How many miles is too many to buy?

[RajjyP]

So I know this is a somewhat difficult question to answer because maintenance means a lot to any vehicle, but all those factors aside, how many miles can one expect any 5th gen to last for? Are there any big mechanical issues one should check for in these vehicles? My car may be getting totaled so trying to read as much on here as I can as I think I want a T4R to be my replacement! Thanks in advance for any help you experts can provide!

 

[wfo9]

They should go 300+k plus with no major issues besides normal wear parts as long as normal maintenance is performed. They really need no maintenance besides filter changes until 100k.

The normal wear parts are.
- Alternator
- Belts
- Brakes
- Suspension (shocks, bushings, springs, tie rods)
- Tires

With a high mileage truck... over 100k. I would avoid KDSS (only on some trail editions). It may last much longer (maybe 200+k) but the cost to replace is too risky (IMHO) if you start ownership over 100k. It could be removed, but it would require fabrication skills and expensive parts.

Overall. they are one of the most reliable platforms out there..Simple and outdated.. but designed to take a beating. However, the parts are very expensive when things do go wrong. The more basic the truck... the better off you will be with higher miles. 2wd is better for overall reliability.. but if you need 4wd they are also very reliable, just quite a few more things to go wrong. Avoid sunroof at all cost on an older one. Probably the most problematic area of a 4runner.

 

[RajjyP]

What’s the interval for belts and what not?

 

[Jetboy]

There's no timing belt. It uses a set of 3 timing chains. IIRC typical replacement is about 400,000 miles on the timing chains. I'd say the regular accessory belts are like 100k - but I'm guessing you're thinking timing belt here.

 

[RajjyP]

There's no timing belt. It uses a set of 3 timing chains. IIRC typical replacement is about 400,000 miles on the timing chains. I'd say the regular accessory belts are like 100k - but I'm guessing you're thinking timing belt here.

Awesome, thanks.

As far as the KDSS situation goes, if I’m looking at vehicles online is there a way to check with the VIN if the car has it or not?

 

[blakjack23]

If you log into Toyota Owners you can input a VIN and it will give you all the vehicle maintenance (that was registered) and you can see the original options for the vehicle. So I think KDSS would show up on there.

 

[philsey]

Awesome, thanks.

As far as the KDSS situation goes, if I’m looking at vehicles online is there a way to check with the VIN if the car has it or not?

KDSS is only an option on the Trail Edition (TE ((2010-2016), or on 2017+ the TRDOR. Easy to spot - all have the hood scoop.

 

[RajjyP]

Interesting