Looking To Buy a 07 4Runner SR5 Sport

[Husker Z]

Hey guys, new guy here, I'm looking to trade my 07 Volvo S60 R for a 4Runner, actually looking at this one, currently;

Toyota : 4Runner - eBay (item 160522795975 end time Dec-30-10 20:03:07 PST)

I am going to have them install leather seats as cloth doesn't work well with 3 young kids. I will also be looking to add a sat/navigation system as well.

Is there anything in particular that I should look out for when looking at the 07-09 4Runners? I'm totally new to Toyota, never owned one before. I am handy with cars though and would be looking to do some things to it to make it unique as well.

Any tips?

 

[Husker Z]

No thoughts or advice? Or, did I miss a FAQ thread? :thanks:

 

[08medic4x4]

meh

it's a beautiful truck, don't get me wrong, I'd go 08 or 09, and I'd ask what the accident issue on the carfax is, also, try to work in leather for the price asked, just some ideas/thoughts

 

[Husker Z]

Thanks! What are the main differences after 07? I already got them to add leather, I can't do cloth. I've also asked about the accident record, but haven't heard back yet.

 

[MicD]

'08 and later have side curtain airbags standard. You mentioned you have kids so I would check if the '07 you are looking at has side curtain airbags as an option. It was a no-brainer for me because I have kids too.

 

[Husker Z]

'08 and later have side curtain airbags standard. You mentioned you have kids so I would check if the '07 you are looking at has side curtain airbags as an option. It was a no-brainer for me because I have kids too.

Thanks, I didn't know that. We have two Volvos now, so safety is definitely a concern.

 

[jow]

I just purchased a 07 SR5 4Runner after a 4 month search. It was a tiring challenging search due to my financial goal and being totally new to the 4Runner. My Ford Explorer of 15 years was totaled due to due to s fried main wiring harness.

I have a similar post “What should I inspect on an 07 4Runner as a new owner? Jow” 5 down from yours due to being totally new to SR5. "I hope this is not jumping your post"? I have years of auto services since 1968 (68 & 70 VW, 72 & 80 Jeep Wagoneers, 80 & 87 Volvo Wagons and 99 & 01 Toyota Camrys , all went over 100,000 mi with only the VWs & Camrys starting new).

1. My big challenge was to get out the door with 50,000 mi Certified bumper to bumper 7 yr/100,000 mi @ 20,000 (which I learned w/n possible vs 23.000 with 43K on the SR5, no leather or moon-roof by choice).

2. The certification or some insurance was my only way to go since its totally new but has a good track record from what I could see from prices and very few base models available.

3. My challenge now is inspecting, getting use to driving it and needed care (oil & tire rotation only is new).

4. I think I did OK but felt mislead on the poster price. 18,000 Certified, which led me to think I only, needed to add TTL to be close to my 20,000 goal . NO! They added 6,500 that included paying for the 160 inspections/labor that qualified the certification, the bumper to bumper 7 yr/100,00 mi vs just drive train, TTL and every fee you can think of was added totaling 24,500. When the smoke cleared, I drove away for 23,000. Does this sound fair? I felt I was mislead but at the same time from 4 months of looking the average 07 Certified started about 23,000 w/o TTL. Sorry for the long post, please insert short replies. Thanks in Advance! jow

 

[FourEyedWilly]

Why not search for a Limited that came with leather? I'm not a fan of vehicles that have been in accidents, especially when you have no idea what happened. I know there are those that claim a body shop can make it look like nothing ever happened, but I beg to differ. Coming from a very "automotive" family, I can pick it out every time. That truck does look nice in pictures though, very clean.

 

[jow]

Good points about damages. CarFax can only report what has been reported. I had 2 experiences during my search that CarFax d/n report. 2 SVUs looked good but some close inspections showed both had unknown front-end repairs. This is why I tried to work with reputable Dealers. One would not certify the SUV due to small but noticeable repairs, which I passed on. I notified the other the SUV was on the way back before I got home the 1st day of a 5-day trial w/o a problem. I always try to get 2-3 sets of eyes to help look over used vehicles. jow

 

[Husker Z]

Thanks guys, I definitely need to find out what the nature of the accident was. My original plan was to find a Limited with leather, but in the entire KC Metro, with a total of 5 Toyota dealerships, there are a grand total of TWO used 4Runners!! When I started this search campaign, I figured I'd be able to pick and choose from a number of them, but apparently they are not easy to come by!

 

[jow]

The Base Models are limited in the Dallas Fort Worth Area. There is a better to good market on the Limited Editions. I call it the 2,500 More Edition, with leather, moon-roof and etc.. A 10 mi search might show 5 07s with one being a base. A 50 mi search night show me 20 07s with 2-3 being a base model. My goal was a base model @ 50,000 mi or less Certified and @ 20,000.00 out the door. Otherwise, there were plenty options daily of my 4 month search. I had started considering where I would give in at the 1st of the year vs walking (money, miles, years, colors, non certified with 2-4 yr warranty, etc or switch SUVs. I gave in on more money since the SUV looked good and was the closest to all option I had seen. This w/n a fun process. I hope a few noticed needed adjusted will end this matter. Good Luck! jow