Guys, I need some opinions.

[knightsfs4]

Hey everyone,

First I wanted to say thanks to everyone out there that's helped me out with all the questions I've asked. I know it can get annoying, but I've learned a whole lot about cars the past couple months that I've been on this forum.

Anyway, I have a 2006 V8 that I bought from Toyota CPO. The car has been great (no mechanical issues besides a busted window switch). I knew going in that the car had one owner, and 56,000 miles. The guy lived in Florida yada-yada-yada. It does have some rust, but that doesn't bother me much.

Down to the big stuff. I first noticed my gas door broke somehow. I haven't really touched it much, but it's going to cost me around $100 to fix it once I get around to it.

Next I noticed that somehow my front fender started coming off. I found that about 6 of the tabs on the inside are broken. I just got the car back and the only way to really fix that, is to spend $300 for a new fender.

While I'm driving home tonight I notice a rattle. When I get home I notice that 2 bolts had broken off of my skid plate, frustrating but not a huge deal.

Last my front fender is loose as well. I've asked how to take the bumper off, but haven't found much luck. The body shop wanted 60 to take it off just to look at it and then replace the clips where needed.


Now, after all that is said I am truly dissapointed. This was my first Toyota, and I can imagine ever going back. I recently lifted it with some bigger tires so that maybe I'd take my mind off the other things, but I just cant believe all these things keep happening to it. I drive only on the road and never abuse it.

I guess what I'm asking is what would you do in this situation? The car is paid off, and I could do whatever. I just really don't want to drop the money because I feel like that's all I'm going to be doing.

Thanks a lot (Rant Over).

Jack

 

[tsonnenl]

*Blank stare*

So you need a few hundred dollars of mostly cosmetic fixes? What car doesn't? You've spent many times that in mods so far, so why worry about these little things? Hardly "big stuff." Fix them and get back to enjoying it.

 

[berettashot117]

I just spent 1300 on a new manifold and I'm about to spend another 125 on uca boots. maintinence is a part of owning any vehicle. at least I can learn from this forum what to expect as my truck gets older. I've had my truck since it had seven miles on it, so I know how it's been treated, unfortunately you can never tell with a used vehicle. just do your research, plan ahead, do proper PMCS, and enjoy your amazing truck!

 

[Veritas]

Did the fender start to come off after you put a lift and bigger tires on it? You may have rubbing in the front, I had to trim mine.

Can you post pics of your front fender coming off? I would like to see how severe it is...it sounds very minor...

Keep in mind its a car, they all require TLC, no matter what brand, toyota is one of the lowest maintenance as well, any other car brand and your list would be much longer...

 

[knightsfs4]

The fender started coming off months prior to lift and tires. Its really not that bad, less than a quarter of an inch for sure. It's just one of those things, I don't mind dirt, but I don't like it when things are loose. I guess what I'm asking, is if it makes sense for me to drop $500 to get this thing all fixed up. I just don't know if I'm up for the nosebleed anymore..

 

[berettashot117]

how hard do you think it would be to fix the gender clips yourself? its not mechanical, so it should be easier than say installing a lift. might be worth it to try it yourself to save some cash

 

[NJshadow93]

i hear you man i had a similar situation with my immaculately clean '03. it is an amazing truck, runs great, awesome power, almost 9,000 miles put on by me since I got it. it had some cosmetic stuff such as: molding was loose in spots, headlights were yellow, some rattles here and there, leaky boot, crack in the grille, etc. i got the cladding tightened, grille replaced, headlights replaced, and most of the other minor stuff. it doesnt bother me a bit because i know my truck will start every day, and get me to my destination without worrying about breaking down. and also should point out, most americans aren't like the people on this forum and would not care for their vehicles like we do. most would not get bothered by faulty gas cap, foggy headlights, loose fenders etc. although some of this stuff annoys me, i love my T4R and wouldn't give it up for anything

 

[zstampe]

It a 6 year old car man. Fix the small things and keep it. If you were to get rid of it what would you get?

 

[knightsfs4]

The fender needs to be replaced. I took it Toyota and they took off both front fenders. The passenger side the replaced all the clips and it's fine. The driver side has 6 tabs broken off on the inside of it. I saw it myself and it just won't stay on anymore. I love the truck and the only time I've ever woken up and have it not work was when my battery had gone bad. I just feel like I should move on.. I just don't know which is why I'm asking

 

[zstampe]

The fender needs to be replaced. I took it Toyota and they took off both front fenders. The passenger side the replaced all the clips and it's fine. The driver side has 6 tabs broken off on the inside of it. I saw it myself and it just won't stay on anymore. I love the truck and the only time I've ever woken up and have it not work was when my battery had gone bad. I just feel like I should move on.. I just don't know which is why I'm asking

That's soooo weird. How the hell did they break? I'd take it somewhere else and get a second opinion, like an independent shop. But if you're over the 4runner and ready to move on then do it. You have a great looking 4runner though.

 

[black_120]

Can they glue or expoxy the flare back on? Replacing a perfectly good fender would be out of the question to me.

 

[NJshadow93]

Can they glue or expoxy the flare back on? Replacing a perfectly good fender would be out of the question to me.

I asked the same question when my cladding was loose. They can't because under the vibrations of driving, the glue would crack and it wouldn't be durable.

 

[knightsfs4]

They did try to epoxy it back together but it's really messed up and some of the tabs were missing as well. If I were gonna sell it I'd probably go to carmax or list it on craigslist and get a f150 or a Nissan Altima coupe so I can save some gas money.

 

[deedst4r]

If you sell it, would you part it out? if so I am interested in picking up a few things from you so let me know!

Hopefully you get it all sorted out. The most important thing to do it to do what makes you happy and do what is smart. just my .02 cents.