Expert opinions pre-purchase

Yeah, the hood scoop. It's kinda like fake boobs but I like it. :)

I'm surprised no one has devised a use for it yet. Scoops on a car usually do one of two things, either they're cooling something off or feeding air to the engine. You'd think there would be some way to convert it into a part time snorkel (use solenoids and aluminum sliders) or something.

Just for looks eh? Really too bad...
 
Yeah, the hood scoop. It's kinda like fake boobs but I like it. :)

I'm surprised no one has devised a use for it yet. Scoops on a car usually do one of two things, either they're cooling something off or feeding air to the engine. You'd think there would be some way to convert it into a part time snorkel (use solenoids and aluminum sliders) or something.

Just for looks eh? Really too bad...

There's a little plastic piece behind the actual scoop
Under the good that pops out I think, but I bet someone can make it functional.
 
Yeah, the hood scoop. It's kinda like fake boobs but I like it. :)

I'm surprised no one has devised a use for it yet. Scoops on a car usually do one of two things, either they're cooling something off or feeding air to the engine. You'd think there would be some way to convert it into a part time snorkel (use solenoids and aluminum sliders) or something.

Just for looks eh? Really too bad...

Someone posted this up awhile back, haven't seen a good use for the hood scoop in all the years I've lurked this forum.

LED Hood Scoop Mod - Page 7 - Tacoma World Forums
 
The problem with the hood scoop is the location. Due to the aerodynamics of the front end the scoop is sitting in a vacuum. If you open it up it will suck the air out of the engine bay instead of forcing it in.
 
If you go for the Sport, be ready for the XREAS to fail within the next 10,000-40,000 miles or so. Does the Limited have XREAS? If they both do, I'd say go with the Sport.
 
If you go for the Sport, be ready for the XREAS to fail within the next 10,000-40,000 miles or so. Does the Limited have XREAS? If they both do, I'd say go with the Sport.

For the OP's benefit in case he doesn't know - the XREAS was optional on the Limited's and standard on the Sport's. If it has XREAS you'll see some hydraulic looking lines going to the shocks. They should be pretty obvious on the Sport. Once you see them you'll be able to tell if the Limited has them or not. Follow the lines on the underbody and see if you see signs of rust - I think that's mostly why XREAS fails - the lines rust out. At least in the pictures I've seen here of it failing.

Edit: FWIW I would pick the Sport out of those two options above.
 
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Thanks for the info on the X-REAS. I had read about the hydraulic lines going into it.

I've also read that if it fails it's easy enough to just replace it with after market Bilstein's or something similar.

After researching more, and since you brought up rust, I'm planning to examine the undercarriage very well. I'm seeing several anecdotal reports on the forums of rust in unusual places. Under the tailgate, door handles, sunroofs, frame, etc.

I certainly don't want to spend $15-16k on a vehicle with rust issues, or even a high likelihood of rust issues. I expect to drive the 4Runner for at least 10 years if not longer. I keep cars for a long time. :)
 
Got one! :)

It wasn't easy. After having 4 or 5 of them sold before I even got to look at them, I finally got to be the 'first caller' on one, and boy is it a nice one.

2004 Sport Edition V8 Titanium Metallic w/101k miles. Would've preferred a 2005 for the VVT-I but this 4Runner is in such excellent shape…

Here's the scoop.

It's a one owner, local Colorado car. 73 year old Retired Air Force SMSgt bought it 8 years ago, brand new. I've got every record on it since then - all serviced at Toyota. Even entering the VIN # on toyota.com website, it shows every single oil change, battery check alignment etc. for the last 9 years/8months.

Timing belt was replaced at 82k. Maybe a little early but at least he was on top of the maintenance.

He had seat covers on the seats. I took them off and the seats are like new. The "caution" sticker is still on the CD player. The JBL Sythesis (I was ambivalent on this feature) speakers have the plastic protective coating/stickers on them. Even the tilt/telescope handle has the little plastic 'baggie' over it.

All in all, I'll take a service record like that, and the condition it's in over a 2005 with the extra 25 ponies and 10lbs torque.

Love this thing. Well worth trading my one owner jeep, 2002 GTI and 72 Triumph motorbike for. Will try to figure out how to get a picture or two up later.
 
Yeah. I love the truck.

Couple of questions for anyone who might know the answer.

1. The dash lights are on all the time. I can turn the brightness up/down with the dial, but should they come on all the time? I don't think I've got the Auto Headlights option.

2. Some of the chrome trim has very minor 'pitting'. On the Toyota Emblem on the grill, the lettering on the side and the chrome on the rear tailgate. Nothing major, but just wondering if there are quick easy fixes (besides just removing the lettering which I'd rather not do).

These really are great trucks. They feel bigger when driving than they are. Very solid and it exudes reliability. The silver exterior color goes great with the black dash and silver accents of the dash.

I bet we all feel like we have the best 4Runner in the world when driving them. And that's a good sign eh? :)
 

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