Need advice on 05 maintenance

[ddicosmo]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy a 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4wd with 92,000 miles. Its my first 4runner and I'm purchasing it from a private party. They are asking $14,900 but I have made an offer for $13,000 and they have agreed. The overall condition of the vehicle is good and drives very well. Since it has 92k on it, I'm concerned about any major maintenance I should be aware of at that mileage. What should I be looking for? Timing belt, bearings, etc.? What (if any) are problem areas I should keep an eye on? Finally, I have never owned a 4wd vehicle and am wondering what I should do to check to make sure that the 4wd system is working correctly and there are no issues. Thanks for your advice.

 

[wrestler157]

v6 doesnt have a timing belt only a timing chain so need to worry about that. and just put it in 4wd and drive a little bit to make sure it works fine.

other than that just do a routine lookover as you would do on buying a used car
How to Check out a Used Car Before Buying It - wikiHow

 

[KB084RUNNER]

Take it to a dealer or Toyota mechanic and have it evaluated. Most charge $100-150. Be sure it shifts into 4hi and 4lo with no issues and that the transfer case is not leaking at the actuator. Check front brake calipers to see if they are "frozen".

 

[8086bruce]

Like stated above check the brakes and for any leakes and you should be good to go.

 

[MikeInNH]

IF the vehicle was well maintained...then it's not even a third way through it's life expectancy.

The only issue I've seen from many other owners is the front brake calipers. They tend to stick and need replacing.

 

[034RUNNER]

Do they have all maintenance records? Are they the original owner? More than anything you have to feel the seller out. Getting a feel for the person gives you a big clue as to how they treat their cars.

As said, no timing belt on the v6. Was 90k service done? If not, I'd try to get them down more on the price.

I don't think you really need to take it to Toyota to get checked out; it's not like these trucks have big time issues, or like it's so old.

 

[snowbrdr033]

Also keep in mind that you can have the service records checked on Toyota's website using the VIN. The only downside is that it will only show service records on the truck that were done at the stealership, but it will also tell you if there were any problems when it was brought in, what they were, and if they were fixed or left alone. Also check about the 90k maintenance and keep in mind about the timing belt for V8s, which I hear isn't cheap!

 

[natevans65]

One thing you might consider is what I call "zeroing out the mileage" meaning you are getting it with 92K miles. A great opportunity ( assuming you have the budget) to change all the fluids.....so really 92K is you zero point for starting YOUR maintenance schedule. Go to AMSOIL - Synthetic Oil, Motor and Engine Oil, Lubricants, Air Filters, Oil Filters and Greases and add that truck and any other vehicles to your "garage" and gradually start changing the fluids such as differentials, transfer case, transmission, engine oil, power steering and brake fluids. That website will give you all the Amsoil products and the capacities of your truck. So from there along with additional things like brakes and other normal maintenance items, you can document everything you do via the web. I have a motorcycle and 3 vehicles in my "garage" and it helps me keep in line with what needs to be done like....tire rotations etc. Good information there, obviously I am partial to Amsoil products but they have some really good information and products to keep your 4Runner going for a very long time!

 

[ddicosmo]

Thanks everyone for the info. Are the front brakes defective on the 4runner? The one I'm looking at looks like it has a new front brake caliper and new rotor on the passenger side. I also looked at a few others and many had what appeared to be new front brake calipers on one if not both front wheels. One other thing I noticed was when I moved the 4H 4L selector switch, I heard a click. Is this normal? Also, what does the 90K service include and approx. how much does it cost? I really like the vehicle but I want to make sure that after the purchase, I'm not looking at big money to fix any issues. I want to be an informed buyer especially since I've never owned a 4wd or toyota for that matter. Thanks again.

- Dave

 

[MikeInNH]

Are the front brakes defective on the 4runner?

YES....poor design. There are 4 pistons on the caliper. And they tend to stick. Not a HUGE issue....If you're mechanically inclined you could do the brakes yourself. It's a fairly simple job. There are some aftermarket calipers that I hear don't stick...but haven't used them. The rebuilt ones I buy are a lot cheaper.