looking at a 2008 4runner

[94toy22re]

I have been looking for gx470 and 4runners for the last 6 months now, today i think the found one! 2008 4runner sport 4x4 v8 with 56k miles, clear car fax and their asking $18500. I think its pretty good deal considering the miles. I took it for a 1hr test drive and i did notice one problem, when driving in town i felt and heard the infamous rear end clunk once. Should i be worried or is it worth getting? Anything different the 4x4 system's in 2008? thanks for the help

 

[vr4z06gt]

clunk is 'normal' for the 4th gen. The slip yolk on the rear axle needs to be kept lubbed up. There is a TSB out for replace the axle, you can do this if you wish (I believe the axle is ~$300), or just lube the axle, via the zerk fitting, every 2 months or so. It's an annoyance more than anything IMO.

As far as what to look out for:

• 
  check to see that the Diff lock and 4Lo work. You can only shift into 4Lo while stopped and in neutral. The diff lock can be engaged while moving (I believe you have to be under 40 or 50mph...i've never tried at those speeds im usually stopped or close to stopped but in D, P, or N). If either of these don't work they can be an expensive fix (~$2k from a dealer).

• Check for cracked exhaust manifolds

• check for rust underneath

• check to see that the CV axles are in good shape. Bad cv axles will cause a shutter/vibration while under light acceleration, they could click or thunk while turning, there could be grease slung about in wheel well area, etc. It's more that they do wear so just take a look and use that as a negotiating point.

• Check for the X-REAS suspension. All sports this from the factory. My understanding is that all X-REAS suspensions will fail (leak) at some point, it's just a matter of when. Many people just scrap the entire system and replace with Bilstein 5100's instead as replacement struts from the dealer are ~$250 each. Again you can use this a negotiation point if need be.

• Check the wheels for corrosion, toyota wheels are notorious for this.

 

[vr4z06gt]

clunk is 'normal' for the 4th gen. The slip yolk on the rear axle needs to be kept lubbed up. There is a TSB out for replace the axle, you can do this if you wish (I believe the axle is ~$300), or just lube the axle, via the zerk fitting, every 2 months or so. It's an annoyance more than anything IMO.

I would like to correct a few misstatements...the slip yolk is on the rear drive shaft...not the rear axle. Additionally the zerk fittings are to lube the rear drive shaft...not the rear axle. I blieve there are 3 zerk fittings on both axles...one for each slip yolk and one for each u-joint.

 

[Trianglist]

That IS a good deal with that mileage.