Hey guys, I'm looking at buying a used vehicle I can lift and take offroad as well as use in the city. I was initially looking at the Xterras but am now leaning towards a 4Runner. I see a V8 Limited 4Runner with 90K for sale. Seller is asking for $16K. Is that a decent deal? Also, is the V8 4Runner a good option if I want to offroad or should I stick with the V6. Gas mileage is not an issue. Thanks!
Help me with a 4Runner choice
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I would think the V8 would be a great choice for offroading with the extra low end torque but others may chime in differently. Honestly though, I dont think it would make a huge difference between the motors. What you would probably be more concerned with is if it has the X-REAS suspension or not mainly for a better onroad ride. I believe all of the Sport models have the X-REAS but some of the limiteds could have air bags. The air bags are more for towing. SR5's I think had the option for X-REAS but it was not std. (somone correct me if I'm wrong here!). Some more information on the vehicle you're looking at would probably help a lot.
I will tell you since I just bought mine that sounds like an okay deal depending on your area. I paid 17,500 but was 69,xxx miles from a dealer however mine is an 04 (V8 Sport) so probably older than what you're looking at. It was the best deal I found after looking for about 2 months. I kinda wish I would have been able to find the V8 with an 05 or newer for the VVT and extra power but I honestly feel like it already has enough power anyway!
Sorry, it is a 2003 Limited. I'm going to take a look at it this evening after work. She will take $15,700 but I should probably see if even that is too much and maybe try $15K.
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peter78
Super Moderator
You didn't mention the year. The V8 had slighltly more power in 2005. One thing to know, the V8 has a timing belt and it should be changed at, you guessed it 90,000 miles. Since the engine is a interference engine, should it break, major damage can happen. I bet you 10 to 1 that the belt has not been replaced. So, add that exspense to your price.
We have had a bunch of V8 vs. V6 threads and sometimes had to closed them down, some members get a little out spoken for each one. The V8 is considered a very good engine, the mileage suffers a little, but not as much as you would think, maybe 1 or 2 MPG. They are known to last and last. They are smooth and can tow more.
Two more things to keep in mind, if you are looking at a 4 wheel drive on the V8, it is full time full wheel drive. Not a bad thing, just keep that in mind. Second, if you are looking at a 2004 or 2003, the V6 came with a 4 speed and the V8 came with a 5 speed. In 2005 all 4Runners had 5 speed automatic transmissions. So, the V8 will have a 5 speed.
We have had a bunch of V8 vs. V6 threads and sometimes had to closed them down, some members get a little out spoken for each one. The V8 is considered a very good engine, the mileage suffers a little, but not as much as you would think, maybe 1 or 2 MPG. They are known to last and last. They are smooth and can tow more.
Two more things to keep in mind, if you are looking at a 4 wheel drive on the V8, it is full time full wheel drive. Not a bad thing, just keep that in mind. Second, if you are looking at a 2004 or 2003, the V6 came with a 4 speed and the V8 came with a 5 speed. In 2005 all 4Runners had 5 speed automatic transmissions. So, the V8 will have a 5 speed.
Just checked with the seller- timing belt is not done so that adds quite a bit to the cost.....probably around $900 so this one may not be workable. Maybe I'll also hit the dealerships since they may have some good financing options and I can afford more 4Runner. I have a nice 2000 Suburban 2500 I can trade or sell and maybe $5K to put down. That will take the sting out of the payment if I can get a good rate and bargain down on the price.
However, all the 2005/2006 models start at 21K-22K, it seems. I have not bought a car in so long that I seem to have lost my edge and tolerance for dealer games.
However, all the 2005/2006 models start at 21K-22K, it seems. I have not bought a car in so long that I seem to have lost my edge and tolerance for dealer games.
The timing belt should be more like $600 though maybe it's whatever area you're in or where you would get it serviced at. Definitely keep looking though if you don't think it is the one you want!
audiqtr
New member
That much cash will more than wipe me out.
Why are you looking at off road V8's if you are worried about being "Wiped out". Buy something cheaper.
$1k investment you will make in that car will make sure it never ever breaks for many years to come.
