Buying used! Problems?

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makakio

New member
Okay guys - haven't found a sticky or much repetition in posts about what goes wrong with the 8s or 6s, so here are a few question(s) and I'm hoping to get a primer from y'all (kind thanks in advance):

Looking at 08s and 09s only (mainly b/c it's what I can find with <100k miles, but I've always thought that last of a gen is a bit more reliable). It's gotta have leather (wife) and 4WD (me), so I'm in a Limited. I'd like the 6 for MPGs and the 8 because it has ballz. Really, either will work as I don't tow more than a moto trailer and I'm doing that just fine right now with my 180hp Gen 3. Will also intend to keep this one to 200k at a minimum.

Some issues that appear more frequently here than others:

V8s: seem to have a very, very expensive manifold leak issue (at relatively low mileage)? Also, TSBs for bad cats?

V6s: cooked heads? emission issues?

Both: front caliper issues? TPM issues? Any XREAS issues (though I don't really know what this is or what the implications are to owning, driving or potentially lifting a truck with it)?

Keeping in mind I'll have and potential purchase combed through, what else do you guys suggest I look out for in the Gen 4?
 
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Do a search also, but the calipers are trouble areas for all.

Other than that just make sure the 4wd actuators are working.

On second thought, I'm too lazy to go over all stuff. Do a search with the google search thing above. It will only search threads on here and is much better than the build in search feature.


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Check all the major things that have been/will be listed....

But also check the integrity (seal) of the damn gas cap. It was very simple and it sounds whiny, but the last thing I wanted after I bought my car (used or not) was a CEL right off the bat.

I've since replaced it and I removed the CPV and cleaned it and all is well, but just not a good way to get started.

If they (the Toyota dealer where I got it) do such a "thorough" inspection beforehand, you'd think they would have caught a gas cap that pulled straight off and didn't even come close to sealing. Makes me wonder about the rest of the truck, but oh well....too late now. :guitar3:
 
Yep, those earlier posts just about sum it up. The list that i would check on are:

- all 4 calipers (the fronts are usually the prime suspects)

- Sunroof frame rust or bubbling

- 4wd-low actuator leak

- rusting / bubbling underneath the rear hatch weather stripping

- cracked manifold (V8)

- head gasket (V6)

Just keep in mind that everyone's ride is different, everyone treats their ride differently, and lets face it...sh*t happens. I baby my two 4runners, and ive fallen victim to things like the frozen calipers and some bubbling behind the weather stripping. Just do due-dillegence and keep an eye on things, proper PREVENTATIVE maintenance, and you'll be fine.
 
Thanks guys - appreciate the feedback so far and if others have found additional issues that seem more common *to the Gen4* please post! I not new at buying cars or 4Runners and I know the basics that would apply to buying any used car, but I don't know the intricacies of these.

Oh - and do know that I've searched the forum pretty thoroughly. I'm not a noob here and actually find it a bit surprising that unlike the other Gen _x_ forums here there isn't a "buyers guide" or "what to look out for when buying" sticky or thread. I'm sure you realize that forums like this and others tend to disproportionately highlight issues (why many actually find and come to forums), so just doing a search of posts doesn't hold much empirical accuracy. That's why, lacking a buyer's guide or a similar post here at the G4 forum I'm asking for your experienced feedback.

Thanks again - if there's more to add please post. If not I'm feeling pretty stoked!
 
Not much else to say really. Maybe check for rust around the license plate shroud. The piece right above the license plate. Check for small rust spots where it connects/touches the body paint there. Mine has a small spot there that I have to take care of soon. I need to remove the shroud to do so though...


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i believe you can get leather and 4wd in all trim levels (SR5, sport & limited). as for v6 vs. v8, the 8 definitely has balls but i have found my v6 to be an excellent engine. if you look at epa MPG, the v8 is just 1 mpg behind the 6 in both city and highway, BUT that is with conservative driving. it is hard not to mash the pedal in the v8.
 
As a 19 year old college student, I do find it difficult to not gun it every time with the V8! :driving: But I keep the RPM below 2000, and looking at the MPG gauge say "18.0 MPG" and that makes it worth it lol :banana:
 
Damn. When I was a 19 year old college student I had a stinking Dodge K car. But at least it was the 5-speed manual SE version - with the optional chick magnet installed. :cheers:
 
There's not a whole lot of issues with this car, that's why there isn't a whole lot of threads about what to look out for. Some will have a few issues but many are so reliable its frightening. 77K hard miles on an 04 V8 here with just replacing the brake calipers. Oh yea, and flaking rims. Coming from a VW I'm amazed at the vehicle. Chances are you will have good luck.
 
NJshadow93 said:
As a 19 year old college student, I do find it difficult to not gun it every time with the V8! :driving: But I keep the RPM below 2000, and looking at the MPG gauge say "18.0 MPG" and that makes it worth it lol :banana:
Click to expand...

ha! my mpg gauge is always way off, i'm better off just guessing. it always says ~18mpg in town which i find to be great, but when i actually did my own calculation based on miles/gallons used it was more like 14.9. my daily commute to work is 5.5 miles each way so mpg is not a huge deal.
 
makakio said:
V8s: seem to have a very, very expensive manifold leak issue (at relatively low mileage)?
Click to expand...

My take from afar is:

  • It's very hard to directly verify, so actual number of occurrences is murky.
  • Apparently, in many instances the heat expansion of engine warming causes symptoms to disappear.
  • Can be classified as just an annyonce because there seems to be no need to get it fixed for performance or safety reasons.
 
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