Just sold my G35 n looking for a 4th gen 4runner (Atlanta, GA)

[mastee]

Hello All,

So I have been a sports car guys all my life, and finally decided that I needed a SUV for my outdoor needs, I am not into any hardcore wheeling stuff, but I love to get out to more remote spots...

After some reading I have decided on getting a 03-06 4x4 4runner

What do you guys think of the following truck, I cant find anything here in GA that is reasonably priced (we also do not pay sales tax if we buy from a private party)

2004 Toyota 4runner 4x4

 

[BamBam]

Meh, it seems ok. I've seen better deals and I've seen worse.

 

[Jed]

Meh, it seems ok. I've seen better deals and I've seen worse.

Yeah, I agree. I'd take a pass on that one at that price. The small wheels just don't do it for me. Most 4th gen 4Runners came from the factory with 17" wheels. Look for an '03 - '05 Sport Edition instead. You'll get much nicer wheels, a hood scoop, XREAS suspension, and a few other upgrades over that 4Runner in the Craigslist ad.

 

[BamBam]

I agree... the only reason I'd go with the smaller wheels is if you want to go with the 16" TRD FJ wheels because then you get more sidewall, which is nice if you're going to go rock crawling in it. I preferred the 16's to the 17's on the FJ, but I agree that the 17's are better on the 4Runner than the 16's. Especially when it comes to braking.

I've seen some deals in this part of the country that are pretty good for a 4Wheel drive 4Runner just because there are so darned many. I mean.... I don't think I have ever even seen a 2wd for sale in Utah the entire time I've lived here.

It might be worth to look this far out and truck one back. I almost bought an FJ from back east in your area and had it trucked here and it was going to be $750 for freight. That would be worth it if you could find the right one. Plus if you find one that you like I am sure somebody like myself would be happy to go check it out and give it a full once over. I'd even take it to a mechanic for a checkup for you if you could get the seller to pay for it.

 

[mastee]

Thanks guys, there are a couple of more that I like but they are all out of state, there is an 06 sports also in houston, the guy is asking $17900, see what you guys think of the one below, I like the color n the leather, the Edmunds TMV is 16.5K but I may not be including some of the options

2006 Toyota 4Runner Special Edition Sport Package 4X4//NICE***********

Hey if you guys would checkout a vehicle for me than I don't mind driving it back with the wifey.....as long as the plane ticket does not make it cost prohibitive....so what cities are open to visits

1# Utan (went to salt lake way back in 97)

I do need to get something very soon, since I am driving a loaner, also about the white truck at what price would it be worth getting and putting some larger oems?.....is that even worth it?, also I do not want the JBL, so I can do my own system,I have an pioneer avic dd sitting at home that I was originally going to put in the infiniti, it would go nicely in a 4runner, thoughts?

 

[eskimochaos]

Thanks guys, there are a couple of more that I like but they are all out of state, there is an 06 sports also in houston, the guy is asking $17900, see what you guys think of the one below, I like the color n the leather, the Edmunds TMV is 16.5K but I may not be including some of the options

2006 Toyota 4Runner Special Edition Sport Package 4X4//NICE***********

Hey if you guys would checkout a vehicle for me than I don't mind driving it back with the wifey.....as long as the plane ticket does not make it cost prohibitive....so what cities are open to visits

1# Utan (went to salt lake way back in 97)

I do need to get something very soon, since I am driving a loaner, also about the white truck at what price would it be worth getting and putting some larger oems?.....is that even worth it?, also I do not want the JBL, so I can do my own system,I have an pioneer avic dd sitting at home that I was originally going to put in the infiniti, it would go nicely in a 4runner, thoughts?

Yea, get a V8.

 

[Jed]

Thanks guys, there are a couple of more that I like but they are all out of state, there is an 06 sports also in houston, the guy is asking $17900, see what you guys think of the one below, I like the color n the leather, the Edmunds TMV is 16.5K but I may not be including some of the options

2006 Toyota 4Runner Special Edition Sport Package 4X4//NICE***********

Hey if you guys would checkout a vehicle for me than I don't mind driving it back with the wifey.....as long as the plane ticket does not make it cost prohibitive....so what cities are open to visits

1# Utan (went to salt lake way back in 97)

I do need to get something very soon, since I am driving a loaner, also about the white truck at what price would it be worth getting and putting some larger oems?.....is that even worth it?, also I do not want the JBL, so I can do my own system,I have an pioneer avic dd sitting at home that I was originally going to put in the infiniti, it would go nicely in a 4runner, thoughts?

I like that '06 Sport. Looks good and it includes a lot of little things missing on the white SR5 you posted earlier. Personally, I wouldn't even look for a V8, especially in an '03 or '04 because they actually made less HP than the V6 those years.

