I live in an area that salts the roads, so rust is the most common issue I have to deal with.
I've bought two 10 year old 3rd gen 4runners and here is what I have had to do in addition to all of the regular maintenance including plugs, all fluids, etc.
1998 SR5 2.7 L, 5 speed - 4x4 (was used to tow a trailer by the previous owner, I drove it pretty hard)
Purchased in 2008 with 132,000 kms (82,500 miles). No major maintenance by previous owner, oil changed and other maintenance done routinely. It's a 4cyl so no timing belt, timing chain is good to at least 300,000 kms.
Done by previous owner:
- new clutch was installed by original owner, no explanation as to why
Done by me:
- all new shocks
- both rear lower control arms
- front brakes, twice (2nd time under warranty). Had I known about the tundra upgrade, I would have done it.
- both 02 sensors
- all U joints
- muffler, twice (2nd time under warranty) - 2nd time was due to off road damage
- all belts and ac idler pully
- rear heater radiator lines were capped after they broke when getting hit by a rock in the woods (they had rusted out and the rock finished them off)
- starter tumbler was replaced (failed on Christmas eve
)
- steering rack
- power steering pump
Needs:
- rocker panels have rust holes
All that maintenance was done over the last 2.5 years and 70,000 kms. I think I had rougher luck because it was used to tow and it went from just over 10,000 kms a year to 35,000 kms a year with a fair amount of that off road.
2000 SR5 3.4 L 4x4 - purchase in Dec. with 170,000 kms (just over 100,000 miles)
Done by previous owner:
- timing belt and water pump
- front brakes
Done by me:
- muffler
- MAF sensor
Need:
- suspension is going to go within in a year, I planned replacing the suspension from the beginning
- rear bumper has rust holes
