End of the Road for me and my runner

[Renol]

It is with a heavy heart I must part with my 4Runner. I'll be putting the "for sale" signs on it this weekend. I bought it used back in 2014 or so as a 2007 SR5 with 82,000 miles on it. It now has upwards of 240,000+. I'd like to keep it but it has become too much of a risk.

Strike one was a pin on a rear caliper snapping due to corrosion and causing the caliper to pivot out of place and rub against the rim. Bad but could've been worse had I not been relatively close from home. Towed it and got it fixed.

Strike two was I was driving and a strap holding up the gas tank snapped and dropped the tank to the ground. The stock skid plate previously rusted away badly enough to fall and it was hanging on by about 4 inches of good metal so it was removed. With no plate and one strap it could've been bad had I not been local. Again a tow and fix.

So what is strike three? Hasn't happened yet. But I can't risk it anymore. I drive the thing 90+ miles a day total to commute to work at mostly highway.

I have to replace it. Unfortunately due to some unforseen circumstances I can't afford a decent replacement with low enough miles to make it worth the investment. So I'm settling for a Rav4 adventure trim. I never really got to go hard off roading so I'm not missing much. I am sad though I'm giving up a nicely modified lifted vehicle.

So, I'm thinking realistically I can get around 5k despite paint issues on the hood amd rear bumper. With a fairly new set of rims with AT tires (I forget the brand atm), new steel rims with winter tires with at least one more season left I think I can justify that price tag. Though I did see a listing for a 2007 4runner sr5 with 210k miles...asking price? 10k.

In a few years hopefully I'll have funds to invest in a good used 4runner that isn't a hybrid like the new ones coming out. Until then I'm gonna miss it.

 

[Runnin on E]

Sounds like you need a better mechanic or spend more time under your vehicles. The highly corrosive environment of the Rust Belt demands more attention. The tank strap is a common known issue with the 4runner. The brakes? Come on now......why weren't they looked at?

 

[Drcoffee]

Its usually cheaper to repair these nuisance items than a having a car payment. Have a mechanic do a safety check, then do the work yourself over time.

 

[<<<<]

I replaced my fuel tank straps in 2004 Sports Edition. Easy 30 min job, just make sure your tank is near empty before replacing. Like it was said earlier it is a common issue. Brake caliper pins should be checked every time you service your vehicle (at least once a year), so that one is on you. I'm constantly battling rust on my 2004 because those frames are notorious for rust issues. It is my go-to dedicated off roader and occasional daily driver. With only 92K on odo i'm keeping it for several more years.

 

[Ralph Blake]

I agree with running on E you have to address any rust and take steps to reduce it or slow it down.
Good luck in selling your 2007 4 runner and good luck with your new ride.

 

[lucky guy]

Sorry to hear it. All sound like salt corrosion issues. My brother's 4gen SR5 4.7 has frame rust and other rust problems. If you still have yours you might check the transmission cooler lines too. One if his corroded to failure and ran the tranny dry. He repaired and refilled it and it still works but not like it used to.

 

[Lemming]

Sorry to hear this. Getting another?

 

[T4R2014]

I had a dude come up to me at a state inspection telling me how awesome my old 4Runner is but his wife wouldn't let him, so he had to get a new RAV4. I could sense the pain. Living in the rust belt requires more extensive maintenance that includes corrosion control. Fluid Film and regular washing at bare minimum, and otherwise knowing inclined mechanics who can point out failures before they occur. All issues you mention did not happen unexpectedly. There were definitely visual cues years back that went unnoticed.