Getting rid of my M3 this weekend, need 4runner advice

[hgill]

I think I have pretty much decided on the V8 4Runner as the gas difference and timing belt replacement cost doesnt not seem much to me (when i compare to my M3, it all seems pretty cheap.lol). In terms of a sports car, yea i will miss it. But i plan to pick another one up in a few years down the line. But my question remains UNANSWERED.

When i go look and test drive the 4runner, (since it will be used with about 50k on it), are there any particular items I should pay attention to (besides the typical car buying tips)?

 

[THEROK]

I think I have pretty much decided on the V8 4Runner as the gas difference and timing belt replacement cost doesnt not seem much to me (when i compare to my M3, it all seems pretty cheap.lol). In terms of a sports car, yea i will miss it. But i plan to pick another one up in a few years down the line. But my question remains UNANSWERED.

When i go look and test drive the 4runner, (since it will be used with about 50k on it), are there any particular items I should pay attention to (besides the typical car buying tips)?

nothing out of the usual ppi. unlike the E46 M3 where you're looking for rear subframe work, rod bearing replacement, you simply don't have to deal with that BS in toyotaland.

yes, it's THAT good. and you made the right decision to go with the legendary v8. it's smoother than the S54. torquier too.

 

[hgill]

nothing out of the usual ppi. unlike the E46 M3 where you're looking for rear subframe work, rod bearing replacement, you simply don't have to deal with that BS in toyotaland.

yes, it's THAT good. and you made the right decision to go with the legendary v8. it's smoother than the S54. torquier too.

Thank god, i was freaken fed up with the E46 issues. If it wasnt one thing it was another. Damn recalls, steering vibrations, and list goes on. I think the V8 will keep me more than satisfied.

 

[kcnewf]

When i go look and test drive the 4runner, (since it will be used with about 50k on it), are there any particular items I should pay attention to (besides the typical car buying tips)?

There are a few 4th generation specific issues that are mentioned repeatedly in posts all over this forum

1. Check that 4 LO engages.
2. Check for any leaks or signs of leaks from the transfer case or 4 LO actuator

A search on this forum will show that the above are both common issues and very expensive to fix.

3. Also check for the infamous 4th generation driveline clunk when stopping or starting.
4. If a Sport model, check for leaks in the XREAS system.


In addition, if the vehicle does not have service records, I suggest insisting that differentials and transfer case get serviced.

Skip looking for any of the above issues and you might have a nice costly fix in your short term future.

 

[hgill]

There are a few 4th generation specific issues that are mentioned repeatedly in posts all over this forum

1. Check that 4 LO engages.
2. Check for any leaks or signs of leaks from the transfer case or 4 LO actuator

A search on this forum will show that the above are both common issues and very expensive to fix.

3. Also check for the infamous 4th generation driveline clunk when stopping or starting.
4. If a Sport model, check for leaks in the XREAS system.


In addition, if the vehicle does not have service records, I suggest insisting that differentials and transfer case get serviced.

Skip looking for any of the above issues and you might have a nice costly fix in your short term future.

thanks, will definitely search the forums and make a list of all items to check on a 2006 Sport V8.

 

[VXC]

Be patient in your search for a T4R. I was able to find a 2008 UrbanRunner 2WD for $23k out the door at a dealership back in August. Only had 18k miles on it too.

 

[[email protected]]

I am in Bakersfield as well... I got out of my 450+HP Audi S4 and went to a 2006 V8 4Runner.

I test drove a 07 Sport V6, it had a decent amount of power, but I plan on towing a trailer a decent amount of time, and the thought of trying to get up the grapevine with a V6 and trailer in tow makes me cringe.


I found one at North Bakersfield Toyota,and they treated me good.



The V8 is nice and smooth. Power is pretty much right there... Sometimes you gotta wait for the downshift, but it was a nice switch from the Audi(a lot of power everywhere!)

I havent regretted getting into a 4Runner and out of the Audi one bit... but I do have a street bike to fill my need for speed(thats what the trailer is for)

Send me a PM if you have any questions...

 

[JB.]

hgill,

The V8 is not as much faster than the V6 as you might expect because it weighs about 200lbs more. Killer smooth engine, though.

You may know, but I haven't seen it mentioned, that the V8 will be full-time 4WD. Imo, that's a plus but most people want the 2WD option. Since you're not gas price sensitive, I expect you'll like it too. The Torsen center diff biases torque to the rear 60/40 to retain a mostly RWD feel. Independent of power, though, I expect you'll find the two vehicles will feel and handle a bit differently.