Well, it will wipe out my cash reserves for now. Once I sell my Suburban, I'll be back in the black. The V8 isn't much more than the V6. I can't get anything much cheaper because the mileage will be much higher and I'd be a bit paranoid on long drives. I'm not sure if $17K is a good deal for this vehicle. I though $15K was.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Keep looking, just my opinion. Last August I purchased my 03 Limited, v8 4x4. It is completely loaded with every option, including navigation and rear air suspension. I bought it from a dealer with 120k miles, but thorough service records showing all maintenance performed by the original dealer and on time (and it was a one owner). I ended up getting it for $11,500. However, I did look for several months before finding something like that, but patience pays off. Yes, mileage is higher, but since it has been properly maintained I'd put more faith in it getting me home that a lower mileage one with no maintance records. I'd say definitely go with the V8, and don't worry about the standard suspension vs XREAS because you'll likely be replacing that later on anyway. Good luck with your search, you'll come across something, just gotta be patient.
peter78
Super Moderator
That is about right, with timing belt, anti-freeze, water pump and new belts. Of course a tune up is recommended at 90,000 also, so I would guess over $1,000.You're right, dk27- it is $600. The water pump adds another $300 or so. That much cash will more than wipe me out. So I'll end up (after timing belt- oh, and a windshield) paying almost $17K for a 2003 V8 Limited. This deal doesn't sound good anymore.
The V8 is still a great engine though. If your still looking at 4Runners, the 4.0 V6 has a timing chain and it is a pretty nice engine. It will have a good bit of power. I have this engine and I found it works fine for me. My 2004 has the 4 speed transmission, but it works fine. I know newer cars can have 6 or 7 speed transmissions, but the 4 speed will get the job done.
Also, I wouldn't give up on the V8, you have to expect to have a few things done, I would give them a honest offer, with all the works that needs to be done. Maybe offer $14,500 and see what happens. If they laugh, thank them and move on.
Good luck with your search, also like "ARK_SWAMP_RIDER", it may take awhile to find your vehicle. Time can be your best ally, no mater what kind of car you are buying. That is if your willing to wait.
Having just scoured the market for 4Rs... I just bought mine for $14.9 with 44k mi, an 04 2x4 v6, so not the specs you're looking for but ... don't think that vehicle represents a good value. Another one I looked at seriously was a 2x4 v8 41k mi. for $15k. The ones with 80k mi. generally were closer to $12-14k. I spent a lot of time looking but it paid off by fetching me something that was a bit below market rate. I didn't focus on Ltds tho so that ups the price.
Have fun when you get your wheels!!
Have fun when you get your wheels!!
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jetboy1975
New member
If you're looking to lift you don't want the rear air suspension. Also depending on how much you want to lift (more than a small spacer lift) you should skip the xreas option as well since most will rip it out to lift anyways.
SolRayz
New member
A few weeks ago I bought '03 V8 Limited with 80K miles for $15,700 at Toyota dealership. It was a little more than I wanted to pay but the vehicle is in such mint condition, interior and exterior, I couldn't pass this one up. I'm even questioning whether someone has ever sat in the rear seats.
Well, it appears she was not interested in anything below $15,700. I'll keep all these suspension tips in mind as well but will go ahead and put my Suburban up for sale this weekend. I should get 8K-9K out of it. I'll add that to my savings. Then I'll look every day till I find something from a private seller that I can jump on with cash. I'll still check out the dealerships. I'm open to either engine as well. My main quirky thing is a sunroof. Id absolutely love to have one again. '
I think the stock clearance is 9" or so. I'd like to get 3"-4" more and put some worthy tires on. The new Xterra Offroads (as low as $28K/29K) are tempting due to that 0% financing deal but it would be far more sensible to get a used 4Runner for half that so I'm staying focused. :biggrin2:
I think the stock clearance is 9" or so. I'd like to get 3"-4" more and put some worthy tires on. The new Xterra Offroads (as low as $28K/29K) are tempting due to that 0% financing deal but it would be far more sensible to get a used 4Runner for half that so I'm staying focused. :biggrin2:
4Runner8
New member
here is one for example
v8 4wd around 100k miles and in good condition. might not be near you but there are a lot like this out there for the taking
2003 Toyota 4Runner, $10,995 - Cars.com
here is another for 500 cheaper and only 109k on the ticker
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...rId=20198&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national
v8 4wd around 100k miles and in good condition. might not be near you but there are a lot like this out there for the taking
2003 Toyota 4Runner, $10,995 - Cars.com
here is another for 500 cheaper and only 109k on the ticker
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...rId=20198&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national
