in the lot at Jones Junction in Bel Air as we speak. Make me an offer.

My thread of troubles is labeled Seems Loud.

You still didn't have a link to your troubles.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/71743-seems-loud.html

I read your thread and to me it doesn't look like your car was built like crap. That is why we can have links, it lets people reading your complaints can make up their own minds.

 

[mredskins]

You still didn't have a link to your troubles.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/71743-seems-loud.html

I read your thread and to me it doesn't look like your car was built like crap. That is why we can have links, it lets people reading your complaints can make up their own minds.

IMO if something major goes in your car engine/drive train in the first 60k that is crap.

I am sure if this happen to you; you just be whistling Dixie as you shelled out the dollars.

Toyota's build quality has diminished in the last few years this is fact. Start with your gas pedal.

 

[peter78]

IMO if something major goes in your car engine/drive train in the first 60k that is crap.

I am sure if this happen to you; you just be whistling Dixie as you shelled out the dollars.

Toyota's build quality has diminished in the last few years this is fact. Start with your gas pedal.

I am waiting on them to diagnose it.

Perhaps to need to up-date your thread.

 

[sr1982]

Post a picture of the rig.

 

[8086bruce]

I have a 07 SR5 4wd V6. LOOOOVE it no probs. would not give it up for anything. You will not regret getting a 4th gen imho. As for the guy with the 07 that had a problem with his diff, these are machines any machine can break at any time. I ordered a new chevy truck in 98 and it had the 5.7 350 engine witch was prob. one of the best V8's ever made and it came off the truck with a spun crankshaft bearing, junk needed a new engine. S*** happens and they put a new motor in it and that truck is driving around town here with 300k on it and no troubles. :ybrick:

 

[RickC]

I had a 2000 SR5 before selling it and getting the 2003 Sport. I love both and I actually like the body style of the 3rd gen better, but I just could not get past the ride quality of the 3rd gen. I rode like my Jeep Wrangler and after 6 months or so, I sold it and bought the 03. I love the 03, everything about it.

So I have no regrets of going from the 3rd gen to the 4th gen.

 

[mredskins]

Overreact much?

Yes I do! =)

Sorry for my crappy attuide yesterday this was a bill I had no desire to pay as me and my family are saving up for a house.

Anywho it is the left rear wheel bearing and they will do it under warrenty.


If anyone lives in MD do business with Jones Junction; ever time I have come to them they have helped me out and I didn't even buy the car from them.

Jones Junction | New Chrysler, Hyundai, Subaru, Toyota, Saturn, Scion, Nissan, Jeep, Dodge dealership in , MD

 

[mredskins]

Yes I do! =)

Sorry for my crappy attuide yesterday this was a bill I had no desire to pay as me and my family are saving up for a house.

Anywho it is the left rear wheel bearing and they will do it under warrenty.


If anyone lives in MD do business with Jones Junction; ever time I have come to them they have helped me out and I didn't even buy the car from them.

Jones Junction | New Chrysler, Hyundai, Subaru, Toyota, Saturn, Scion, Nissan, Jeep, Dodge dealership in , MD

UPDATE

So they did the wheel bearing still making the noise! They are saying it is the brakes now, whatever just don't charge me.

I still say axle bearing or diff.