Looking at 100k miles '03 need help with maintenance

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HokieMan18

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Hey guys so I am looking at an '03 4Runner along with a few other 4runners. The '03 is the front runner for my $13k budget. It has leather, JBL sound, SR5 and extremely well maintained (cosmetically)

So the car has 98k miles but I am worried that because its sub 100k miles that many of those "necessary maintenance" items that the car needs havent been done.

So my question is: for a 100k miles what should I be looking for maintanace-wise? Timing belt one of those must have maintenance items?
 
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Spark plugs happen at 100,000. 90K is the big one - timing belt, fan, all the fluids. I just bought a 4runner with a bit over 90K on it and had the dealership perform the entire 90K service as part of terms of buying the vehicle. Something to try for if you are buying from a dealership. Here's the 03 4Runner Official Maintenance Log and schedule from Toyota....scroll towards the end to get to the recommended interval services. http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms/MSTOY03_MS0003/pdf/01omsour/2003/schedule/toyotasc.pdf
 
You only have to worry about a timing belt if it's got the V8. The V6 has a timing chain which you don't need to worry about. Just to be safe, change the oil, differential fluids, and possibly a transmission flush or drain/fill. Check the brakes, make sure the calipers aren't frozen (tends to be a common problem, especially in the rust areas). If this truck has been maintained well, you won't have to worry about a thing. Good luck, welcome to T4R.org!
 
Is it a V6 or V8, I just got my 03 SR5 V6 and I just got done doing all 4 O2 sensors which wa easy. I now want to do a full fluid flush change and the plugs and then it should be good for another 100,000.
Remember these T4R's go for over 400,000 + miles if well maintained and fluids changed regulary, so that 03 is just getting warmed up.
 
I checked out the link, thank you, but I didnt see anything about the timing belt. For a 98k mile truck, I don't think it's unreasonable to have the seller do this before, right?
 
NJshadow93 said:
You only have to worry about a timing belt if it's got the V8. The V6 has a timing chain which you don't need to worry about. Just to be safe, change the oil, differential fluids, and possibly a transmission flush or drain/fill. Check the brakes, make sure the calipers aren't frozen (tends to be a common problem, especially in the rust areas). If this truck has been maintained well, you won't have to worry about a thing. Good luck, welcome to T4R.org!
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It's a v6. Can you speak more on the frozen calipers. I felt the brakes could haven been better but that could be because I'm used to sedans, but even compared to an Acura mdx (which I requently drive) it seemed sluggish
 
As for the brakes I was use to a BMW 530i and other Chevrolets that stopped on a dime then I got into the T4R and it was like I had to brake way earlier than was use to but then again it weighs a lot more than most cars do but I am use to it now.
 
HokieMan18 said:
Hey guys so I am looking at an '03 4Runner along with a few other 4runners. The '03 is the front runner for my $13k budget. It has leather, JBL sound, SR5 and extremely well maintained (cosmetically)

So the car has 98k miles but I am worried that because its sub 100k miles that many of those "necessary maintenance" items that the car needs havent been done.

So my question is: for a 100k miles what should I be looking for maintanace-wise? Timing belt one of those must have maintenance items?
Click to expand...
If you look around you can find an '04 for around $10K that has a timing chain so you won't have to change a belt, if it's a V6.
 
SR5 with leather and JBL?

you don't have a timing belt, it's a V6.

re: brakes, it's almost always the front brakes that get the seized calipers. common symptoms are roughness under braking (rotors develop issues) and/or pulling to one side under braking. sometimes, you may hear a noise when NOT braking. it would be best to have someone pull the wheels (at least the front), un-bolt the calipers (2 bolts each), pull the pads out, and check that all the pistons move freely.
 
BOSMECH said:
As for the brakes I was use to a BMW 530i and other Chevrolets that stopped on a dime then I got into the T4R and it was like I had to brake way earlier than was use to but then again it weighs a lot more than most cars do but I am use to it now.
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That's funny because I too am coming off a BMW 540 e39. Glad to hear you can get used to it
 
4RBob said:
SR5 with leather and JBL?

you don't have a timing belt, it's a V6.

re: brakes, it's almost always the front brakes that get the seized calipers. common symptoms are roughness under braking (rotors develop issues) and/or pulling to one side under braking. sometimes, you may hear a noise when NOT braking. it would be best to have someone pull the wheels (at least the front), un-bolt the calipers (2 bolts each), pull the pads out, and check that all the pistons move freely.
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Whats got you saying that about the leather sr5 and jbl? It doesn't seem to have any of those issues. I'm just not used to a heavier truck
 
Last year, I got my '03 4x4 V8 with 77,800 miles for $13,000. If the V6 doesn't do it for you, I'm sure the V8 will. Test drive a V8, you'll fall in love with it.
 
I do miss my BMW but the cost to maintain was what I don't miss.
As for me I love the V6 it's easy and very dependable, but many people love the V8.
The V6 is not all time 4 wheel drive which is another option I like, either way you can not go wrong.
 
There are a few 4runners for sale out my way:

A 2006 with 103k, Silver V8, SR5 $12,495

A 2004 with 135k, white V6, SR5 $11,990

A 2004 with 113k, Gold V8, Limited $11,980

A 2004 with 88k, Black V6, SR5 $12,650

The list goes on and on!
 
zerowkul98 said:
There are a few 4runners for sale out my way:

A 2006 with 103k, Silver V8, SR5 $12,495

A 2004 with 135k, white V6, SR5 $11,990

A 2004 with 113k, Gold V8, Limited $11,980

A 2004 with 88k, Black V6, SR5 $12,650

The list goes on and on!
Click to expand...

A bit cheaper than what I have been finding but the 03 i am looking at has been garage kept and looks emaculate. But those prices look enticing
 
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