Need Info on Swapping out my Gen 4 Sport For a Gen 5

[sport2004]

Hi guys - I'm planning to pick up a Gen 5, and sell my Gen 4. Need a 4WD. I'm not sure what to look for or more importantly stay away from when I start checking on line for availability in my area.

Do the 5's have frame rust issues? Is there a history of the back window busting out? Do they usually go high mileage without too much problem like the 4's? Barring bad luck, can I shoot for around 100K+ in mileage in a vehicle in good condition without having to worry?

I know this is a common upgrade, so I hope anyone who went through this can give a few tidbits of advice. Not looking for a dissertation, although if someone was really thorough, I'd read it with great interest. Any insight much appreciated.

 

[Humble Leader]

here are some thoughts on problem areas:

- frame rust, I think no more than any other vehicle. make sure it's not excessive
- rear window. people have had rusty tailgates from water not draining out that rear window. make sure rear window rolls up and down, and that latch on the hatch doesn't have rust around it. pop the hand holds off and look inside as well
- 100k miles not much will have gone wrong on a 5th gen 4runner. if you go for the limited with XREAS, make sure the shocks are not leaking
- check bottom of doors near pinch welds for rust and door sills as well. they are poorly protected I find
- make sure AC / HVAC comes on and starts working immediately when you start up the vehicle. if it takes 20-30 seconds plus and then the HVAC display comes to life it probably means there's a blend door motor problem and that's an involved repair
- check the obvious for oil leaks, timing seal etc etc. my valve cover gaskets needed replacing around 150k miles, I've had no other oil or leaks other than my power steering line which sprung a leak in 2023 and needed to be replaced
- if you're buying a vehicle that you suspect has been modified and then returned to stock, check trim panels for holes where things would be mounted and firewall grommets because usually people just punch through those and can leave a nice hole that needs to be filled
- limited trims are the only ones with full time 4wd. other trims are part time 4wd. limited has the option to lock centre diff, creating a true 4x4. other trims have the ability to create a true 4x4 as well. all trims come with a low range gear and ATRAC. only the TRD pro, OG 5th trail and ORPs have a rear locker and MTS/crawl control
- if you want to buy the best bang for buck that can off-road, go for the ORPs. if you only off-road occasionally and are more concerned about bad weather driving in the winter, get the limited since its full time 4wd and no need to finagle a dial or lever when going from dry pavement to snow/ice

 

[sport2004]

This is great, thanks a bunch.

I need to avoid the XREAS, had to tear it off my Sport, would really like to avoid this again, unless the one I get is due for a new suspension system anyway.

I like the versatility of being able to actuate the 4WD when I feel like it, wouldn't care for full time 4WD.

Your other points should prove very useful when I get around to kicking tires. I have some time, which is far better than being forced into something due to a need for a daily driver. Would love to get a later model carbon copy of my '04 V6, probably not doable, but at least as close as possible.

 

[flyrv9]

I wouldn't buy a used vehicle without checking a few other things:

Accident history
Verify seller really owns the vehicle.
Drive it and do a full checkout.
Put the vehicle in the air and look underneath for rust, damage, leaks, etc.

If the owner or dealer won't let you do these things - move on.

 

[sport2004]

I wouldn't buy a used vehicle without checking a few other things:

Accident history
Verify seller really owns the vehicle.
Drive it and do a full checkout.
Put the vehicle in the air and look underneath for rust, damage, leaks, etc.

If the owner or dealer won't let you do these things - move on.

Thanks...I did the first three of these for the purchase of my current runner...turned out OK, but if I have the chance will see what I can do for a look underneath, depends a lot on the seller.

 

[honda250xtitan]

Thanks...I did the first three of these for the purchase of my current runner...turned out OK, but if I have the chance will see what I can do for a look underneath, depends a lot on the seller.

theyre easy to lay under. bring a creeper (besides yourself lolllll)

our 16 is nearing 100k and it has not lived an easy life. it's been crazy solid minus the ac blower motor is starting to fail but thats a 10 min fix.

 

[flyrv9]

Thanks...I did the first three of these for the purchase of my current runner...turned out OK, but if I have the chance will see what I can do for a look underneath, depends a lot on the seller.

If a seller doesn't want you to look under the vehicle - I see that as a big red flag. You can crawl under to look; but It's hard to do a good job inspecting things. You (if you buy) are going to want to make sure the seller has the tittle in hand. Good luck.

 

[sport2004]

Appreciate the additional comments, I'm sure one could get underneath on the ground, needless to say inspection would be far easier standing and looking up.