Is 131K miles too much for a 4Runner?

[CaseLogic]

As you might have seen in my other thread, I'm looking for some used 4Runners. I've never bought a used car before, but there's a 2003 4Runner V6 that has 131K miles on it. Is that too many? Is it close to the end of its life? If not, what should I be looking out for with that many miles?

What is the typical "lifespan" of a 4Runner's engine? Can I get to 200K miles no problem as long as I keep it maintained?

 

[Nuke]

Not at all, providing it was maintained properly. I'm on Toyota #6. All previous 5 were/are exceptional. Over 200,000 miles on 2 when they were sold (and still running with over 300,000) and 3 others with over 150,000 miles when sold. I know that 2 of those are still running strong. I simply get the urge for a newer vehicle around 150k-200k.

200,000 is easy. It's hard to say how far it'll take you considering you're not the 1st owner but if it was well cared for I'm sure 300,000 miles isn't a problem.

 

[Cape 4RUNNER]

131K is nothing at all for Toyotas, I had a 1988 4Runner with 289,000 miles and just gave it away because I had no use for it.

 

[patrickd72]

maybe I am in the minority but 130K is a lot of miles for a 4Runner that is only 6 years old. Take your time and find one that has average over below average miles. It may cost you more but it is worth it.

 

[EH007]

I used to work at a Toyota dealer in the shop and I can tell you that 130K isn't anywhere near the end of a 4Runner's "life" as long as it has been maintained properly. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if it has records to prove it has been maintained properly.

Believe it or not, I've even seen several different Toyotas with more than 300K still running strong.

 

[Nuke]

maybe I am in the minority but 130K is a lot of miles for a 4Runner that is only 6 years old. ..

Yes, you're in the minority, at least in my book. I typically put 25,000 - 30,000 miles per year on my 4Runners.

 

[peter78]

As you might have seen in my other thread, I'm looking for some used 4Runners. I've never bought a used car before, but there's a 2003 4Runner V6 that has 131K miles on it. Is that too many? Is it close to the end of its life? If not, what should I be looking out for with that many miles?

What is the typical "lifespan" of a 4Runner's engine? Can I get to 200K miles no problem as long as I keep it maintained?

The life span of the 4.0 V6 is unknown. It came out in 03. So they haven't been around long enough to break down. This engine was the first truck engine with a aluminum block made by Toyota.

For the 3rd gen., I would think 250,000 is a good number for most 4Runner to go to. After that, the price of fixing it, might be more than the vehicle is worth. I have found that it usually cost two to three as much in repairs to fix a vehicle when it is past 100,000 miles. Having said all that, I would think the engine would last the 250,000, but of course that is just a guess.

 

[MikesToy]

If the engine goes down, they do sell them on ebay for $2900 with less than 50K miles.

 

[Mtn.Rush]

My 1996 had 140 ,000 and drove like day 1. Still kicking myself for getting rid of it. Body was in premo shape also.

 

[peter78]

My 1996 had 140 ,000 and drove like day 1. Still kicking myself for getting rid of it. Body was in premo shape also.

Well some dirrerences in the 4.0 instead of your 3.4 are:

1.) The 4.0 has an aluminum block, instead of an iron block.

2.) The compression ratio of the 4.0 is 10:1, instead of 9.6:1 in the 3.4.

3.) The 4.0 has variable valve timing.

4.) The 4.0 is a interference engine.

What does that mean to me, well having aluminum block, if you have to re-build the engine, it is harder to rebore the block. A slightly higher compression ratio makes more horsepower, but put more stress on the engine. Having variable valve timing is now common practice, but more complication could mean more things to break down. The 4.0 does have a timing chain, but if it breaks, which it could do at higher mileage, means the engine will have serious problems.

The 3.4 creates power in the lower RPM range, the 4.0 is just a different engine, which is not bad, but it is hard to compare.

 

[Mtn.Rush]

Well some dirrerences in the 4.0 instead of your 3.4 are:

1.) The 4.0 has an aluminum block, instead of an iron block.

2.) The compression ratio of the 4.0 is 10:1, instead of 9.6:1 in the 3.4.

3.) The 4.0 has variable valve timing.

4.) The 4.0 is a interference engine.

What does that mean to me, well having aluminum block, if you have to re-build the engine, it is harder to rebore the block. A slightly higher compression ratio makes more horsepower, but put more stress on the engine. Having variable valve timing is now common practice, but more complication could mean more things to break down. The 4.0 does have a timing chain, but if it breaks, which it could do at higher mileage, means the engine will have serious problems.

The 3.4 creates power in the lower RPM range, the 4.0 is just a different engine, which is not bad, but it is hard to compare.

Agreed and my runner was white also (best truck I ever had). Either way you slice it the toyota is built to last...as long as you take care of it it will take care of you. I see no problem with the new engine going past 200K.

 

[peter78]

Agreed and my runner was white also (best truck I ever had).

It is well know that white whte 4Runners are better and last longer. :bigok: :biggrin2: :

 

[Mike07SE]

My old '88 Land Cruiser had 250,000 miles on it and was still was going strong until it was wrecked in '99. Wish I still had it, probably still be running.

 

[Mtn.Rush]

It is well know that white whte 4Runners are better and last longer. :bigok: :biggrin2: :

HAHA, I would of picked up another white one but I needed a change after having white for sooooo long. But that engine was great, 140 K and was still smooth and quiet.

 

[p nut]

maybe I am in the minority but 130K is a lot of miles for a 4Runner that is only 6 years old. Take your time and find one that has average over below average miles. It may cost you more but it is worth it.

I disagree. Those higher miles per year usually means that they are mostly highway miles. I'd rather take higher highway miles than lower city miles.

 

[ABooker]

Nothing wrong with that milage! I just bought another 03 4Runner limited with 139,000 miles on it for $11,000. It was in great condition and only needed some basic fixes like new breaks, tires and bulbs. The engin purs like a kitten and the body is like new. Someone took care of this baby!
I had it checked out on a lift by me and a tech. You should do the same before you buy.
Good luck!
Andy

 

[EH007]

Not much to worry about when it comes to a timing chain. I'm not saying it is impossible for a timing chain to break, but it is almost unheard-of in this day and age. Timing belts are MUCH more likely to stretch than to break, and if it stretches a lot, you'll notice other tell-tale symptoms well before it even gets close to breaking.

 

[hammersc]

Buying any car with 130k miles on it is a risk that needs to be well thought out, but like previous posters have stated, ask for the maintenance book to see when and where service was done. Ask for receipts - good owners have these maitenance records and wont hesitate to show them off... they may even pull it out before you ask. I would as a owner of a well maintained automobile. If no such records or receipts exist, I would move on to the next car - at least at this mileage.

 

[jagmg123]

280,000 still going strong

My husband is Toyota all the way. His '98 4Runner has 280,000, his last one was close to 300,000. My 2007 Camry has 198,000 still drives like new. We do regular maintenance. 131,000 is NOTHING!

 

[ddnww]

my brother bought a Tacoma with 165k and sold it with 285k..
never had a single problem.