Hi a newbie here.. Looking to buy a 4Runner

[Kerkiraios00]

Hi I'm looking to get a 4th gen 4Runner anyone can help me at what years are better and what to look out for? Are 4.7 better then 4.0? I'm looking at a 2005 right now as we speak. Which 4Runner comes with the hood scoop? Any info is greatly appreciated thanks

 

[Mytoy4]

The Sport editions come with the hood scoop... unless you have a special SR5 like mine then you may find one I added mine because I too like that look.

Welcome!

 

[J053619]

Just like she said, the Sport edition comes with the hood scoop. If the sport does please you, you can always swap the hood afterwards.
As for v6 vs v8, there are a few threads on it but it all depends on what you are really going to do with you vehicle.

List of V6 vs V8 Threads

 

[verman84]

I can throw 2¢ in but it all depends on your budget. These are amazing trucks and they can go well beyond the lifespan of most with minimal mechanical issues but you will pay a price for it and they hold their value extremely well. Some late model 4th Gens are still fetching ~$20k+ for 5-6 year old vehicles.

The v6 and v8 tend to be a highly debated topic and it pretty much comes down to what you need/want. If you want a little more power, will be towing more often, but are willing to sacrifice some gas mileage the v8 might be what you want. If you don't plan on towing very often and would prefer slightly better gas mileage then the v6 might be a better option. Also if I remember correctly the v8 is full time 4wd versus the v6 which comes in 2wd and 4wd models where you can turn off the 4wd and it essentially becomes a 2wd rear wheel truck when you don't need it. I have a 4.0 and I couldn't be happier.

The SR5 is the base model, Sport the middle (with the cosmetic non-functional hood scoop) and then the Limited being the top model. They also created a Trail model which is highly coveted (and $$$ if you find them) but fairly rare and the Urban Runner which was essentially a Sport model with a Tom Tom navigation head unit and different wheels/upholstery.

There was a slight redesign in 2006 so 2006-2009 are the "newest" models of 4th gen 4runners and will likely have fewer miles but also demand higher price. The redesign in 2006 addressed a few issues like headgaskets etc but also added a few cosmetic differences.

There are a few thread for people looking to buy 4th gen 4runners and what to look for, what issues were normal with specific years and so on.

The big thing for you is to determine your budget, determine your needs in a vehicle and then figure out the things you can sacrifice (leather, moon roof etc) and things you need to have (4wd, more power etc) and make your decision after you test drive a few different vehicles. I test drove several 4runners of varying years, models, and engine sizes before making my decision because I wanted to compare the ride quality of all of them before determining a baseline of what felt "good and tight" versus "old and loose".

 

[Sporin]

Having owned both a V8 (2006) and now a V6 (2005) I can honestly say that the V6 is really, really nice and makes plenty of power. The ability to be in 2WD is also great.

That being said, when I replace this one in a few years (passing this one on to my son eventually) I'll be hunting for a V8. As nice as the V6 is, the 4.7 V8 is, imo, one of the nicest engines Toyota has ever built. It is extremely long lived, exceptionally smooth, and has some nice grunt.

And again, I LOVE the V6 in my current truck... but the V8 is just that much nicer in my opinion. :lookout:

I was shopping with a pretty tight budget this time, and was focused on just finding the cleanest one with good records for my price regardless of miles or which engine.

Next time I'll have more time, and money, to find exactly the right truck I want.

PS, I'll fly south and bring one home next time instead of buying a New England truck.

 

[Kerkiraios00]

Thanks again guys for being so helpful.. I live in NYC so I won't be doing to much off-roading.. I own a restaurant so I usually pick up a lot of stuff for my store from a supplier.. So I could use some power plus when it snows out here it come down hard so 4wd is a must.. Like VERMAN84 said about the gaskets and other issues is that a common problem? Should I stay away from 2005 and older? I'm coming from a grand Cherokee Laredo v8 which had a lot of power I loved it but it got totaled and after that I bought a patriot lol (don't ask) so I tired of it I don't like it at all.. So budget is kinda Is probably at 15k but I wouldn't mind going a few K more for the right truck, just got engaged so trying not to spend a lot.. I didn't realize how expensive 4Runners are.. It's quit shocking I ask one of my friend that very good with cars why and he said bc there good and very strong trunks.. Well anyway I just found a 2005 4Runner with 41k sport v6 sunroof,roofrack,steps, cloth.. What you guys think? Asking 14,995?

