Considering an '06 Sport V8...questions

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OliverD

New member
Hey guys,

I've always loved 4Runners of all generations but have never owned one. Last night I went to look at a black 2006 Sport Edition V8 4x4. Lots of miles (159k) but also cheap ($8900).

Mechanically the truck appears to be perfect. Rides and drives amazingly well. No squeaks or rattles. Diff lock and low range work. Air conditioning and all power accessories work. So mechanically, no complaints.

Interior is not as nice. It's really filthy but could probably be cleaned up nicely. There are a couple tears in the driver's seat along with a cigarette burn in the rear seat. Not dealbreakers but certainly annoying.

Only major issue which has me concerned is that the hatch is rusting above the rear window. That's the only rust I could find. I checked the wheel wells, door jambs, and edges of the doors and they are all clean. Do you think that if I were to repair this rust that I would be in the clear for the most part? Does this generation have any other problem areas for rust?

Other issue is that there are no maintenance records. Current owner has only had it for a few months and wants to get a truck. Original owner was an older lady who passed away and the current owner bought it from her son. So I'm not sure when/if the timing belt has been replaced, which I realize is not a trivial job. What are your thoughts on this?

Given the description, price, and mileage would you guys recommend purchasing this vehicle?
 
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159k is a lot, but I've heard people buy these V8's used with 150k and saying that the car and engine are solid.

For the rust, I don't really know where you're located. If you're in a high salt area for winter the underside of these can rust up over the years. What is on the hatch can be repaired by a body shop and it doesn't sound too serious.

Check under the hood and there should be a sticker listing if the timing belt had been replaced, and if so... It will say a mileage and possibly a date.

If you feel the car is solid by driving it around you can go for it. There are still some good deals out there to be had though. I've seen V6 and V8's with less than 130k miles go for $10,500 or less.

I personally would pass this one up though.
 
that sounds like an amazing price. I paid 18K for my 06 with 70K on it in perfect condition. and it's an SR5 V6. but it depends on where you are. I bought mine in Colorado where 4runners are one of the most popular vehicles. also make sure to check underneath for rust and check the exhaust manifold for excess in rust. one I was looking at had the exhaust manifold falling apart, salesman tried to tell me it was normal and all 4runners do it.... ha. I would get it checked out by a trusted mechanic and if all is good I would go for it personally. heck, you could do the timing belt and replace the seats and still get a great deal.
 
With 159k you can expect a lot of the wear and tear items to need replacing sooner rather than later. Things like CV boots, axles, shocks (XREAS), etc. The good news is that $8900 is a ridiculously low price. Low enough that I almost wonder if there's something wrong with it they're not telling you about. Did you forget a 1 in front? Should that say $18,900? I definitely agree with foxtrot about getting it looked over by a mechanic before purchasing.

Two expensive things to look for in case your mechanic isn't aware. First the V8 manifolds have a tendency to crack in areas with cold weather. You can read about it here. Also have a look at the actuator next to the transfer case. There are a few threads about it but here is one. You can find multiple threads on both subjects if you use the search button on top.

Only other thing that a lot of people complain about is the brake calipers freezing up. When that happens there's nothing to do but replace them. Relatively minor and easy to fix considering the price of the 4Runner you're looking at.

Also at that age as I mentioned XREAS is due to fail or be replaced anytime now. It's the suspension that all Sport Editions come with. You have to replace the whole system at the same time and if you go through Toyota it's at least $2k. The good news is you don't have to keep XREAS, you can use something else instead. A lot of people actually ditch XREAS before it goes out because the aftermarket options are generally superior to XREAS and they're cheaper.
 
It's definitely $8900. In fact he told me he would let it go for $8500.

I'm located in New Brunswick, Canada. Keep in mind cars are generally a bit more expensive here than in the U.S. so that price is very good. The only other 4th gens that are comparably priced are '03 SR5s with similar miles on them.
 
Once you buy it it will not take long to find out why he unloaded it so cheap. 159k miles is to much for me. Just make sure you have money set aside for repairs.
 
