Need buying advice on 2003 SR5 v8 4x4

[telefoto]

Hi, I am new to these forums and am thinking about buying a 2003 SR5 4x4 w/ the v8 engine. This car has 105000 miles on it, is a one-owner, and looks to be in great shape. I want to use this as my primary vehicle to drive to work, as well as the vehicle to tow my 18' Sea Ray boat.

Can someone help me decide if the V8 is overkill? I live in the Pacific Northwest, and will be towing the boat (~3000 lbs) occasionally during the summer months.

Also, what advantages I would really have with a 4WD vs. 2WD (I don't really do any offroading).

Also, I know that 105,000 miles is quite a lot of miles for a used 2003 vehicle, but given the reputation of the 4Runner, I am not too worried. Should I be?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[telefoto]

Just to follow up to my original questions, the reason I am considering the 2003 is because it is the least expensive V8 I can find in the 4 Runner.

Do the 2004-05 SR5 V8's have extra features / performance enhancements that would warrant me to spend more for them?

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I have a 2003 V8 4x4 4runner but with only 30,000 miles. Zero problems so far. I would not want mine without 4 wheel drive. I do mild off roading and when I go on cross country trips it is nice to go on easy off road trails (Utah, Colorado, Southern California and Arizona) without worrying about getting stuck. Also I have seen to many people trying to get their boat out of the water when the ramps are wet that they just spin the tires. If you live in a snow area 4x4 is great also. I forget which year but the later v8s got variable valve timing and slightly more power.

 

[bluduk15]

I would definitely get the V8. I have a 2003 V8 Limited 4WD that has 95000 miles. It's great towing. I normally tow an 8ft. trailer with large 125 qt cooler, large toolbox and 4 wheeler.

The total weight is around 3,000 lbs and the V8 pulls it extremely well, although there are circumstances, like merging on to the freeway, where the V8 is very necessary.

Mine is in excellent shape and I've kept up with synthetics for all fluids. I wouldn't hesitate a second to buy 105,000 mile 4Runner that's been cared for properly.

The 4 wheel drive for you will just be extra insurance in slippery conditions. You won't notice a second that it's 4WD until other cars are sliding off the roads while you are just fine.

 

[Uneek]

Just to follow up to my original questions, the reason I am considering the 2003 is because it is the least expensive V8 I can find in the 4 Runner.

Do the 2004-05 SR5 V8's have extra features / performance enhancements that would warrant me to spend more for them?

2005 V8's have VVT-i which gave it a bump in HP and torque, HP ratings for an apples to apples comparison, was 235 to 270 and torque went from 320 to 330ft-lbs. 2006 has same engine as 2005, but Toyota adopted new SAE ratings thus different numbers.

 

[telefoto]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone on these forums for your help and suggestions. I'm typing this at the dealer right now waiting for my 'new' 4runner to get prepped for delivery! Woo-hoo!

 

[keylay31]

congrats ur going to love it! Pictures!

 

[telefoto]

Ok, here's a pic of my new 4Runner.

 

[Bookmonke]

Just got the same for daughter but with 68k for $15k with new Toyo A/T's, so congrats, they seem to be really good rides.

 

[josh220]

It's a great truck, you will be very happy. I've had mine for abut 2 and a half months and I love it. I just want to know how the hell the previous owner put 105,000 miles on an 03. Haha.