How long was the search for your 4runner?
- Thread starter jtr
- Start date
In summer '07, I put a deposit in with a well know volume dealer in MD to go get what I wanted.
After about 2 months, they finally admitted that they couldn't do it, so I asked for my deposit back, and hit the internet to find it myself.
Ended up finding one in TX, negotiated the price by e-mail. Flew down (on frequent flyer miles), picked it up, drove it home.
TX Dealer fixed me up with temp tags to drive on, and arranged to pay the registration, fees and taxes in MD. Very smooth transaction.
I found a couple more that fit my needs, but the dealers weren't willing to do the paperwork. One wanted me to pay the sales tax in his state, then turn around and have to pay again in MD.
Cost me less than the local dealer would have (other than a weekend drive home), and I got the new 4R I wanted.
After about 2 months, they finally admitted that they couldn't do it, so I asked for my deposit back, and hit the internet to find it myself.
Ended up finding one in TX, negotiated the price by e-mail. Flew down (on frequent flyer miles), picked it up, drove it home.
TX Dealer fixed me up with temp tags to drive on, and arranged to pay the registration, fees and taxes in MD. Very smooth transaction.
I found a couple more that fit my needs, but the dealers weren't willing to do the paperwork. One wanted me to pay the sales tax in his state, then turn around and have to pay again in MD.
Cost me less than the local dealer would have (other than a weekend drive home), and I got the new 4R I wanted.
peter78
Super Moderator
I have bought from out of state also, but it wasn't a 4Runner. It was a Honda. One dealer wanted me to pay the sales tax from that state. Do not do this as you will have to pay tax in your state. A dealer should set it up so you pay taxes in your state and also have it so your registration is for your state.
If you buy from an individual, you should pay them for the car and not the taxes. Your own state will hit you up with that when you try to register it.
FourEyedWilly
New member
I looked at the Fj first to be honest. Found one with all the TRD bells and whistles. One problem, baby seat and baby did not work with the suicide doors. So, in came the T4R. I wanted silver or gray, only 4x4, only the V8, and only the SE. In Las Vegas, there were about 19 available, 3 4x4s, and 1 silver SE V8 4x4. I loved it as soon as I saw it. (minus it needed a lift)
I traded in an 08 GMC Yukon with 9,500 miles. The stupid pile I bought brand new and it needed a complete tranny reseal, a rear main engine seal, new passenger widow switch, and the autostart stopped working. I bought it for 32K during the gas crunch and got 32,500 on trade.
I walked out with my 06 4Runner AND a nice check in my pocket for the difference.
As for out of state, I bought my FJ62 in California from a dealer. They KNEW what they had and so did I. I had to pay sales tax in California, but only transit fee of $25 as I was driving it out of state. Nevada did not require me to pay sales tax and registration was only $35. Being that I flew in and the dealer picked me up, and they knew what they had, I did not have much if any wiggle room on the price. If you saw my FJ, you would understand why I didn't care. You have to be happy with the purchase, then the price does not matter. I'm a picture slut, so here is a tease of how clean my FJ62 is (remember it's a 1990 with 210K)...
I traded in an 08 GMC Yukon with 9,500 miles. The stupid pile I bought brand new and it needed a complete tranny reseal, a rear main engine seal, new passenger widow switch, and the autostart stopped working. I bought it for 32K during the gas crunch and got 32,500 on trade.
I walked out with my 06 4Runner AND a nice check in my pocket for the difference. As for out of state, I bought my FJ62 in California from a dealer. They KNEW what they had and so did I. I had to pay sales tax in California, but only transit fee of $25 as I was driving it out of state. Nevada did not require me to pay sales tax and registration was only $35. Being that I flew in and the dealer picked me up, and they knew what they had, I did not have much if any wiggle room on the price. If you saw my FJ, you would understand why I didn't care. You have to be happy with the purchase, then the price does not matter. I'm a picture slut, so here is a tease of how clean my FJ62 is (remember it's a 1990 with 210K)...
Good info guys thanks alot! Check this one out and let me know what you think, it seems to have everything i'm looking for and the price is in the ballpark compared to what ive gathered from nada, kbb, and edmunds. seems like prices take a dive with 04-05 opposed to 06-up. looks higher than what a lot of ya'll have paid but it's prolly the demand and the time of the year. anyway check this out if you will and continued thanks!
Cars for Sale: 2005 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 in Lubbock, TX 79412: Sport Utility Details - 271938059 - AutoTrader.com
Cars for Sale: 2005 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 in Lubbock, TX 79412: Sport Utility Details - 271938059 - AutoTrader.com
FourEyedWilly
New member
Good Price. Prolly not a deal breaker for you. The 05 has the squared off fender wells that I was not a fan of. Also, the 06-up has projector headlamps and led tails. That is my other favorite color though and I'm not sure the above warrants the extra cost. Miles are great for an 05 for sure. I wanted below 30K when I went looking. You will love the V8. I get 16MPG still. I have not laid off the right foot yet. I can't get enough of the great throttle response. I tow a 21ft Sea Ray with it and it handles it like a dream! Better than my Yukon for sure! Enjoy!
