Looking to buy a 2007+ 4Runner

[Precision]

My fiance wants a 4Runner but it has to be a 2007+ and she won't budge. I was looking for help with which to look for as far as options, years, engines, transmissions and other things to consider so that this goes as smoothly as possible. She doesn't want to travel far and $18,000 is the top of the budget an it is firm.

Would she be better off with a 6cyl or an 8 and why?

What should we make sure is taken care of for recalls, servicing, repairs or whatever?

What mileage is too high and is a dealer a bad idea?

Are there any bugs or stupid things to go wrong or consider from certain years, trim levels etc?

She doesn't care about e-lockers and serious off road stuff and the 4Runner would stay stock. Anything you think I should know when looking would be great.

 

[Bob J]

My fiance wants a 4Runner but it has to be a 2007+ and she won't budge. I was looking for help with which to look for as far as options, years, engines, transmissions and other things to consider so that this goes as smoothly as possible. She doesn't want to travel far and $18,000 is the top of the budget an it is firm.

Would she be better off with a 6cyl or an 8 and why?

What should we make sure is taken care of for recalls, servicing, repairs or whatever?

What mileage is too high and is a dealer a bad idea?

Are there any bugs or stupid things to go wrong or consider from certain years, trim levels etc?

She doesn't care about e-lockers and serious off road stuff and the 4Runner would stay stock. Anything you think I should know when looking would be great.

Both the 6 and the 8 cyl are great engines... Since you are not planning to offroad or tow either would work for her....

Maintenance is really key for these trucks.... Sign up on My Toyota Toyota Owners Official Website: Service Coupons, Owners Manuals, Service Scheduling and More
to see if the maintenance history is available (will need the VIN) and plan on filling in any blanks as soon as possible.... This will also flag any recalls.... Also a Carfax is a good idea for any accident history.... Really good idea since there are currently a lot of Hurricane Sandy/flooded etc trucks out there....

Mileage as always is a trade off with cost.... A well maintained 4runner should easily make 300k miles so a lot depends on what is available and how long you plan on keeping it.... As far as a dealer sale it all depends on what is available and the cost..... I bought my 2003 limited from a pontiac dealer who I honestly think didn't know it's value.... Not that I got a steal but all things considered when I did the research it proved to be the best value for the money available at the time....

As far as things to be aware of there are very few for these trucks.... A quick walk through the maintenance section of the forum will give you a pretty good idea but the only one I would point out to check is the brake caliper seizing issue.... Not a "show stopper" but needs to be dealt with when it happens and is fairly common... The diff lock and 4low switching/engaging issues are well documented and worth checking out as well but will be less important to you since you are not planning much in the way of off road adventures....

For a stock truck that will not be going off road much would consider looking for a good condition limited.... You get lots of bells and whistles/amenities for not much money more that trucks with less....

Hopefully this helps and good luck! :typing:

 

[LukasT820]

you'll love it.

My fiance wants a 4Runner but it has to be a 2007+ and she won't budge. I was looking for help with which to look for as far as options, years, engines, transmissions and other things to consider so that this goes as smoothly as possible. She doesn't want to travel far and $18,000 is the top of the budget an it is firm.

Would she be better off with a 6cyl or an 8 and why?

What should we make sure is taken care of for recalls, servicing, repairs or whatever?

What mileage is too high and is a dealer a bad idea?

Are there any bugs or stupid things to go wrong or consider from certain years, trim levels etc?

She doesn't care about e-lockers and serious off road stuff and the 4Runner would stay stock. Anything you think I should know when looking would be great.

I bought a 2008 4Runner SR5 back in August, it was my 1st SUV so I did lots of research before buying. I have zero regret on my choice. You will love it. Since 4Runner's hold their resale value very well, it will be difficult to find one under 18k that has less than 85k miles on it. I searched thoroughly and found mine for 17,500 with 72,000 miles on it. granted it is the SR5 version. but with a 4Runner I didnt see the need for leather, nav, etc. The V6 has more than enough power for daily driving and great acceleration.

When my girlfriend drives it she is always surprised at the power when hitting the gas and she has a 2009 Acura MDX.

compared to other SUV's in this class, I think it's the best buy out there. Once you get into the V8, you'll take a big hit on gas.

I got mine from a smaller dealership in northern VA, and got them to knock off $600 bucks because the stock Dunlops were getting worn.

 

[MikeInNH]

V6 or V8 - Doesn't matter..both are very durable engines.

If you tow over 5000lbs then get the V8..otherwise..the V6 is more then capable.

With the V8 you'll have to worry about a $500+ timing belt change every 100k miles. and there's a known design problem with the front calipers..so expect to replace them often.

 

[Dexter Morgan]

My fiance wants a 4Runner but it has to be a 2007+ and she won't budge.

That's random. Does she know the refresh was done in '06?

 

[NJshadow93]

That's random. Does she know the refresh was done in '06?

I agree, you can't tell the difference between an '06 and an '07. An '08 is a little different because it has the VSC off switch, but good luck getting a low mileage '08 for $18k

 

[Jeff S.]

My 2 cents about the motor. Both are obviously great. The MPG vs power is proportional, so while V8 owners will try to exaggerate the power difference whilst downplaying the MPG difference, V6 owners will exaggerate the fuel consumption savings of the V6 whilst downplaying the extra power from the V8. In reality, the V6 will suck a little less gas, whereas the V8 will give you a little more oomph.

For her uses, I'd recommend the V6. I'm guessing she'd never need or use the extra power of the V8, but, more importantly, maintenance is cheaper with the V6 as there is a timing chain (not belt), in addition to the slight fuel consumption savings.

 

[coconutpete]

good luck getting a low mileage '08 for $18k

Yeah, that's a tall order. It'll either have high miles or be really beat up when you get there to see it in person. I just bought a pristine 08 w/ every option and 66k for 22K.

 

[Lineman]

If this is your fiance, you DO have a choice in the type and price. My question would be, do you want a V8? As far as recalls, service, repairs. The search button will be your friend. A dealer isn't a bad idea.

As far as the timing belt/water pump replacement on a V8. It's a long time between replacement so I'm sure you can save up around $800 if you want a Toyota dealership to do it. Also, I've got a 2003 with the V8 and I've never had an issue with the Calipers.

Whatever you decide, you'll love the Runner.

My fiance wants a 4Runner but it has to be a 2007+ and she won't budge. I was looking for help with which to look for as far as options, years, engines, transmissions and other things to consider so that this goes as smoothly as possible. She doesn't want to travel far and $18,000 is the top of the budget an it is firm.

Would she be better off with a 6cyl or an 8 and why?

What should we make sure is taken care of for recalls, servicing, repairs or whatever?

What mileage is too high and is a dealer a bad idea?

Are there any bugs or stupid things to go wrong or consider from certain years, trim levels etc?

She doesn't care about e-lockers and serious off road stuff and the 4Runner would stay stock. Anything you think I should know when looking would be great.