Looking for a 06-09 T4R, What to look for?

[RedAggie03]

I've been poking around on the forums for a while now waiting for the perfect truck to show up for sale in my area. While this hasn't happened yet, I'm trying to learn more about these trucks so I know what to look for when I find the right one. I'm sure there are many threads about this and I'd read some of them, but maybe I'm still missing something. Here is what I've heard:

• Calipers getting stuck
• CV boots breaking
• Expensive ABS brake power booster thing failing
• Rust on the hatch around the center trim at the handle
• Sunroof for leakage and rattling
• Gummy, sticky liftgate switch
• Frozen transfer case actuators

What else am I missing that I should check for when I find a truck. I'm obviously going to look for accident damage, panel gaps, etc, but I'd like to know about the not so obvious stuff I should look for. Known issues.

I'm excited about owning a T4R, there is a lot of cool rigs on the site and great info.

Thanks! :hatsoff:

 

[kevinpt]

Look for rust on the hatch around the center trim at the handle

 

[Dawg4Runner]

Check the sunroof for leakage and rattling. Never had any problems with mine but I've read where others have.

 

[T4RSportGrl]

Get under it...a lot of telling signs of its past can be found UNDER the car. Mine was living in Boone, NC prior to purchase, and they used salt on the roads...so I'll have some issues in the future.

 

[RedAggie03]

Thanks for the info. I have found one that I'm interested in and it's low miles, but I can also tell that the owner lives down a gravel road. So I'm expecting to find the underside dirty and pretty pitted with rocks. Rust shouldn't hopefully be an issue in this area, but I will check for sure.

 

[R.A.]

Check for a gummy, sticky liftgate switch. Not expensive, but it's a known problem.

Might grab the VIN and check the service records at the dealership.

 

[JB.]

Number 3 is expensive but very rare and I'm not sure how you would diagnose it. Just as expensive but more common are frozen transfer case actuators. Make sure the truck can lock the center diff and go into low range. In 4wd drive (permanent for V8) hit the diff lock button at any speed while driving straight. For low range, stopped and in neutral.

 

[RedAggie03]

Thanks everyone, this is a good list! I'm hoping to find nothing wrong, but its better to be educated.

What about the XREAS system? The one I'm looking at has it. I know I want to lift it 2-3" at some point.

oh and I have the VIN, does anyone have a Carfax account? Can I just call the dealer and ask about service records?

 

[R.A.]

Can I just call the dealer and ask about service records?

Never used the phone, but it's worth a try to see if the vehicle has been serviced at the Toyota dealership and what type of services it's had.

I've had service advisors give me the entire service records (some will let you see them, but they aren't supposed to let you see the previous owner or have records).

Might also check for VIN numbers on parts to see if it's been in an accident.

 

[RedAggie03]

sure, but how do I go about checking besides carfax?

 

[RedAggie03]

hmm. The windshield has been replaced. I read that the 06+ (I think it was) had a thicker windshield...I'm going to assume that they had ACME Windsh!t Service do the work...Should I also assume that it now has a thin windshield?

Hmm. I noticed and asked because the seal at the top in one of the pictures is not all the way set correctly. What does a new windshield (the thick one) cost??

Thanks.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Beware the drivetrain bump

 

[dadigab]

Look for leaks in xreas system. They seem diffcult to repair right and is costly. Lifting a xreas truck is very limited. Most wanting 2.5" + remove xreas altogether. Check other threads about xreas systems for more info.

 

[Dexter Morgan]

Beware the drivetrain bump

Easy fix - $260 + half hour labor and its done.

Also to OP, have the dealership meter the paint. It should read between 3.5 and 4.5 microns. If they don't want to do it, they are hiding something. EVERY dealership has a paint meter.

Another good resource for records is Toyota dot com / owners. Register, then pop in the vin of the vehicle and you'll get all service records done at Toyota dealerships. I've often found this to be a much more complete resource than the joke that it Carfax.

Lift with XREAS is spacer only, Daystar 2.5/1.5, Cornfed 3" or Toytec 3"

 

[RedAggie03]

Awesome thanks for the information guys. Really helpful. I was thinking my wife would only let me get away with a spacer lift anyway, so it sounds like I'll be ok.

Thanks again