Free advise

[GeoffWillis]

A question to the forum: I am the original owner of a 2004 4Runer, Sport, V8, 4 wheel Drive with 210,000 miles. The vehicle has been perfect needing only Oil, Tires, Brakes, and timing belt/Water pump. Perfect until recently, So far this year I've had to replace passenger side Catalytic Converter ($1200.), Master Cylinder ($3500.!!!), and this weekend I got the lights/codes for the other (Driver Side) Catalytic Converter. Given that I'm also due for another Timing Belt/Water pump I figure I'm looking at another $2000, so an expensive year. I love my truck, but at what point do I stop throwing good money after bad?? I'll have spent over 6k this year, which is about what the vehicle is worth. I don't like the new 4Runner (No V8, no full time 4x4), and Lexus is outside my reach. I found a 2005 Sport/V8/4x4 identical to mine except JBL audio with only 25,000 miles. Thinking about giving up on mine and starting new with this low milage jewel. I've just lost confidence in my truck, every time the dash lights up like a Christmas tree I want to just scream. I guess what I'm asking, if I dump another 2k into the vehicle, what else could go wrong? How about Transmissions, or transfer case? I keep feeling like I've replaced all the major parts, but would appreciate some input.
Thanks to all,
Geoff

 

[DC runner]

I don't think you are making a horrible cost benefit analysis.

Everything you say is valid. Nothing that has gone out is super serious though. Cats clog, happens. But if you would enjoy a lower mileage vehicle, then why not.

 

[Synister]

I say out with the old and in with the newer. 210K is nothing to sniff at and the things you replaced were probably legitimately at the end of what Toyota envisioned their life to be. A 2005 with only 25k has a lot of possibilities.

 

[awdjunkies]

With the input you have given, I am assuming that you live in an area/county which regulates smog. Thought about replacing with aftermarket ones? one of the guys(I'll try to find said thread) which has used aftermarket ones with much success.

In terms of upgrading, it's a personal choice but do remember that the 2005 has a bump in power due to the vvt-i.. In the end, I am sure you will make a dedicated decision.


PS: Remember that you are the ONLY owner of that 04, and you are looking at a 25k mile youngin' which means it could be a jewel or 25k miles thrashed unit. I am sure you are smart and will research it before diving into it...

 

[GeoffWillis]

Better the devil you know

Appreciate the input, but I've decided that I'd rather dump 2k into my truck that I know has been taken care of verses 20k for an unknown. I have to admit that a 2005 with only 25,000 miles is tempting, but it's still a 9 year old vehicle and I could end up needing Catalytic converters and Master cylinders like mine as needed. I know my truck has been well cared for, and except for the recent issues it's been trouble free. So, if anybody is interested in a low mileage gen4, check auto trader!
Geoff

 

[awdjunkies]

Appreciate the input, but I've decided that I'd rather dump 2k into my truck that I know has been taken care of verses 20k for an unknown. I have to admit that a 2005 with only 25,000 miles is tempting, but it's still a 9 year old vehicle and I could end up needing Catalytic converters and Master cylinders like mine as needed. I know my truck has been well cared for, and except for the recent issues it's been trouble free. So, if anybody is interested in a low mileage gen4, check auto trader!
Geoff

Excellent Choice Geoff..

PS: Off Topic I know but, About 2 or so decades ago, I used to know a great guy who, spelled his name the same way you do, he is Australian. Are you Australian as well?

 

[Lineman]

I realize you love your Runner but. As of recent your total is $6700.. You have 210K miles on your ride. I imagine in the next few years, there will be an XREAS issue, transmission, engine, 4WD system issues as well. You might keep on throwing money in it from now until you must unload it.

You don't have to spend $20K for an unknown. You don't have to buy a 2005 either. There are deals to be had on a 2007-2009 as well. But do the math.. You basically only needed $13K more dollars and you have a vehicle with 25K miles instead of one with 200K miles.

I don't think I could have done the $3500 master cylinder fix. Why was that so expensive anyway?

You have a 10 year old vehicle that has lasted a lot of miles. But things start to go bad and sometimes they become a money pit.

Appreciate the input, but I've decided that I'd rather dump 2k into my truck that I know has been taken care of verses 20k for an unknown. I have to admit that a 2005 with only 25,000 miles is tempting, but it's still a 9 year old vehicle and I could end up needing Catalytic converters and Master cylinders like mine as needed. I know my truck has been well cared for, and except for the recent issues it's been trouble free. So, if anybody is interested in a low mileage gen4, check auto trader!
Geoff

 

[GeoffWillis]

Lineman, your points are well made and exactly what my wife and I agonized over last night. Although $4500 is already spent, so really instead of only 13K delta, more like 18k, plus shipping from Utah, and TT&L jacks it to about $22k out the door... My requirements are:
1) Body on Frame, uni-body need not apply
2) Full time 4 wheel drive (Excludes the Gen 5)
3) V8 (Once again excludes the Gen 5).

And yes, $6700 is a lot to spend in a year with no guarantee that I won't have other issues. BUT, I haven't had a car payment in 4 years and that has been nice. I look at it as I've just made a years worth of payments vs 6 years. Also, the vehicle only needs to last 3 more years, then house is paid for and the I can get what I want (Lexus GX meets my requirements above and cheaper than a G-Wagon!). I guess I was just frustrated in having all these issues in a single year. Not sure why the Master Cylinder is so expensive (There is a tread on that), but the part alone (OEM) was $2745! I do fear the XREAS issue, no problem yet, but knocking on wood. I understand a lot of folks ditch it and go with FJ components. I hope not to have to worry about that.
I may regret letting this one go, the temptation of having a 25,000 mile vehicle is very strong. But all things considered, I take excellent care of my truck and expect it to last another 100k-200k miles. This is by far the best vehicle I've owned (Landrover series II, Landrover Defender, International Scout, K-5 Blazer and many Hondas/VW's)
And to AWDJUNKIES, no, not from Australia, but would love to go there!
Thanks for letting me vent/ponder my options.
Geoff

 

[RyanR]

After reading the "$3500" MC fix... I thought u got totally screwed until I looked it up on RockAuto. Hell even through there is over $1k! Yikes... But it sounds like you made the right decision, I as well would keep what u have and just row with the punches.

 

[anotherrunner83]

Appreciate the input, but I've decided that I'd rather dump 2k into my truck that I know has been taken care of verses 20k for an unknown. I have to admit that a 2005 with only 25,000 miles is tempting, but it's still a 9 year old vehicle and I could end up needing Catalytic converters and Master cylinders like mine as needed. I know my truck has been well cared for, and except for the recent issues it's been trouble free. So, if anybody is interested in a low mileage gen4, check auto trader!
Geoff

i think your logic is very sound on this. in my opinion, while a 2005 with 25,000 miles sounds nice, vehicles are made to be driven, not sit in a driveway or garage. With only 2800 miles a year (not even enough to warrant an oil change a year), i would be weary of what would go wrong with it when it did start seeing some miles put on.

 

[earthrealm]

good analysis so far, its a dicey situation. buying an 05 for $20k even with 25k miles isnt such a good deal for me.

i would rather buy a decent well maintained 06/07 model with 60k to 110k miles for 12k to 15k, than the 05 for 20k
@210k miles...a lot more things could go wrong......transmission/timing belt/ hg