Is 195K too many miles for a dependable 4Runner

[RobS10]

The issue is mitigated with consistent fluid changes and sticking to the proper fluids (no just dumping in any old antifreeze)... but yeah, it's one of the leading non-accident reasons for totaled 4runners (if not the absolute leader).

Radiator Assembly - Toyota (16410-AZ011)

Shows as $109.29 from my local dealer (internet pricing, before taxes), I'm not a fan of plastic tanked radiators so went with the $200 all-aluminum Champion radiator (CC1998). Just a lttle additional piece of mind for me, though it has issues too (fit can be wonky).

We've had our mechanic do all the timing belt/WP change outs for us, and he always uses the red Toyota AF. Does that make a difference?

 

[cl4Rk]

We've had our mechanic do all the timing belt/WP change outs for us, and he always uses the red Toyota AF. Does that make a difference?

Like [MENTION=315156]Brian.[/MENTION] said, regular high quality fluid changes mitigate the issue. It’s unclear if it completely solves the issue.

AFAIK the material used internally to divide the radiator into ventricles breaks down over time. Just replace your radiator and you’re good to go. Some people bypass their radiator all together with an external cooler so there’s not even a chance of this happening. Or like [MENTION=315156]Brian.[/MENTION] you could go with aluminum. I personally have a two-year-old OEM radiator, so I’m not worried about it. I’ll probably replace the radiator again with OEM in 5 years or so, but honestly I could probably wait longer.

 

[RobS10]

I was gonna say that a lot of folks in 'San Fran' driving 3rd Gens are still union/working class types and are only still here due to a variety of reasons like lucky/timely property acquisition, cryptocurrency, or generational succession. I'm a rent-controlled renter. It IS a very fair assumption, however, that if someone has moved here in the last 5 years, has a 5th Gen and a cabin that they are not living paycheck-to-paycheck like me! Those people are rather unlikely to be on tr4.org asking questions unless they also happen to have extremely good taste.
Keeping the 4Runner going is like holding onto property during a major downturn - don't let it go due to unfounded worries! Trying to buy in again will be very painful.....

No doubt, when people see where I live they assume we're high income, since it's unaffordable for people to move here without deep pockets. But we're that rare exception, and feel blessed to have had the family history here.
Nice to see another City guy here .

 

[RobS10]

There is a shop on Geary in the Inner Richmond near Park Presidio/12th Ave called the Toy Shop. They get great reviews, recommend using OEM parts without being told, will happily install whatever you bought online (lift suspension, for example) and are quite a bit cheaper than the dealer. I've had them do 2 axles and shocks and springs install and LBJs. There are plenty of other shops - that's just my experience - it has been good. You have to show up there to talk. They don't have time to chat about options on the phone.

[MENTION=124615]3bears[/MENTION] SF is most def NorCal! and natives call it Frisco - Herb Caen was wrong. Saying 'San Fran' is like going to Reno NV and saying 'NevAHHda'. Instantly pegs you as a transplant.

LOL! Wayland is The Man! We have been taking our rig there since we bought it in 2004. Took it to the dealer once...that was enough! He even got my old Dodge Power Ram to pass smog.
Just wish he answered the phone once in a while to save me the walk over ;-).

 

[Endlessblockades]

LOL! Wayland is The Man! We have been taking our rig there since we bought it in 2004. Took it to the dealer once...that was enough! He even got my old Dodge Power Ram to pass smog.
Just wish he answered the phone once in a while to save me the walk over ;-).

Haha - they never answer the phone in the AM - only in the PM when it's time to pick up or pay! I just show up between 8:00-8:30AM and make an appointment for another day, and bring my bike and ride to work. There were running a skeleton crew during shelter-in-place, hopefully things are better now. Me and my friend call them Waylon, Willie, and Merle.

Edit - there is a younger guy working there named Chris who has a modded 3rd Gen and has been super professional and knowledgeable, too.

 

[RobS10]

Haha - they never answer the phone in the AM - only in the PM when it's time to pick up or pay! I just show up between 8:00-8:30AM and make an appointment for another day, and bring my bike and ride to work. There were running a skeleton crew during shelter-in-place, hopefully things are better now. Me and my friend call them Waylon, Willie, and Merle.

I think they're back up to speed. They're open Saturdays too, which a lot of shops aren't. But they do get backed up even with 6 days a week. His son is there now sometimes, which helps with the phone.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I hope to be pushing 400 HP+ and get this thing on a 1/4 track by the end of the year. That's with 236K on the clock so you can guess what my answer is.

 

[dharma707]

Despite where we live, my wife and I are by no means high income, just grew up here and lucky to have bought a place many years before housing costs got stupid .

same here. I grew up and live here in Sonoma County. Got my condo in 2012 for $110k. The one two doors down for me recently sold for $340k. No way I’d be able to afford living out here unless I had. I’m not exactly “ballin’”. Hell, I paint houses for a living and have a 21 year old 4Runner as my daily driver lol. Love it though!


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