 

[BamBam]

I agree... if you want a V8 hold out for the newer version (VVTi right?). I have that one and the difference is noticeable. It wasn't really in the older ones. The newer ones have MASSIVE torque. I drove a 2006 sport with a V8 and it was great. I then drove a 2007 with a V6 and it was also great. So I don't think you can lose really. I bought a 2007 Sport with a V8 and I really enjoy it. I get good mileage, full time 4x4 and massssssive amounts of torque. It is faster than sports cars I used to drive when I was younger (yeah, they weren't that great, but to even be able to compare a truck to those is pretty cool).

Utah is open if you want to come out this far. I know there is a member here that is from Colorado that might be able to help track one. I'll ask him. He searched high and low and almost came to Utah to get his, but found one out around Denver. I think anywhere in the Rocky Mountain region you're going to find a better vehicle personally option wise, but you need to look out for rust. For the ultimate in condition I'd look for a vehicle in Arizona because the chances of flood damage, rust, etc. etc. is very low, and it isn't likely to have sun damage as it is this new. Plus there are a fair amount of 4x4's there if you look in the right areas.

 

[dk27]

I like that '06 Sport. Looks good and it includes a lot of little things missing on the white SR5 you posted earlier. Personally, I wouldn't even look for a V8, especially in an '03 or '04 because they actually made less HP than the V6 those years.

I dunno man. Don't you think since the gas mileage is pretty comparable it'd be good just to find whatever is in the best condition or is there more to it?

 

[Jed]

I dunno man. Don't you think since the gas mileage is pretty comparable it'd be good just to find whatever is in the best condition or is there more to it?

Yeah, the gas mileage difference is really not that big of a deal. But I prefer the V6 for other reasons. The biggest thing for me is the fact that you can run the V6 4Runner in fulltime 4wd (just like the V8 4Runner) or you can run it is 2wd if you want. I like having that option.

But if I were in the market for a used 4Runner and I came across one that was nice for a good price, the engine in it wouldn't really matter because both the V6 and the V8 are good engines and have proven to be very reliable.

 

[mastee]

good good...........please keep the suggestions coming, as I have learned that after spending some time with the vehicles u really get to know them, I have been reading on the forums and I have decided on a V6 as well. My only problem is the time factor, I cannot holdout too long........

It seems like that people do not really like the SR5, what is lacking, wheels, leather, the XREAS suspension, what else? I am not bent on getting a SR5 but would like to understand why no love for it?
The wheels/aftermarkets can usually be found via some local classifieds/craigslist, and I have never liked the factory premium music systems due to lack of flexibility, I hated my BOSE system in the G35 and it was a pain to upgrade, so I rather put my own aftermarket head unit which offers tons more functionality e.g. BT, GPS, USB/SD readers built in

There is an 2007 in GA, the KBB is $23.5, n Edmunds shows it to be $20.5, I am not crazy about the color but it appears that it has been very well kept, he is asking $21.5, its also a SR5, what do you guys think?

2007 Toyota 4-Runner (4WD)

BUT If the consensus is that I should go for a Sports or a Limited only then I will do that?

Thank You all

I checked the Salt Lake classifieds and a 07 SR5 (leather seats) is listed
2007 Toyota 4-Runner
this is a ltd but unfortunately a v8
2004 Toyota 4Runner

vermont
2003 Toyota 4Runner priced to sell!

btw I also like the sports one in houston, but I think around $16.5K is a fair price for it

 

[BamBam]

I don't think 21.5 for a 3 year old SR5 is a great deal. There is a local guy here that only deals in 4Runners and you can buy 2009 SR5's that are in the range of $23,500 or so depending on what he has in inventory. These are virtually new vehicles.

SR5's are very common, therefore the price difference is pretty huge (meaning they take a bigger drop in initial depreciation and then hold VERY steady). But buying one used is really the way to go because there is just a lot more inventory on that model.

My 2007 Sport has the Xreas suspension, but I made sure to get one without JBL because like you said... it's a pain. So there are sports out there with those features. I liked that mine had power seats, but not leather (which I hate). To me it was a good balance between the 3 models. I have no business driving a limited, but I still got the good suspension, bigger brakes, power seats, moon roof, no worthless third row seats, but it does have the double decker shelf in the back which I've used way more than I thought I would (especially when grocery shopping). Plus I was still able to get the V8 and a basic stereo system with an aux in so I can run my iPod or iPhone through the stereo which is cool for listening to my tunes or Pandora and such. Overall to me the Sport is a nice compromise between the two.

I don't have a problem with an SR5. I just think that you can find better deals than you're seeing, especially if you look in the right place. That's why I suggested looking out here. One place to check is the guy I mentioned Kentson Car Company - Bountiful, Utah - I have no affiliation to them and get nothing by you buying with him. I have met the owner at one point two years ago while I was shopping for an FJ and we discussed his business. He is honest and sells mainly 4Runners and FJ Cruisers (mainly 4Runners though as that is like 95% of his business). He has a lot that holds about one vehicle at a time and keeps vehicles in storage, but sells them about as quick as he can get them, so his overhead is basically zero. He has sold to people all over the country.

