Conundrum

[Dubllug9]

I am looking to get a used 4Runner (can’t afford new). Some background. I will be retiring in about 4 yrs. Plan on taking a small, light weight camper around this magnificent county to see all the national parks that I have always wanted to see. Currently have an 06 Sienna that has been a great vehicle. Want more towing capacity with off the beaten path ability if I should choose to do so. So, looking at 4Runners. Currently looking at 2 options: a 2006 with 156,000 miles for $12,900 and a 2013 with 209,000 miles for $17,500. Question is: Go with a 16 yr old truck with 156,000 or 9 yr old with 209,000. Better to go for less mileage or less time on all the other components? FYI, the ‘06 is $2500 over Kelly Blue Book the ‘13 is $1000 under KBB.

I thank you in advance for your opinions, Dan

 

[BlackWorksInc]

It's going to come down to the quality of the vehicle, the completeness of the maintenance records, the quality of the repair/maintenance work done (is it just oil changes or has the current/previous owners taken care of their vehicle?), and how well the over all vehicle appears (any evidence of sludge? is there any chain slap? there a ton of leaks/seepage? play in suspension/joints/etc.) At least that is the type of stuff I would look for, as well as what vehicle feels best for what you want. You can't go wrong with either vehicle in my opinion, mileage and age is a good metric; but it does come with some caveats. A low mileage vehicle that just sits and gets driven short distances might not be as "good" as one that has higher mileage but is frequently driven long at consistent freeway speeds. Conversely I would much rather a higher mileage vehicle that has much better maintenance quality and records than one that is lower mileage but, for example, hasn't seen an oil change in 20k.

 

[Oldmanb777]

As previously said, quality of vehicle first, then lower mileage. did you look at GX's. A lot more vehicle, especially for towing. Usually not more money in the used market. People just don't know what they are, and thus they tend to be sleepers on the market. Especially when paying the Toyota tax. Almost the same platform, with a lot more creature comforts, and more power, better driving, better towing etc. Similar operating costs.

 

[Oldmanb777]

one other question. you're about to retire and you want to buy an already largely worn out car. I think if you play the numbers, and amortize a newer or even new purchase, you may find it actually comes out cheaper, assuming you drive it until you'r 70+ yrs old One of the problems with buying used, especially toyota, is you often pay a lot more for used when you consider the future long term use. How much did that previous owneres 200k miles cost you, vs new. No i don't usually buy new. I want the best bang for the buck, let somebody else take the new depreciation and all that. But sometimes that doesn't work out too well in the long run. This could be your last vehicle purchase!

 

[Bluesky 07]

Welcome and first thing, listen to [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] wherever he posts. He's a Toyota master tech who knows his stuff and is kind enough to share the wisdom here.

I can only speak to the '06 (I have an '07). Check for rust underneath as it's an issue with the 4th Gen (2003-2009) trucks. Also, you didn't mention whether it's a V8, which has the advantage of significantly higher tow capacity (7500 lbs. vs 5000 lbs. for the V6 IIRC) but comes with some of its own issues. The tow capacity difference is in how the hitch attaches; the V8 bolts to several frame points where the V6 hitch is only bolted to the rear crossmember.

Where are you in Atlanta? I'm north of Canton and work in Marietta. LMK if I can help with any other questions. There's also the group GA 4Runners on Facebook that's very helpful.

I haven't yet used them myself but many of those FB group members rave about Greer Auto Services in Woodstock. I mention that b/c once you have a specific truck in your sights, you might ask them what they would charge to look it over for you. They know Toyotas and IMO that would be a very wise investment given the age and mileage you're looking at.

Finally, here's an article about towing a TT w/ a V6 4Runner. That's also my plan someday so PM me if you'd like to discuss any specifics on towing, like adding airbags to the rear springs, only towing in 4 (not D, per the manual), and so on. I think the people in the article should consider airbags based on the rear squat in some of their pics.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with.