Hey guys, i am going to look at a 4runner tomorrow and just looking for advice on what to look out for. The truck is a 2003 SR5 V6 4x4 145k and I can get it for less than $8000 . From looking at others online and also kbb values it seems to be a really good deal. Anything in particular i should ask about or look out for? I know there isnt a timing belt on these. Its very clean, no rust or dents and appears to have been well taken care of. The miles are a little high, but not all that bad for the year. Thanks for all the tips! This will be my 2nd time owning a 4runner , as i had an 84 several years ago. Looking forward to owning a 4runner again!
Going to look at a used 4runner, looking for opinions
- Thread starter dta1984
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4RunnerFan
New member
Maintenance records?
This is great if they have them. Or if you can get them from
The Toyota site if the prior owner used the dealership for service.
wolf4runner
New member
I think 4runner is even more reliable than other toyoras. :d
Awesome, I like to hear that! I had been looking at 3rd gens because they were the ones in my price range, but have always liked the 4th gens! Even the 3rd gens have higher mileage usually. Glad to finally find a clean 4th gen!
poleclimber63
Member
Less than $8K... sounds too good to be true, yes mileage seems a little high--- maybe thats why... but if hes asking less, get it mech. checked---- is it pulling any codes--- is the transmission/4x4 working ok ie shifting correctly, no bumps etc. Ask why hes selling etc. Ask for maintenance records etc. In Canada, the owner has a legal obligation to disclose if the vehicle has been in an accident over $2K, ask. That truck in Vancouver would be $11-12K stock, a little less, I think, in California. In the end, Get it checked by a Mechanic with an OBD2 setup.
janefennell147
Banned
Maintenance records?
Went to look at it over the weekend, and it is very clean! By far the cleanest 4runner i have seen (used of course). Only needs are brakes, and we are having a mechanic look over it to verify. No dents, rust, leaks etc. Interior is immaculate! Turns out it has a sunroof, the upgraded sound system and remote start. It's really sounding like a fabulous deal. It will be a 2nd vehicle for me, so not like i will rack up the miles quickly on it. Doesn't sound like it's needed any major repairs thus far.
poleclimber63
Member
wow
If what you say is true, you surely have found pay dirt! If everything checks out then I'd go for it! Good luck!
If what you say is true, you surely have found pay dirt! If everything checks out then I'd go for it! Good luck!
Find Someone with a OBDII reader
Take my advice, unless you don't have to worry about passing emissions to get a tag, find someone with an OBDII reader. If the seller has one, they can reset any codes currently showing and you'll think everything is ok. Then you buy it and 30 min. down the road the check engine light comes on. Trust me, if you can find one for about $100, buy it. May be the best insurance policy you buy.
Take my advice, unless you don't have to worry about passing emissions to get a tag, find someone with an OBDII reader. If the seller has one, they can reset any codes currently showing and you'll think everything is ok. Then you buy it and 30 min. down the road the check engine light comes on. Trust me, if you can find one for about $100, buy it. May be the best insurance policy you buy.
earthrealm
Senior Member
the price is very good at this time of the year. i bought an 05 v6 12k from a dealer in june, then 03/04 were hovering around 9500 to 12k......now i cant even see an 04 less than 11k.............if everything checks out buy the truck!...try and do an extensive test drive, stomp on the pedal a bit...it will surely throw a misfire code, if it has a hidden misfire problem, though a compression test is the best option...being a v6, it doesnt hv a timing belt, it has a chain...check the 4hi/4lo actuator, make sure its working...its a 2k plus fix..if its broke.
also throw in a carfax and toyota corp record check..it helps unearth hidden problems/history
also throw in a carfax and toyota corp record check..it helps unearth hidden problems/history
How well the truck was maintained is key. If the truck has maintenance records..that's great. Most people DON'T get their vehicle serviced at the dealer..so chances are they won't have any. Most people don't keep service records. I do...but most don't. That doesn't mean the vehicle hasn't been maintained.
Before you buy any vehicle have it thoroughly inspected from a trusted mechanic.
As for mileage..I'd be more concerned with maintenance then mileage.
Before you buy any vehicle have it thoroughly inspected from a trusted mechanic.
As for mileage..I'd be more concerned with maintenance then mileage.
The car was definitley maintained. I have all oil change and tire rotation records for several years. Oil changes were a little further apart than i'd like, but it was a highway vehicle.
I did try they toyota owners website, and found records from the first several years with it's first owner. We are having the vehicle looked over this week.
I would like to still do a carfax, anyone have an extra?
I did try they toyota owners website, and found records from the first several years with it's first owner. We are having the vehicle looked over this week.
I would like to still do a carfax, anyone have an extra?
earthrealm
Senior Member
dont hv carfax..hv autocheck..u cud pm the vin number