As far as things to watch, kcnewf covered it well. The front brake caliper pistons seem to be prone to seizing after a while but I tend to think that is much less of an issue in hot, dry climates.

 

[hgill]

I am in Bakersfield as well... I got out of my 450+HP Audi S4 and went to a 2006 V8 4Runner.

I test drove a 07 Sport V6, it had a decent amount of power, but I plan on towing a trailer a decent amount of time, and the thought of trying to get up the grapevine with a V6 and trailer in tow makes me cringe.


I found one at North Bakersfield Toyota,and they treated me good.



The V8 is nice and smooth. Power is pretty much right there... Sometimes you gotta wait for the downshift, but it was a nice switch from the Audi(a lot of power everywhere!)

I havent regretted getting into a 4Runner and out of the Audi one bit... but I do have a street bike to fill my need for speed(thats what the trailer is for)

Send me a PM if you have any questions...

Wow I thought i was the only one from Bakersfield. lol I hardly ever see ppl on forums from Bakersfield for some reason. Ive been to both toyota dealerships in town, and neither have a 4runner. I know a guy at the North Bakersfield branch, so I will probably have them find me one with all the options I want. As much as I loved my M3, I much rather have a more reliable car that i dont have to worry about on a day to day basis. (plus the 4runner would be perfect to make some trips to China Peak right now and get some snowboarding in).

 

[hgill]

hgill,

The V8 is not as much faster than the V6 as you might expect because it weighs about 200lbs more. Killer smooth engine, though.

You may know, but I haven't seen it mentioned, that the V8 will be full-time 4WD. Imo, that's a plus but most people want the 2WD option. Since you're not gas price sensitive, I expect you'll like it too. The Torsen center diff biases torque to the rear 60/40 to retain a mostly RWD feel. Independent of power, though, I expect you'll find the two vehicles will feel and handle a bit differently.

As far as things to watch, kcnewf covered it well. The front brake caliper pistons seem to be prone to seizing after a while but I tend to think that is much less of an issue in hot, dry climates.

I read through quite a few threads of V6 vs V8 and even though in terms of 0 to 60 deal they arent that far apart, the reason I lean towards the V8 is because fo the following reasons
1. gas isnt my biggest concern
2. tire wear isnt that big of a deal with full time 4wd vs part time (my last two cars tires barely ever lasted more than 20k so even if full time 4wd is about 5k less than part time, no biggie). Plus i personally like that the vehicle will always be in 4WD
3. V8 is smoother and quiter (not saying V6 is loud but the V8 will just have a slightly more quiter ride)

 

[gptoy96]

3. Also check for the infamous 4th generation driveline clunk when stopping or starting.

The accuator isn't that common but so far yes it's an expensive fix.

The driveline clunk is very common, it doesn't mean anything's wrong. More of an annoyance. After a while I've gotten used to it. There's short term fixes like greasing the zerks.

XREAS leaks are another good thing to look out for. Expensive to repair, on the other hand good time to upgrade to a lift or something.

By the way, nice M. I'm sure you'll appreciate the relaibility of the T4R though.

 

[galactic_04]

3. V8 is smoother and quiter (not saying V6 is loud but the V8 will just have a slightly more quiter ride)

OH, in case no one has told you, make sure the timing belt is done if it's around $90k. I'd have them throw a timing belt job in with the deal if you have any question about it whatsoever. You may not even have to worry about it with the price range you're looking in though.

 

[hgill]

OH, in case no one has told you, make sure the timing belt is done if it's around $90k. I'd have them throw a timing belt job in with the deal if you have any question about it whatsoever. You may not even have to worry about it with the price range you're looking in though.

Yea im going to make sure all the maintenance has been done on it. I am looking for one under 60k on it so timing belt should be a issue yet, but I do appreciate the help.

 

[hgill]

I wanna thank [email protected] about 6 posts above for taking the time out of his schedule and meeting me yesterday to allow me to test drive his V8 since I was not able to locate one at the dealerships here. After driving his V8, i felt the V8 was the right option for me.

Will be browsing for a V8 today and this weekend, hopefully get my hands on one with the all the options i want (sport Ed, black, sunroof, V8).

 

[[email protected]]

I wanna thank [email protected] about 6 posts above for taking the time out of his schedule and meeting me yesterday to allow me to test drive his V8 since I was not able to locate one at the dealerships here. After driving his V8, i felt the V8 was the right option for me.

Will be browsing for a V8 today and this weekend, hopefully get my hands on one with the all the options i want (sport Ed, black, sunroof, V8).

Hey no problem man.. anything i can do to help.