Still looking-V6 vs V8 ?'s
I just started about a month ago and am still looking. This board sure helped me narrow my search. I'm looking for an 05-07 limited. From what I've picked up from this board I should:
-Avoid V8 because of timing belt
-Avoid X-reas suspension (which also tends to be on V8)
-be prepared for possibility that front calipers will seize
A question I have is, how much will it be to replace timing belt eventually? If V8's are selling for 4-5k cheaper, isn't it worth it? I plan on having this vehicle for a LONG time. I read the thread on people who have crossed the 100k threshhold, and most who have had little to no problems seem to be V6 owners. The fact that toyota discontinued the V8 makes me a little wary of it as well. Any help is greatly appreciated!
I just started about a month ago and am still looking. This board sure helped me narrow my search. I'm looking for an 05-07 limited. From what I've picked up from this board I should:
-Avoid V8 because of timing belt
-Avoid X-reas suspension (which also tends to be on V8)
-be prepared for possibility that front calipers will seize
A question I have is, how much will it be to replace timing belt eventually? If V8's are selling for 4-5k cheaper, isn't it worth it? I plan on having this vehicle for a LONG time. I read the thread on people who have crossed the 100k threshhold, and most who have had little to no problems seem to be V6 owners. The fact that toyota discontinued the V8 makes me a little wary of it as well. Any help is greatly appreciated!
2k54RUNNIN
New member
It took me about 3 months. I've always liked the 4runner so when the time came where I needed another vehicle, the 4runner was on top of my list. For majority of the 3 months, I lurked around this forum pretty much to confirm that I would love my 4runner when I was going to get it. Now all I need to do was convince the wife that this is what we needed (just the 2 of us, no kids). She wanted another sedan, it took one beautiful looking shadow mica limited edition with sports hood sitting in the showroom floor and a test drive, that the 4runner was the vehicle we wanted to get. Now she wanted a shadow mica (hard to find for some reason) with the sport package. None was available, so we figure we settle for our next choice, 05 galactic grey mica sr5 (no sports edition available at all). Hence the forum name, 2k54runnin.
Bought it on a Saturday night, and drove it home from the second dealership we visited. Paper work didn't go through until Monday and there was a glitch that needed to take care of. It was a blessing in disguise, as soon as I hung up the phone, the first dealership called that they just got this 4runner in and they immediately thought of us, it was a 06 Shadow Mica Sports Edition, the exact one that we wanted in the first place. Returned the one we bought on Tuesday after work, drove across town and put money down for the sports edition right before they closed the door. Finally picked the truck that Friday and its been great ever since. Now I need to change the name...
Bought it on a Saturday night, and drove it home from the second dealership we visited. Paper work didn't go through until Monday and there was a glitch that needed to take care of. It was a blessing in disguise, as soon as I hung up the phone, the first dealership called that they just got this 4runner in and they immediately thought of us, it was a 06 Shadow Mica Sports Edition, the exact one that we wanted in the first place. Returned the one we bought on Tuesday after work, drove across town and put money down for the sports edition right before they closed the door. Finally picked the truck that Friday and its been great ever since. Now I need to change the name...
Ha I never noticed the fender wells were different shapes until you pointed that out, maybe ill start looking at the 06s a little harder now.
The 4.7s seem to catch some flak because of the timing belt, but isnt this the same engine as the older Tundra? If so ive seen a few of those still chuggin past the 200k mark with ease.
2k54RUNNIN
New member
peter78
Super Moderator
You may not of known it, but you may of started another V8 vs. V6 war. We have had to stop threads because of this. :roadkill:
Yes, it is the same engine. In 2005 they did get the Vtt-i, but it is the same engine. I own the V6, but before we start another war, let me say that the V8 is fine and is considered one of the best engines Toyota makes. Having a timing belt is nothing new, most engines have timing belts. The V8 is smooth and powerful. If they are indeed cheaper like you say, it only because of the price of gas. That is it. (The timing belt needs replacement every 90,000 miles.)
Not to confuse the issue, but if I had two used 4Runners and they were both in the same condition and price, but one one a V8 and the other a V6, I would go with the V8.
If anything, the longevity of a V6 is still up for debate as they only came out in 2003.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/53025-100k-200k-mile-4th-gen-v6s-post-up.html
(now if we must post anything about V6 vs. V8 please abide by our rules and be respectful, thanks.):hatsoff:
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WHoa-don't want to create a crisis with my first post-sorry about that, wasn't aware of the loaded history on this topic.
Thanks for the info-that's food for thought. THe V8's seem consistently cheaper right now, which I found strange since they were originally more expensive. Perhaps it's more about the percieved fuel consumption (which as mentioned in other threads, really isn't that much worse) or maybe it's simply because there are more of them available right now.
Whatever the case may be, I'll have to put some more thought into this.
Thanks for the info-that's food for thought. THe V8's seem consistently cheaper right now, which I found strange since they were originally more expensive. Perhaps it's more about the percieved fuel consumption (which as mentioned in other threads, really isn't that much worse) or maybe it's simply because there are more of them available right now.
