Help me choose which 4Runner to buy!

[mdolly]

Hi all, new member here. Looking to get into a 04-06 4Runner, coming from a 2000 Grand Cherokee that is starting to cost too much to keep in it's high mileage state. I'm really hoping all I read about the 4Runner's reliability is true! I don't really like the build quality of the 2005+ Grand Cherokee's (or the design) so I don't think I will be remaining faithful to Jeep.

By now I'm fairly familiar with the differences between models, engines, years etc of the 4th gen. I'm staying away from 2003 because I've heard that the first model year has a few more quirks.

I don't have a preference between V6 or V8, but it must have 4wd.

2006 Toyota 4Runner Limited, $13,898 - Cars.com

I like this one except for the driver seat wear. Sales rep said it just needs to be dyed again, not sure why it even does that. Is that common? Overall thoughts?

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/4373022510.html

Older and cheaper but nice options. Would need to see more pics and of course in person. Priced well.

I find myself wondering if I should spend a few thousand more for an 06 or if I should keep the money and roll with an 04 similar to this. Of these 2 which would you guys choose? I really like both. Thanks in advance for guidance.

 

[hearno]

FYI the second one is not a sport.... It's a Limited as well. I'd guess the cheaper one has issues tho. Whichever you go with, get it checked out by a mechanic first.

 

[mdolly]

Yeah I had noticed the 2nd one was a limited, kind of silly. What makes you think it has problems? Just the price?

I would definitely get it checked out first, just looking for people's opinions on which they would choose and why. Thanks for the advice.

 

[DanSt4R]

They both seem pretty nice. For the price, the '04 seems like a good deal for the options it has. I'd say it'll just come down to your personal preference. Bottom line is you can't go wrong with a 4runner! Good luck and welcome

 

[chitown40]

I like the added amenities and styling of the 06+, however the craigslist '04 might be able to be had a bit cheaper than haggling with the Perillo dealer who has the '06.

Mileage to me is completely inconsequential, except for whether the timing belt was done on the '04. I bought mine with 140k and don't even think twice about the miles. Condition and how the vehicle was cared for is the key.

If you can get the '04 for $8500-9000 then that is a good deal.

 

[NJshadow93]

I would go with the '04 since it has the V8, but it also likely needs to have the timing belt service done (recommended at 90k). If it hasn't been done, it can cost anywhere from $700-$1200 to have it done at a shop or dealer.

 

[boondoggle]

Make sure to run the VIN through toyota.com/owners before buying. May find good (or bad) repair/maintenance info there. Or maybe nothing at all. But worth checking.

 

[hearno]

What makes you think it has problems? Just the price?

The early V8s have their issues with CELs and bad cats etc. Guys spend a lot of money tracking down the real issue. I figure the low price is a lure to get someone to jump on it while a quick fix masks any trouble that may be lurking. Just me tho. It might just be a good deal.

 

[database_666]

2006

the 2006 vehicle looks very nice and well maintained - but it might be just the dealer's fluff. on the other hand, a quick remark to 2003: i bought last september a 2003 4Runner v6 sport with 150,000 KMs, and have enjoyed it tremendously so far. the car sits on the street, cranked every single morning throughout this terrible and cold winter (i live in canada), drove through deep snow banks and slush like a charm, and i just love that car. i made sure i paid the premium to toyota dealership for an inspection, and then changed the oil, changed the oil in both transmission compartments, lubed the propeller shaft and changed the coolant which was still original in it. that is all. love it.

 

[mdolly]

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/4373022510.html

So I saw this one yesterday, and it drove well. Didn't get it to a mechanic or anything yet, but it did have both the VSC TRAC and TRAC OFF lights on the dash illuminated. From what I can tell this can either be a small issue or it can actually be a big issue, right? The only way seems to be to get it scanned and looked over at the shop to find out what it actually is.

Besides the lights being on, the car drove fine, went into 4L fine, no real surprises or anything. The owner said the timing belt was changed but at a Indy shop but they don't have records of it, so that's a risk.

My concerns are that it was really really dirty on the inside, 2 cigarette holes in the seat and smoke scent was abundant. Does anyone think that this is still a good deal if I have to change upholstery on the seat, probably change oil and fluids for peace of mind, and basically get the whole interior shampooed and cleaned out in order to remove the smell? Or is this even possible on a smoker's car?

I'm sure I could go lower on the price as well, and I guess I'm wondering if a price around $9k makes it ok to put some elbow grease on and spend a little money to get this 4Runner all cleaned up and sparkling again? Thoughts?

 

[JustSomeName]

Hi all, new member here. Looking to get into a 04-06 4Runner, coming from a 2000 Grand Cherokee that is starting to cost too much to keep in it's high mileage state. I'm really hoping all I read about the 4Runner's reliability is true! I don't really like the build quality of the 2005+ Grand Cherokee's (or the design) so I don't think I will be remaining faithful to Jeep.

By now I'm fairly familiar with the differences between models, engines, years etc of the 4th gen. I'm staying away from 2003 because I've heard that the first model year has a few more quirks.

I don't have a preference between V6 or V8, but it must have 4wd.

2006 Toyota 4Runner Limited, $13,898 - Cars.com

I like this one except for the driver seat wear. Sales rep said it just needs to be dyed again, not sure why it even does that. Is that common? Overall thoughts?

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/4373022510.html

Older and cheaper but nice options. Would need to see more pics and of course in person. Priced well.

I find myself wondering if I should spend a few thousand more for an 06 or if I should keep the money and roll with an 04 similar to this. Of these 2 which would you guys choose? I really like both. Thanks in advance for guidance.

Hey OP, if you're willing to take a drive, I randomly found a super rare 2009 Trail Edition for sale in Iowa, one state away from you!

Iowa City, IA 2009 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 LIMITED Used SUV Cedar Rapids, IA Coralville, IA Carousel Auto Group | 9328810 | JTEBU14R09K037445

If you don't already know, all other 4th gen years 03-08 had a sport edition, 09, the last year of the 4th gen came in a trail edition that has a rear locker from the factory, much like how the 5th gen trail editions do.

If i knew this when I was looking for mine, I probably would've waited out for one. my loss, your gain!

 

[mdolly]

Hey OP, if you're willing to take a drive, I randomly found a super rare 2009 Trail Edition for sale in Iowa, one state away from you!

Iowa City, IA 2009 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 LIMITED Used SUV Cedar Rapids, IA Coralville, IA Carousel Auto Group | 9328810 | JTEBU14R09K037445

If you don't already know, all other 4th gen years 03-08 had a sport edition, 09, the last year of the 4th gen came in a trail edition that has a rear locker from the factory, much like how the 5th gen trail editions do.

If i knew this when I was looking for mine, I probably would've waited out for one. my loss, your gain!

That one looks really nice, a little outside my price range though!

 

[oljedi11950]

Another thing to keep an eye out for on any from your area is rust , like [MENTION=84223]JustSomeName[/MENTION] said get that 09 way better than any of the ones you're looking at ! Worth the drive .

 

[DarenS]

I would pass on the '04, especially after reading your test drive comments.

My concern with the '06 is the driver's seat. Worn leather means a lot of butts sliding across it, not only wearing out the skins, but the foam beneath it.

That the carpet looks pretty dirty is another concern. It could mean that this was someone's daily knock around car that was intended to be driven, traded in and forgotten.

I found when I was shopping for my 4Runner that the dealers weren't very diligent about removing popular vehicles (like T4Rs) from the web ads and often they were gone by time I called.

If I only had these two choices, I would get the '06.

Daren