Looking For Advice: Buying My Dad's 4Runner

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Whammy

New member
All,

My dad is looking to sell his 4Runner and get into a newer vehicle. Here are the specs on it:

Specs:
  • '03 V8 4R Sport w/ 115,000mi
  • Fluid Changes every 15,0000mi
  • New Transmission @ 78,000mi
  • Timing Belt Changed @ 60,000mi
  • Brake I know have been done; just not sure when

Concerns:
  • Needs new tires (probably going with BFG ATs);might need new rims due to leaks.
  • Suspension and all components are original.
  • The transmission has made noise (not consistently) in 1st gear.

My dad is the original owner of the vehicle and has all of the paperwork from the dealership to back it up. My mom is actually going through all of the paperwork to see if there is anything else.

I am absolutely not looking for another project to work on. I just sold my Jeep Cherokee (XJ) which was a money-pit. My other vehicle, ('03 BMW 3-series w/ 177,000mi), was a money-pit and lately (past two years) has been a lot better. My plan for the 4R is for it be my 2nd / winter vehicle in Colorado. I am planning on having a PPA inspection performed by the dealer prior to purchasing. What should I be concerned with / look out for prior to purchasing

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Service history here (post #18): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2728631-post18.html
 
Last edited:
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Whammy said:
All,

My dad is looking to sell his 4Runner and get into a newer vehicle. Here are the specs on it:

Specs:
  • '03 V8 4R Sport w/ 115,000mi
  • Fluid Changes every 15,0000mi
  • New Transmission @ 38,000mi
  • Timing Belt Changed @ 60,000mi
  • Brake I know have been done; just not sure when

Concerns:
  • Needs new tires (probably going with BFG ATs);might need new rims due to leaks.
  • Suspension and all components are original.
  • The transmission has made noise (not consistently) in 1st gear.

My dad is the original owner of the vehicle and has all of the paperwork from the dealership to back it up. My mom is actually going through all of the paperwork to see if there is anything else.

I am absolutely not looking for another project to work on. I just sold my Jeep Cherokee (XJ) which was a money-pit. My other vehicle, ('03 BMW 3-series w/ 177,000mi), was a money-pit and lately (past two years) has been a lot better. My plan for the 4R is for it be my 2nd / winter vehicle in Colorado. I am planning on having a PPA inspection performed by the dealer prior to purchasing. What should I be concerned with / look out for prior to purchasing?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Seems like it should be a solid vehicle, and its helpful that your dad can answer any questions about it's history. My only concern is the transmission. The entire transmission was replaced at only 38,000 miles and now the "new" one is making noise? Does you dad tow a lot or drag race the truck?
 
Whammy said:
All,

My dad is looking to sell his 4Runner and get into a newer vehicle. Here are the specs on it:

Specs:
  • '03 V8 4R Sport w/ 115,000mi
  • Fluid Changes every 15,0000mi
  • New Transmission @ 38,000mi
  • Timing Belt Changed @ 60,000mi
  • Brake I know have been done; just not sure when

Concerns:
  • Needs new tires (probably going with BFG ATs);might need new rims due to leaks.
  • Suspension and all components are original.
  • The transmission has made noise (not consistently) in 1st gear.

My dad is the original owner of the vehicle and has all of the paperwork from the dealership to back it up. My mom is actually going through all of the paperwork to see if there is anything else.

I am absolutely not looking for another project to work on. I just sold my Jeep Cherokee (XJ) which was a money-pit. My other vehicle, ('03 BMW 3-series w/ 177,000mi), was a money-pit and lately (past two years) has been a lot better. My plan for the 4R is for it be my 2nd / winter vehicle in Colorado. I am planning on having a PPA inspection performed by the dealer prior to purchasing. What should I be concerned with / look out for prior to purchasing?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...


Check for underbody rust for starters IMO
 
Monkey Wrench said:
Seems like it should be a solid vehicle, and its helpful that your dad can answer any questions about it's history. My only concern is the transmission. The entire transmission was replaced at only 38,000 miles and now the "new" one is making noise? Does you dad tow a lot or drag race the truck?
Click to expand...

I do not believe he's towed anything with it. He had an 89 Land Cruiser where we towed a pop-up camper when we went camping. Since he's owned this vehicle, I do not think he's ever done it.
 
An all original car from the original owner, that is hard to find and at 115,000 miles, it's just broken in! If you're getting it from your dad, it should be a great deal plus parts are cheap if you do run into any issues. Sounds like a win/win deal!
 
From what I've seen the 03's don't come with ATRAC so if you're gonna wheel it you should see if the difference in price between an 04 is more or less than a locker for the 03.
 