I would just do a compression test and check the ATF if your worried. I bought a 06 v8 60k for 18k a year ago in near perfect condition. If your mechanically inclined owning one of these isn't bad at all since the 2uz and a750 are both solid parts. First thing I did when I bought this 4th gen was ATF flush and compression test / spark plug change an d couple other maintenance items and she runs like a champ.

Also check if wp/tb been done, if not do it ASAP
 
knightsfs4 said:
Well, Obama was supposed to lower the deficit within his 4 years but he didn't...


It depends on the way it was driven and how it still currently drives.
Click to expand...

Also depends on where you live. The XREAS components seem to be vulnerable to rust so if you live in a place where they salt the roads I wouldn't expect 200k.
 
Dumb politics aside (Deficit's been going up since before Knights could ride a bike. I'm old, I remember the last few clowns in the big house and their 'accomplshments' they all suck.) :) ..

That's a very low price. Whether its a good price depends on how much you're budget is and what you plan to do with the truck. If you have $18.5k set aside for a 2006 4Runner and can pick this one up for 8.5k you have 10k to do 'repairs' with.

You can get seat covers for around $500 US and the timing belt for under a grand. No idea on the cost for the rust repair, but I would check the underside for rust as well. Do cars generally tend to. Have rust issues where you live?

The V8 in these runners is the same used in Land Cruisers and Lexus'. It's a proven drivetrain. But, if it hasnt been maintained...

Go to Toyota.com/owners and input the VIN. See if any kid of history comes up.

Maintenance/Service history is very important to me and I'd pay a premium for it. If its important to you, you'll probably have to pay extra or it as well. If it doesn't matter to you, then you've found a decent, cheap, 4Runner.
 
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Yes, cars tend to rust around here. So it's not a huge surprise.

Anyone know if toyota.com/owners will show history for Canadian vehicles?
 
If it is too good to be true, then it usually is...

8500 hundred for a 06. Man, that is cheap. It has to have something wrong with it. Even that mileage doesn't justify that price.

Have it checked over. Is it rusting into the ground?
 
I recently purchased a 2006 V* sport edition with 28k miles. Asking price was $23,500 usd. While checking for matchin VIN stickers on all body panels, notcied the front fender was different. After some more investigation, evidence of front end damage was found. Everything had been replaced to Toyota standards, but the accident was not in the vehicle histroy, nor was the repair. After two independent Toyota dealerships checked the vehicle, the only issues were a leaky water pump and a weak battery. Otherise they said everything was in good working order - I confirmed by testing all buttons, swtiched, mechanisms, etc.

Be sure to have someone check it out for you if you're not sure what youa re looking for. Checking the VIN on body panels is a good place to start the investigation of a low cost vehicle...could have been seriously messed up! Good luck!
 
my 06 v8 sport has 158000 on it. the rust spots I've noticed is on the latch for the back hatch. also the tow hitch. I live in Ohio, we import salt because we use so much. I haven't seen anything worth worrying about other than that. Sounds like an awesome deal.
 
Hey Oliver, I'm from New Brunswick as well... and I will repeat what was said above... that price is almost too good to be true, although if it really is 159K miles, and not km's then that would be a good reason why. I bought my 2006 Limited with 109K kilometers and it was 2.5 times that amount.

.. I will also echo the comments above , be prepared to spend some big time dollars on repairs. Mine is becoming very expensive for repairs (one example... I just got it back from the dealer on Friday after replacing 2 new front calipers which had both seized, which also needed the rotors machined..etc to the tune of a $800 bill) to the point of considering trading it in on something else. I have a cracked manifold and its going to cost me $1,750 and that is just the one side, hoping its not two) and the timing belt change is almost due.

Anyway, not sayinhg you shouldn't buy it... but make sure to really check it over well.

Also... ask the owner were he had it serviced... if it was at a toyota dealer, they should let you see the service records if you go in and ask (they did for mine).
 
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