Need advice on mileage concerns for 4runner purchase

[Cory619]

So I have been lurking here for a few weeks and have seen some really nice purpose built 4runners. I want to purchase a 2003/4 V8 4x4 and trying to do so without going over my budget. I've basically come to the conclusion that a high mile 4runner is what I am going to purchase since I have found a hand full in the 5-7k range.

So here is the question? I know high miles are the death of every motor out there. But Toyota's are sometimes the exception which is why I am even considering this. Would a V8 with over 200K be worth getting or am I just going to end up needing to rebuild the motor? And the tranny is also of concern.

It won't be my daily driver. Only when the weather is bad. I want to build it up like some of the one's I've seen here on the boards.

Should I be cheap and buy a high mileage 4runner or spend 6k more on a vehicle that has 150k? But there goes my build budget lol.

You guy's know these vehicles. So I appreciate your opinions on this.

Also, if I want to have a V8 rebuilt, any recommendations?

Thank you.

 

[Atlanta_man]

Motor itself should go 300K if it has had an oil change or two

Plenty of other stuff will likely start wearing out: brake booster/control, PS, A/C, wheel bearings, electrics like window motors - 4wd actuator, etc. Avoid the moon/sun roof.

Don't know about the trans long term...

 

[b-ryan]

I live in nyc and don't need a DD, I have the subway, but needed a vehicle to get me to the mountains (vermont) for snowboarding. Last year I was able to get into a mint condition 2003 4runner sr5 v6 4x4 with 48,000 miles for $9,500. In the past year the only issues I've come across were the center console lights(~$20), tail lights(~$20), A/C Clutch Relay ($15), and tires($700). While it's not a V8, it sure has a decent amount of power. I'm moving to San Francisco in a few months, and plan on driving it across the country. That should attest to it's reliability.

 

[swmtnbiker]

Wow Bryan, you got a great deal on that '03! I shopped for months around here (Phoenix) for something similar, but any 2003 with mileage that low was above $14K and the KBB value reflects that. I ended up buying a 2005 4WD SR5 V6 in absolutely immaculate condition (don't think it was ever taken off-road) with 156K on the ODO for $10500, which was $3K under KBB.

 

[BigNate]

I wouldn't plan on buying one with 200k on it and expect it to go forever.
I got my 3rd gen with 115k and blew a head gasket at 225k or so. Still 100k worth of driving it wherever I wanted was worth something right?

 

[nghiS4]

It won't be my daily driver. Only when the weather is bad.

^KEY WORDS HERE. Buy the cheapest, best looking, best maintained one you can find & build it up! I never buy high mileage cars, my 4R being the one exception at 133k miles, dealer maintained every 5k miles. Since you have another car, 4R reliability is less important, but nevertheless, you'll have a very reliable truck.

EDIT: In case I didn't make it extremely clear, try to get as detailed maintenance records as possible: Carfax (not Autocheck), register the VIN for FREE on Toyota Owners Official Web Site: Service Coupons, Owner's Manuals, Service Scheduling And More to see the history of service at Toyota dealers & maybe even some other dealers.

 

[nghiS4]

Wow Bryan, you got a great deal on that '03! I shopped for months around here (Phoenix) for something similar, but any 2003 with mileage that low was above $14K and the KBB value reflects that. I ended up buying a 2005 4WD SR5 V6 in absolutely immaculate condition (don't think it was ever taken off-road) with 156K on the ODO for $10500, which was $3K under KBB.

You guys don't even wanna know what I paid for my Limited in the SF Bay Area! Apparently, they come at quite a premium. Yikes!

 

[Cory619]

I ended up buying a 2004 4Runner Limited V8 2WD with 109k on it. The timing belt was changed at 98k. Previous owner is the service manager at a local acura dealer. I've had it for 2 months now and the only complaint I have is that the shocks are toast. Bottoms out or is too soft.

Diggin it so far.

 

[b-ryan]

Wow Bryan, you got a great deal on that '03! I shopped for months around here (Phoenix) for something similar, but any 2003 with mileage that low was above $14K and the KBB value reflects that. I ended up buying a 2005 4WD SR5 V6 in absolutely immaculate condition (don't think it was ever taken off-road) with 156K on the ODO for $10500, which was $3K under KBB.

Yeah, I thought something was wrong with it. Once I logged into toyota owners site, all maintenance was documented. Only item that was missing was a spark plug change at 30k.

I ended up buying a 2004 4Runner Limited V8 2WD with 109k on it. The timing belt was changed at 98k. Previous owner is the service manager at a local acura dealer. I've had it for 2 months now and the only complaint I have is that the shocks are toast. Bottoms out or is too soft.

Diggin it so far.

Sounds like a perfect time to update those shocks to Bilstein 5100's, with some FJ Springs

 

[thtfjjdyjfgyjhu]

Also, if I want to have a V8 rebuilt, any recommendations?