There may be somebody local to you that runs a similar business. That's the type of person you should look for, because then you have some options. I'd ask other local 4Runner owners if they know of somebody like this. There are two places here locally that are basically 4Runner focused. The other is called Millenium Auto Network. Others have had good luck at Carmax, but I find them to be condescending and way way way overpriced.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Jed]

It seems like that people do not really like the SR5, what is lacking, wheels, leather, the XREAS suspension, what else? I am not bent on getting a SR5 but would like to understand why no love for it?

The SR5 is good...nothing wrong with it. The majority of them will come with 17" wheels. The 16" wheels are actually kinda rare.

But what I'm saying is that for the price, you get a lot of nice little extra stuff that comes standard with the Sport Edition, and even more stuff with the Limited. Of course price is a factor. Some of the little things I'm talking about are things like body-colored and heated side mirrors, leather wheel/shift knob, and even bigger brakes for example. That's not to say that an SR5 isn't good, but I think you'll find a better value in buying a used Sport Edition or Limited.

 

[eskimochaos]

I like that '06 Sport. Looks good and it includes a lot of little things missing on the white SR5 you posted earlier. Personally, I wouldn't even look for a V8, especially in an '03 or '04 because they actually made less HP than the V6 those years.

Torque is more important and the V8's were still faster than the V6's. Your post = fail.

 

[mastee]

Makes a lot of sense, I just want to make sure that If I pay $3-4K premium for a sport or limited with similar mileage than the value of the additional options I get are worth it when compared to lets say using that $3-4K for aftermarket mods

Also if I can find one from a private owner than I save 7.5% on sales tax, I wonder how many modes can I do for $1500 (on a 20k vehicle) that would otherwise go to uncle sam.

I just talked to the Houston guy that has the 06 sport, they may go down to 16.5k, the total cost would be $17ish, when I add in the plane tickets and the time to drive it back, one thing though it belongs to the friend of a guy who works at a Toyota dealership...so the history is a little more obscure than something that is a one owner vehicle.....

ANY1 in Houston willing to checkout this vehicle for me?

PS: I got $15K for my G35 and I am trying to minimize the loan amount, hoping to spend no more than $18K total

 

[ric]

really,,, I so badly want a G37, so bad I can taste it, lol well I wish ya luck finding a 4runner that YOU want :banana:

 

[Uneek]

Same here. G37 Journey sedan. arty:

Good luck to the OP. Keep looking and don't settle, you'll be glad that you didn't when you find the one you trully want.

 

[mastee]

^ guys I loved the G while I had her its a fun n sexy ride, but after driving it for 40K miles and almost 4 years the novelty wore off for me....people were always trying to race and tailgate, but it does get a lot of good attention as well.

When my wife starts her residency in cpl of years, we will be looking to add another vehicle, probably a german sports sedan this time, right now a single small sports car was just not practical anymore (when I could not fit a 1.3 cubic foot microwave in the back seat, that was it for me).

I think the 4runner will be way more practical for the foreseeable future n stay with us until it goes to suv heaven

 

[BamBam]

If you can't get anybody to go look at it, see if the guy will take it to an independent mechanic that focuses on Japanese vehicles. They know Toyotas in and out (and many times are better at doing a pre-purchase inspection than a Toyota dealer in my opinion, because they have no vested interest. Toyota dealers want you to buy from THEM and not the guy off the street).

If he's willing to drop it off at a place then I am sure you can pay the $50 or so dollars for the inspection over the phone via credit card.

There is a guy I've dealt with locally that does inspections and faxes an entire report out to the person who is interested in buying it, and unless the person paying for it says so he won't even let the other person look at it. Like the owner now could bring the car in and without your permission (since you'd be paying for the inspection) then he would contact you directly rather than giving the report to the owner so that he could try to convince you everything was "no big deal." See what I'm saying?

For me... a mechanic's inspection is huge and I've never bought a used car without doing a thorough inspection. Thankfully I am a mechanic (not currently certified... but good enough) so I just take the vehicle and have an emissions and safety inspection done because that will throw up any red flags, then I climb under it, get under the hood, use the magnet to check for body work, check for welded in panels, evidence of frame straightening, overspray, etc. etc.

Just do your homework and you'll be happy. 4Runners are great vehicles. I wish I had the money to buy an extra just for fun!

 

[Jed]

Torque is more important and the V8's were still faster than the V6's. Your post = fail.

They V6 and V8 were so evenly matched that either could win in a drag race. In fact, there were two members here who raced against each other at Raceway Park on a street night/grudge night and they were within .1 seconds on all three races. Sorry, but that's a fact and it was posted right here in this forum with pics and all. Looks like your post = fail.

Forgot to say: Racing SUVs is just silly. So really, who cares?