Good Deal or Not?

[bgitler]

I am new to this forum, but I have been looking for a used 4 Runner for the past month. I'll mostly be using it to drive around town, however, I will occasionally pull a 3700 lb camping trailer with it. I recently found a used 2005 4 Runner SR5 for $13,500 with 44,500 miles. I'm wondering if I should be concerned about the cars age or if this is a good deal. Also, do any other red flags come to mind.

Thanks in advance I really appreciate your opinion!
Ben

 

[GLP]

That's very low miles for 10 years old. If you are going to tow that much you better have the V8. It sounds like a good price either way because of the mileage (assuming the condition is good). I wouldn't worry about the age, the 4th gen 4R is still a solid vehicle even at 10 years old. I have two 2004s (just bought my second at 102,000 miles) and both are in great condition. You really should get the V8 though.

If the dashboard is cracked don't worry because Toyota is just now implementing an extended warranty for 2003-2005 dashboard replacements if cracked.

 

[rich045]

sr5 awd? that price IMO is not bad for the mileage, is it a v6 or a v8?

 

[bgitler]

It's a v6. The max towing capacity is listed at 5,000 lbs but is it pretty agreed upon that pulling 3,700 would be too much.

 

[bgitler]

Also, would it make a difference if I placed an aftermarket Transmission Cooler on it?

 

[nevada]

It's a v6. The max towing capacity is listed at 5,000 lbs but is it pretty agreed upon that pulling 3,700 would be too much.

the v6 will tow that weight no problem, but you will me much happier towing it with the v8.

 

[bgitler]

If it matters, the unloaded weight of the travel trailer is 2,600 lbs the GVWR is 3,500 lbs. I guess I'm stuck on this vehicle seeming to be a good deal and if going up in engine size would be more than I need. On the other hand, although 99% of our camping is in the Midwest (very flat) we could plan a trip out west (Yellowstone) from time to time.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

 

[bgitler]

Thank you. It seems like there is a wide range of opinions concerning how well the 4Runner can tow. I'm not sure if this makes a difference, but just to provide some more detail, the GVWR of the trailer is 3,500 lbs the unloaded weight is 2,600 lbs.

Thanks again!

 

[M1911]

Get it up on a lift, drop the skid plate and the spare tire, and carefully check the frame for rust. The frame on my '03 V8 rusted to oblivion.