In the market for 03 4runner...what to look for?

[ohuett]

I'm looking into buying a 2003 4runner. I found one on Craigslist from a private party and I'm going to look at it and drive it tonight. This would be my first 4runner to own so I'm curious as to what common problems/issues I should be looking for.

I've seen that there is a post about cracks in the dash...that's an easy one to look for. Anything else in particular I should make sure to look for on this model 4runner? I'm mainly concerned w/common engine or transmission problems.

Thanks for any input!

Owen

 

[chaz]

you didnt say if its 2wd or 4wd, v6 or v8.

 

[ohuett]

V6 2wd

 

[borgzman]

test drive a V8

 

[ohuett]

The 4runner will be for my wife so I'd rather have a V6 for better mpg. Anything I should check for besides the cracked dash?

 

[4rs]

Any reason your'e limiting yourself to just an 03?

 

[ohuett]

Just found one that seemed to be a good deal and I have the cash to pay for it. (I believe in Dave Ramsey's "no debt" way of life) if I had the cash for a newer model, I'd be interested but I found a 2003 2wd V6 150K miles that is really clean and has been well taken care of for $6000. Like I said, it boils down to what I can pay cash for right now. My wife had a BMW that we sold bc we didn't want a car payment anymore. Right now we just want a nice dependable car for her to drive to work while we pay off the rest of our debt. The 4runner met those requirements and my wife likes them (and if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!!).

 

[97BlackAckCL]

03 V6 is a great truck, however if you are in an area that gets any kind of snow or ice, I would recommend getting the 4wd version

 

[100bajan]

Make sure you have all the extensions for and can operate the release for the spare tire. I went to the dealership this morning, mine is rusted and the part is $163, with labor and tax cost will be near $300

 

[jmp55]

I'm looking into buying a 2003 4runner. I found one on Craigslist from a private party and I'm going to look at it and drive it tonight. This would be my first 4runner to own so I'm curious as to what common problems/issues I should be looking for.

I've seen that there is a post about cracks in the dash...that's an easy one to look for. Anything else in particular I should make sure to look for on this model 4runner? I'm mainly concerned w/common engine or transmission problems.

Thanks for any input!

Owen

Not a drivetrain related problem but stuck/frozen brake calipers seem to be common problems among 4th gen 4runners.

 

[hoover]

Regular maintenance.

I was just in your shoes.. Has the regular maintenance been done on it? Where? Has the Timing belt, water pump been changed? When?. Transmission drain(probably wont want to flush it now with that many miles). When? Has the driveline been greased regularly(you'll get the famous toyota "clunk" if not). Spark plug change? When? How many previous owners? Get a CarFax. Crawl underneath it and look closely at the motor... You'll be able to tell what kind of drivers they were and how they took care of it real quick..

 

[buckskin97]

I hear ya on the no debt club, sold my financed diesel sucking truck for a used T4R a while ago too. With the V6 timing belt isn't an issue. You can check service records with the VIN on Toyota.com if it was serviced at a dealership. Otherwise if things others have mentioned here check out I'd grab it, $6K is a great price.

 

[fasterski]

CHeck for cracked headers on the V8. I'm stuck with one now It will be $$$

 

[firstfourth]

2003 limited

If you or anyone is interested,I know of a 2003 limited v8, 84000miles ,$6000 the catch is it is a northeast vehicle and has a salvage title,body work done was a tad lacking and is showing a little rust on the exterior as well.I did drive it and it performed well,but had too much rust underneath in my opinion