 

[JeffMerr]

I wouldn't say the head gasket issue is "common." But it definitely happens. I personally purchased a 2006 just for this reason. I didn't want to have to worry about that happening and having to shell out 3-4 thousand. Plus I like the projector headlights and LED taillights. And yes, resale value on 4runners are ridiculous, but its because of their reputation and build quality. You get what you pay for.

 

[blackjackck]

Low miles

That's a nice truck you found especially the low miles. Can you trace the maintenance on the truck? Also do you know why it wasn't driven very much?

Personally I JUST got my first T4R! I've always wanted one and I picked up a v6 08' sport edition w/75k miles. Clean record great maintenance record, was serviced at the dealer. I can't be any happier.

 

[Kerkiraios00]

Hey thanks now I'll be looking to get 06 and up I just noticed the lights and that makes a big difference appearance wise. Can those lights be retrofitted? Prob not bc than you'll have to code probably.. No I just found it I was gonna go n look at it on sat but now never mind.. Too bad has low miles too.

 

[J053619]

Thanks again guys for being so helpful.. I live in NYC so I won't be doing to much off-roading.. I own a restaurant so I usually pick up a lot of stuff for my store from a supplier.. So I could use some power plus when it snows out here it come down hard so 4wd is a must.. Like VERMAN84 said about the gaskets and other issues is that a common problem? Should I stay away from 2005 and older? I'm coming from a grand Cherokee Laredo v8 which had a lot of power I loved it but it got totaled and after that I bought a patriot lol (don't ask) so I tired of it I don't like it at all.. So budget is kinda Is probably at 15k but I wouldn't mind going a few K more for the right truck, just got engaged so trying not to spend a lot.. I didn't realize how expensive 4Runners are.. It's quit shocking I ask one of my friend that very good with cars why and he said bc there good and very strong trunks.. Well anyway I just found a 2005 4Runner with 41k sport v6 sunroof,roofrack,steps, cloth.. What you guys think? Asking 14,995?

Not thinking of off roading? I suggest browsing this forum to a limit, because I was the same way. Now i'm running at tires, metal bumper and toytec boss suspension. Be very careful !!!

 

[Kerkiraios00]

Not thinking of off roading? I suggest browsing this forum to a limit, because I was the same way. Now i'm running at tires, metal bumper and toytec boss suspension. Be very careful !!!

LOL I see what you mean I'm afraid of that also that could happen to me lol.. I just came across an UB 81k for 17,995 right price? Or high? Not looking to go that high though

 

[verman84]

For 15k you can get into the later versions 06-09 with a few miles. I live in Chicago so most trucks around here are subject to rusting due to winter salt. I had the same budget and wanted the best truck for my money with the least amount of rust. I knew these things can run to 300k miles so mileage was less important than the overall mechanical abbqnd structural condition of the vehicle. I picked up an 08 v6 Sr5 4x4 with 100k for $14 negotiated down from 16,500 with new bfg tires and brakes/rotors all around and it was super clean. Minimal rust, clean interior and the paint was spotless. Tow hitch and moon roof were also there which was nice. I've seen a lot of 06- 08s with less than 100k miles around $14-15k you might just have to wait it out and negotiate a bit. If it's a dealer, ask how long it's been on the lot. Most places want used cars gone asap. Any longer than a month and they get desperate to get rid of it.

 

[evensteven]

Hi

I was doing some searching and came across your post. I have to tell you that's one of the best written most articulate conversations on the subject I've seen. I had 10 for runners don't ask me why I sell them but I just bought a used 2008 sport addition with 87,000 miles on it V-8 four-wheel-drive only way I'd sell it is if the new six GEN had a V-8