Common 4th gen problems?

C

chowwwww

New member
Hi guys,

I looked over the prepurchase thread already. Didn't have exactly what I was looking for. I currently have a 1st gen Tacoma and my girlfriend is looking to buy a new car. The car is going to be a 4th gen 4Runner. So I'm pretty lucky.

I know what to check for when buying used cars majority of the time. But are there any specific things with a 4th gen I should keep an eye out for? I know the common vsc light problem, is there frame rust problems like the tacos? Common issues and weakness that I should look at?
 
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Frame rust, stuck calipers seem to be common complaints. Head gaskets on 2003 - 2005 V6 models have a higher than normal failure rate. Some sort of EGR injection pump issue seems to happen a lot on the V8s but I haven't paid much attention to those threads since I have a V6.
 
fdbyrne said:
Frame rust, stuck calipers seem to be common complaints. Head gaskets on 2003 - 2005 V6 models have a higher than normal failure rate. Some sort of EGR injection pump issue seems to happen a lot on the V8s but I haven't paid much attention to those threads since I have a V6.
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The V8s do have a problem with the secondary air injection system failing. It's a known issue and cost quite a bit to get replaced. Luckily, there is a bypass that easily takes it offline and won't cause any long term problems. It's a $150.00 fix and pretty easy. Happy Hunting.
 
V8s have ticking when cold if the manifolds are compromised. Stuck actuator would not allow the 4runner to go into 4Lo or 4hi, and just beeps. For sure check for rust on the frame. Crawl under there and whack the frame with a little hammer and if it doesn't sound right, it could be rusted and then quickly painted to cover up the rust, to get a sale. Head gasket can be an issue they seem to have sorted out in early 05. Avoid sunroof if possible, they leak, etc., are pain in the butt eventually. V8 and v6 are both great. Lots of great stuff here. Search around. Welcome.
 
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Driveshaft clunk or thump after a full stop. Do a search. Theres alot on it.

There's a TSB to replace it at a cost.
 
fdbyrne said:
Frame rust, stuck calipers seem to be common complaints. Head gaskets on 2003 - 2005 V6 models have a higher than normal failure rate. Some sort of EGR injection pump issue seems to happen a lot on the V8s but I haven't paid much attention to those threads since I have a V6.
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Ill be crawling under each car with a small hammer for sure. Stuck calipers? would that be a reason for the VSC TRAC ABS light? I know that the 03-05s have VSC light problems when a scanner is plugged in sometimes.

I didnt know that the 4th gens had HG problems. this is great to know. The car is for the girlfriend so it needs to be a good running car. I'm leaning more towards the V6s since theyre chain driven. not a fan of changing out timing belts. always paranoid of messing up the timing when putting things back together.
 
chowwwww said:
Ill be crawling under each car with a small hammer for sure. Stuck calipers? would that be a reason for the VSC TRAC ABS light? I know that the 03-05s have VSC light problems when a scanner is plugged in sometimes.

I didnt know that the 4th gens had HG problems. this is great to know. The car is for the girlfriend so it needs to be a good running car. I'm leaning more towards the V6s since theyre chain driven. not a fan of changing out timing belts. always paranoid of messing up the timing when putting things back together.
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I wouldn't worry about the head gaskets on the v6. If that's what you want, buy it. Here's more information on this particular topic...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/188699-***-v6-head-gasket-action-request-***.html
There's not enough data to make a conclusion about the issue, if indeed there is one at all.
 
Yes, frame rust is a significant issue. Unlike the Taco, however, Toyota hasn't done a frame rust recall. They are addressing this on a case by case basis. Toyota replaced the frame on my '03 4Runner, requiring me to pay the first $1k. But they have refused such replacements for others.

When you look at 4Runner, get it up on a lift, take off the skid plate, and look at the frame cross-member under the transmission.
 
Cracked dashboard on 03-05 but Toyota is just now implementing a warranty extension that covers the entire cost to replace the dashboard regardless of mileage.
 
M1911 said:
Yes, frame rust is a significant issue. Unlike the Taco, however, Toyota hasn't done a frame rust recall. They are addressing this on a case by case basis. Toyota replaced the frame on my '03 4Runner, requiring me to pay the first $1k. But they have refused such replacements for others.

When you look at 4Runner, get it up on a lift, take off the skid plate, and look at the frame cross-member under the transmission.
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wonder how many people will allow me to take off their skid plate when looking at their car. LOL but thats a good idea.
 
GLP said:
Cracked dashboard on 03-05 but Toyota is just now implementing a warranty extension that covers the entire cost to replace the dashboard regardless of mileage.
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Is it a warranty to the original owner only or is it transferrable and is there and expiration date?
 
miles?

I know that toyotas are very reliable. Do you guys think there should be a cut off point on max miles I should buy? The ads that I see for sale are all usually in about the 140k miles. hard to find one with 4x4 with less in my area. unfortunately I have a budget of 12k.
 
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