first time buyer

[newcar4me12]

Hi
Im interested in purchasing a Toyota 4 runner, but it will be my first used car and my first SVU. I need to go used for financial reasons. I will probably go with a 2005-2009 model. I want this car to be my primary car, but it must be able to tow a two horse trailer anywhere from 6-12x/year. I'm thinking I'll need the V8? My main questuon, is how many miles is too many? I would love an estimate on how ling a 4 runner last mileage wise? Any additional info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BucknutBob]

Well, like so many Toyotas and Hondas, the miles on the odometer matter very little--they are built extremely well, using high quality parts, and with basic regular maintenance they'll be dependable for a ridiculously long time. Guys don't bat an eye about buying older ones with 250k miles on them, because they're solid vehicles. For the kind of towing you intend, I would agree that the V8 is probably your best bet. Oh yeah--SVU is for "Law and Order"--we drive SUV's (LOL). Best of luck in your search, and welcome to the forum!

 

[ZJumper]

My wife had a 1997 4Runner 4x4 with 275,000 when we sold it and it's still going strong with the new owner--miles unknown at this point. It made many trips from southern CA to northern WA with zero problems. Only thing done to it was routine oil and filter changes in the engine/tranny/diffs as well as regular maintenance--spark plugs, air filters etc. Did the brakes for the first time at 90K and the 2nd time at 230K--yeah, I know, hard to believe. She didn't drive it hard or abuse it. I wouldn't have hesitated to drive it across the US or anywhere else for that matter.

Her current ride is a 2004 4Runner 4x4 4.0 with 152,000 on it now. Just did the brakes for the first time on it last week. Same thing with this one--routine oil and filter changes in the engine/tranny/diffs and regular maintenance. I've drove other vehicles with half the mileage that don't feel as solid as her T4R. Again, I'd drive this one anywhere.

My current ride is a 2011 4Runner 4x4 SR5. It's only for 6800 on it now. I plan on keeping it forever.

A neighbor down the street has a 1992 or 1993 T4R and it's got 450K on it. Engine and tranny are original. Paint looks horrible as it sits outside and he never washes it. According to him it still runs and drives like a champ.

I'd say a well kept and maintained 4Runner is easily capable of 300K miles at a minumum.

 

[034RUNNER]

Take care of anything and it will last a long time. I see plenty of them with 300k +. There's a reason these trucks hold their value though.

 

[highcountry]

That is a great model generation to pick especially if you are going to tow. And a V8 is the right choice with more torque than the V6. The later yrs in the generation have a little stouter V8 engines (2005+).