Is this a good deal on a 4th gen?

[T4RB]

Hey everyone, I'm looking into getting another 4Runner. We had a 2004 SR5 that was basically the best rig I've ever owned, but we traded it in awhile back and now I am looking for another one. I am trying to find a good deal on a capable daily driver but a lot of the 4Runners in my desired price range have a lot of miles.

I'm totally fine with buying a 4Runner with under 150k, but there is one with 181k that at least looks like it's in great shape. How long do the 4th gen V6 engines last? Is this one a good deal?

2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD

Any concerns with these higher mileage V6s/4WD?

Normally I wouldn't ask you guys something like this, but I've been out of the 4Runner loop for awhile and just want to be sure I get a good one that's gonna last us a few years as one of our main rigs. I know you guys are the ones to ask as I used to come on here in the past and got great help.

Appreciate it fellas.

Thanks.

 

[MICA4R]

Nice color!

4runners retain a lot of value which is awesome but,$7000 to $7500 would be fair for this one... too many miles on a v6. I wouldn't mind paying $8K if it were a V8.

Make sure the 4 HI/LO actuator and the diff lock works.

Good luck. Take it for a long test drive...

 

[SP Jon M3]

Also, be aware that the 2003 and 2004 V6s only had a 4spd transmission. The 2005 and newer V6s got the same 5spd as all the V8s.

 

[DaveS]

Check there's no signs of leaking from the transfer case as well - there's a seal in there that can fail and if it does its a ton of labour to fix it. Other than that its more a question of how well it was maintained - if you can get the VIN you can check any service work done at a dealer on Toyota.com owners section.

 

[T4RB]

Good information, thanks fellas. I was thinking the x-fer case might need the closest scrutney as well, but was unsure if the 03 V6 had much life left in it at the 181k mark. My old 4runner was a V8, and man that thing felt like it was factory fresh even after all the miles I put on it. Just don't know as much about the V6 models as I wish I did.

I am not 100% sure if this is the rig I will be buying, because the dealership where it is located has been very difficult to communicate with (seems like they're really busy or something) but it is an option I am looking at. This one really has a lot of options on it that I like, it's just the miles that detract from it in my book.

I would prefer to get an 05 or newer with 4WD, but may have to get an 03 or 04 depending on what's available. Seems like the 4Runners don't stay on the lots for more than a few days around here. I almost had a nice gray 2004, but someone bought it while I was on my way to the dealership, which really bummed me out when I got there.

Thanks again for the quick info, I am eagerly hunting for my next 4Runner and hopefully will be able to get a decent one with the budget I have right now. (~13.5k)

I will keep you guys posted and maybe get your opinions on a few more as they become available.

Thanks much, I really appreciate it.