Help Me Make Sense of it all

[djw54]

My 2008 V8 Limited has 208k miles.

It needs a transmission, either a swap out or a rebuild. The shop that has it right now found a junkyard unit with 95k on it. Looking at close to $4k installed, six month parts warranty. They don't do rebuilds, so I'm looking around right now to find someone local who does.

Once that's done, it has needed a new exhaust system for some time.

Still has original X-REAS suspension, which I've toyed with replacing, but it still works, so I don't have a good reason to do so, except for wanting to tweak stuff.

Body and interior are in very good condition.

Underside is Michigan rusty, but frame is solid.

I like my 4Runner, and want to fix it and keep it forever, just on principle, but am I being foolhardy? My wife seems to think so.

So, does it makes any objective sense to drop probably $7k into it to make it "worth" $8-10k? My take is that it would still be cheaper than buying a different new/used car with someone else's problems.

What would you do?

 

[4R005]

My '05 4R LTD w/V8 and 148K miles, good frame still and no body rust had a complete tranny rebuild ( CDN$ 4200.00 from rusted line which went unnoticed , my bad ) in 2019 from a transmission shop. X-REAS suspension out as well from broken line and replaced w/regular shocks @ all 4 corners , kept air suspension system. Only slightly more lean into corners, otherwise ride is still good. 4.7 V8 is bullet-proof and can easily reach 400K miles and beyond. Yes, the winters up here in Canada and its salt infested roads are deadly for exhaust systems. If you can tweak extra miles from yours, I recommend to do so. The OEM pipes are SS, so keep as many as can when replacing system.

I get attach to my vehicles since I do service them myself, so if you're of similar mindset and wants to keep them running long and well, I'll do the repairs. You know what you have with the '08. Getting a used vehicle ( 5 years or older ) is also potentially getting someone's problem(s) as you had suggested.

Getting new or used 2-3 year old can also be considered as a big chunk of depreciation ( for a used one ) had already been in the books. My 2 cents.
Good luck with which ever way you decide to go.

 

[djw54]

My '05 4R LTD w/V8 and 148K miles, good frame still and no body rust had a complete tranny rebuild ( CDN$ 4200.00 from rusted line which went unnoticed , my bad )...

That rusted trans cooler line did me in as well. I replaced it myself, two years ago, but the damage was done.

4.7 V8 is bullet-proof and can easily reach 400K miles and beyond.

My thought as well.

Yes, the winters up here in Canada and its salt infested roads are deadly for exhaust systems. If you can tweak extra miles from yours, I recommend to do so. The OEM pipes are SS, so keep as many as can when replacing system.

I was thinking Thorley headers. Mine are shot.

I get attach to my vehicles since I do service them myself, so if you're of similar mindset and wants to keep them running long and well, I'll do the repairs. You know what you have with the '08. Getting a used vehicle ( 5 years or older ) is also potentially getting someone's problem(s) as you had suggested.

Getting new or used 2-3 year old can also be considered as a big chunk of depreciation ( for a used one ) had already been in the books. My 2 cents.
Good luck with which ever way you decide to go.

I can't bring myself to drop $30k plus on another vehicle. At $15k, it's a crap shoot with condition and age.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[rdruss]

Forget the 'what it's worth' side of the equation, a new vehicle is a total loser in this day and age , if your frame is solid like you state and the rest of the 4Runner is good, then I would keep it rolling.

 

[Berty_K]

Anything else wrong with the 4Runner?

If no, I'd lean towards keeping it.

Also depends on your financial situation.

 

[djw54]

Update:

I found that Toyota had a rebuilt transmission for about $400 more than the junkyard unit, so I went that route, putting me closer to $4500 all in.

Needed new tires, found a set of nice, shiny Lexus wheels with decent Michelin tires on marketplace, $200!

I'm driving it, and comfortable with it all, but it could still use exhaust and suspension. Keeping my eyes and ears open.