T4RNightHawk said:
From what I've seen the 03's don't come with ATRAC so if you're gonna wheel it you should see if the difference in price between an 04 is more or less than a locker for the 03.
Click to expand...
I am not looking to wheel at all. I had a phase in my life where I wanted to do that. I just want to be able to get through the mountains to/from ski resorts with the fiance! This is why I want BFG ATs.
 
Whammy said:
I am not looking to wheel at all. I had a phase in my life where I wanted to do that. I just want to be able to get through the mountains to/from ski resorts with the fiance! This is why I want BFG ATs.
Click to expand...

Well then completely disregard what I said haha. Just look into the AIP bypass.
 
how does the 4Runner ride? if it isn't bouncy or bottom out while driving down the highway you don't have to replace the suspension components. If the stock shocks are blown and the rear sags you could put all new suspension, such as Old Man Emu or Bilstein 5100s, for about $1,000 in parts and about 5-600 in labor.

Just make sure the transmission is solid and that all the 4 wheel drive settings work- 4hi, 4lo, and the center differential lock. If the transmission and transfer case are good its a no-brainer to buy it from your dad. You could get a compression test done on the engine to get an idea of its overall condition.

Otherwise put some BFG all terrain tires on it and have a blast skiing and camping with it. Even stock it will get you to some awesome places around Colorado without beating it up.
 
Monkey Wrench said:
how does the 4Runner ride? if it isn't bouncy or bottom out while driving down the highway you don't have to replace the suspension components. If the stock shocks are blown and the rear sags you could put all new suspension, such as Old Man Emu or Bilstein 5100s, for about $1,000 in parts and about 5-600 in labor.

Just make sure the transmission is solid and that all the 4 wheel drive settings work- 4hi, 4lo, and the center differential lock. If the transmission and transfer case are good its a no-brainer to buy it from your dad. You could get a compression test done on the engine to get an idea of its overall condition.

Otherwise put some BFG all terrain tires on it and have a blast skiing and camping with it. Even stock it will get you to some awesome places around Colorado without beating it up.
Click to expand...
Aren't V8 4R always in 4Hi? From what I read, V6s were 2wd capable while V8s were not. Is this accurate?
 
Oops, you're right. V8 full time 4x4. Make sure it'll shift into 4lo and the center diff lock works (if it has one). I've only had V6 4Runners so not exactly sure what buttons/knobs are on there...
 
All,

My mom sent the details on all of the service records without sending the actual documents. Here's what's been done. I'm only calling out the important/concerning things:

  • Oil change every 5,000mi; tires rotated every 6,000mi
  • 7500 & 15,000 service: Nothing stated what was done
  • 30,000mi service: Chassis Lube, TC and Diff fluid change, idle timing check, clean throttle body,
  • 45,000mi service: Chassis Lube, replaced water pump assembly under warranty, replaced right front caliper (seized), front brake pads replaced, rotor re-surfaced.
  • 48,000mi: Repaired 4wd light (broken wire & center diff control switch)
  • 60,000mi service: Adjust valves, all fluid change, clean throttle body, flush coolant, check idle timing, spark plugs, service transfer case (whatever that means), and replace the timing belt
  • 73,000mi: Replaced front brake pads and front caliper (doesn't state which one), brake fluid flush
  • 78,000mi: Replaced transmission assembly
  • 100,000: Replaced right front caliper (seized) and both brake pads, replaced right front axle assembly and seals (torn boot; was leaking)
  • 113,000: All fluids changed; replaced spark plugs, replaced left axle boot and axle seal (guessing this is the front left).

Any thoughts on this?
 
Whammy said:
All,

My mom sent the details on all of the service records without sending the actual documents. Here's what's been done. I'm only calling out the important/concerning things:

  • Oil change every 5,000mi; tires rotated every 6,000mi
  • 7500 & 15,000 service: Nothing stated what was done
  • 30,000mi service: Chassis Lube, TC and Diff fluid change, idle timing check, clean throttle body,
  • 45,000mi service: Chassis Lube, replaced water pump assembly under warranty, replaced right front caliper (seized), front brake pads replaced, rotor re-surfaced.
  • 48,000mi: Repaired 4wd light (broken wire & center diff control switch)
  • 60,000mi service: Adjust valves, all fluid change, clean throttle body, flush coolant, check idle timing, spark plugs, service transfer case (whatever that means), and replace the timing belt
  • 73,000mi: Replaced front brake pads and front caliper (doesn't state which one), brake fluid flush
  • 78,000mi: Replaced transmission assembly
  • 100,000: Replaced right front caliper (seized) and both brake pads, replaced right front axle assembly and seals (torn boot; was leaking)
  • 113,000: All fluids changed; replaced spark plugs, replaced left axle boot and axle seal (guessing this is the front left).

Any thoughts on this?
Click to expand...
Anyone have thoughts on the maintenance that's been done?
 
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