Buying Advice, 4th Gen

[shomann]

Hey all.

I have been lurking here for the past few months as I have been eying a 4-Runner for my next vehicle. It will be my first official SUV. I am coming from a 2002 Lexus GS 430 (its been bullet-proof), so I know what to expect from Toyota quality.

Specifically, I have found a 2007 Sport V6 4x4 T4R that's local. For the area, this is pretty rare, at least one that's privately owned. I have not seen or driven it yet, but I already know its in the hands of its second owner and has 84k on the ODO.

Should I be concerned about buying a ~$20k SUV that already has 84k on the clock? I know the T4Rs are generally very reliable, but I would love a few opinions.

The good news is that while this is a good deal price-wise, and location-wise, I am not in a hurry to buy. I have a personal deadline of late summer before I need to make a decision so if this one isn't it, I will happily move on.

Incidentally, the other cars on the list are:

2008-09 Subaru Legacy GT or 3.0R
2009-10 Subaru Forester
2007-08 Infiniti G35x

This is the only truck frame on my short list. All the cars have one thing in common - 4x4 or AWD

 

[JohnsD90]

I can't talk about the Legacy or Inifinti, but the Forester and my 3rd gen are worlds apart, the forester feels cheap and slow, and i didnt like the way Subaru did the AWD system, and the back of it felt like space was wasted, my friend has one on and it just felt cheap slow, useless. I hear great things about 4th gens about how they are more car like than the 3rd gen and more refined. And from what i hear the motor is good too, no major problems, but i am also a 3rd gen guy.

 

[BMAC]

I recently purchased a 2007 Sport V6 4WD one owner, garage kept in perfect condition 25,000 miles on it and Toyota Certified for $23,900. To me the 83,000 miles is high. Is it Toyota Certified?

 

[zachb_NW]

Find something with lower miles! Just bought my 06' last month had 50k miles only spent a few thousand more then 80k mile vehicles. One of the problems with 4runners is they hold they value so well high mileage vehicles still sell for high dollars.

You close to indianapolis?

2006 Toyota 4Runner Limited Black

2006 Toyota 4-Runner Sport Edition

 

[034RUNNER]

Those are high miles for an 07. I have similar miles on my '03. If it was taken care I'm sure it's okay and all, have it checked out though, but it could just be better for you in the long haul. If the price it worth it to you, go for it. I would say look for one w/less in terms of keeping it for a longer time, though.

 

[cosmos7]

I'd have no problem buying a 4th gen with 84K on the ODO... I just wouldn't pay 20 grand for it. Keep looking...

 

[jbmccul]

I've driven the legacy, forester, and 4runner, it all comes down to personal preference. I loved the legacy but felt uncomfortable on busy highways due to how low it is. Ultimately chose the 4runner because I enjoyed sitting up higher. Plus, if you get the v8 it is all time 4wd. Plus, that 4r seems a little pricey to me. My 07 was 21.5k with 63k miles on it and Toyota certified. Good luck on your search, prices in my area seem to have gone up due to the limited availability. Good luck with your purchase

 

[shomann]

Thanks guys! I truly appreciate the feedback and the real-world knowledge.

@zachb_NW - I am close enough to Indy that these are great finds! TY very much, I will investigate further.

Autotrader and Cars.com are showing 06s and 07s around the 20k price point and higher. Honestly, 20k is my upper limit of comfort. My mindset is such that I will travel for a good deal.

Thanks again!