Whatever the case may be, I'll have to put some more thought into this.
adkinsadam1
New member
We went to the dealership to buy a Ford Escape. Then we saw the 4runner. Took about 5 minutes.
Ducman
New member
Awhile
Edit *Timing belt is no big deal just replace every 90,000 miles* Probably run you $700-$800 and they are very reliable motors.
Took me 9 months of looking almost every day.
I am pretty picky though.
My requirements were:
* Silver or Black colors only
* 1 owner
* Less than 60k miles
* V8
* Heated leather seats
* Less than $18k
I finally found one and paid $17.5k for it. This was at a dealership I talked down they were asking $20k when negotiations started. This was 1 year ago. I would guess the same truck could be found for about $15k-$16k now. No regrets.
A few tips for you:
1) The V8 rocks
Gobs of low end torque and very smooth. Smoothest V8 I've ever owned.
2) if you live where the winters are cold, the heated leather seats are the best I've ever had in any vehicle, highly recommended.
* Corrected: Apparently the Sports do too 3) Only the limited has the telescoping steering wheel and on steering wheel stereo controls. Both nice features. *
4) Depending on how tall you are you may not want one with a moonroof. The ceiling slopes down right at the edge of the moonroof track and its directly above your head (stupid design) so it cuts about an inch and a half of headroom.
Best advice I can give you is don't settle and try to be patient.
cars.com, carsoup.com, autotrader and craigslist are your friends. :biggrin2:
Good luck!
Edit *Timing belt is no big deal just replace every 90,000 miles* Probably run you $700-$800 and they are very reliable motors.
Took me 9 months of looking almost every day.
I am pretty picky though.
My requirements were:
* Silver or Black colors only
* 1 owner
* Less than 60k miles
* V8
* Heated leather seats
* Less than $18k
I finally found one and paid $17.5k for it. This was at a dealership I talked down they were asking $20k when negotiations started. This was 1 year ago. I would guess the same truck could be found for about $15k-$16k now. No regrets.
A few tips for you:
1) The V8 rocks
Gobs of low end torque and very smooth. Smoothest V8 I've ever owned.2) if you live where the winters are cold, the heated leather seats are the best I've ever had in any vehicle, highly recommended.
* Corrected: Apparently the Sports do too 3) Only the limited has the telescoping steering wheel and on steering wheel stereo controls. Both nice features. *
4) Depending on how tall you are you may not want one with a moonroof. The ceiling slopes down right at the edge of the moonroof track and its directly above your head (stupid design) so it cuts about an inch and a half of headroom.
Best advice I can give you is don't settle and try to be patient.
cars.com, carsoup.com, autotrader and craigslist are your friends. :biggrin2:
Good luck!
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titaniumsport
New member
i dont know if it changed between years, but my family's 06 Sport Edtion has a Telescoping wheel and steering wheel controls.
our search was about 4 hours.
went to go look at 4runner's right after the 2006 facelift came out. fell in love with the new design. test drove a XSP, but my mother didnt like the Borla exhaust. so we went with the SE.
Ducman
New member
Interesting....
I had read online that only the limited models had that. I stand corrected. Good to know.
Edit *Timing belt is no big deal just replace every 90,000 miles* Probably run you $700-$800 and they are very reliable motors.
Took me 9 months of looking almost every day.
I am pretty picky though.
My requirements were:
* Silver or Black colors only
* 1 owner
* Less than 60k miles
* V8
* Heated leather seats
* Less than $18k
I finally found one and paid $17.5k for it. This was at a dealership I talked down they were asking $20k when negotiations started. This was 1 year ago. I would guess the same truck could be found for about $15k-$16k now. No regrets.
A few tips for you:
1) The V8 rocks
2) if you live where the winters are cold, the heated leather seats are the best I've ever had in any vehicle, highly recommended.
* Corrected: Apparently the Sports do too 3) Only the limited has the telescoping steering wheel and on steering wheel stereo controls. Both nice features. *
4) Depending on how tall you are you may not want one with a moonroof. The ceiling slopes down right at the edge of the moonroof track and its directly above your head (stupid design) so it cuts about an inch and a half of headroom.
Best advice I can give you is don't settle and try to be patient.
cars.com, carsoup.com, autotrader and craigslist are your friends. :biggrin2:
Good luck!
whew nine months! But hey if that's what it takes that's what it takes i'm very picky with my criteria too. Until then my old Tacoma is still getting the job done. Sounds like its very hit or miss depending on where you are. Since I'm in northern Oklahoma I have a pretty crummy selection unfortunately, that's why I was hoping for some feedback on their out-of-state buying experiences.
FourEyedWilly
New member
I forgot to add that I called both the local DMV and the dealer before I got on the plane. Like you, I didn't want to pay sales tax twice or register in multiple states. I'd guess each state is going to be different. I will say this, the drive home, by myself, in my new baby was FANTASTIC. It was something smiling ear to ear for four hours. The entire process from purchase to registration was cake. Title in hand, all is well!
