Need some input please

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'm in the process of selling my car, and my next rig will be a 4runner. I'm a big fan of the 3rd gens, but this will be my daily driver and probably will never see the trail so the 4th seems to be a better fit. Downside is that I've only got $11k to spend. I've found a 4runner locally I need some input on. It's a 03 v6 4x4 with 125k miles. It's the dark gray color, just the SR5 package and all stock. Is there anything I should know before going to take a test drive? I really want a v8 rig, but I feel the 4x4 is more important (v8 4x4 is over my budget). Any common problems or maintenance issues that will need to be quickly addressed? This 4runner will about max me out, so I really can't afford to dump a ton of money into maintenance right away. Any input on the purchase is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[eskimochaos]

I'm in the process of selling my car, and my next rig will be a 4runner. I'm a big fan of the 3rd gens, but this will be my daily driver and probably will never see the trail so the 4th seems to be a better fit. Downside is that I've only got $11k to spend. I've found a 4runner locally I need some input on. It's a 03 v6 4x4 with 125k miles. It's the dark gray color, just the SR5 package and all stock. Is there anything I should know before going to take a test drive? I really want a v8 rig, but I feel the 4x4 is more important (v8 4x4 is over my budget). Any common problems or maintenance issues that will need to be quickly addressed? This 4runner will about max me out, so I really can't afford to dump a ton of money into maintenance right away. Any input on the purchase is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

Good choice on the 4th gen. It's a good dd and can adapt well to use off road. I really think if you wait, you will find a killer deal on an 03 v8. Not only do you get the extra power but the updated 5 speed trans. The 6's didn't get the five speed until 06.

As long as there are maintenence records you should be fine. Might want to check vital fluids such as trans, diffs and a fresh oil change can never hurt.

I'll say it again, a deal on a v8 is somewhere to be had. Don't worry of it's at 150k plus in miles as the 8's are an extremely proven platform with just oil changes.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I don't do much towing, maybe just a four-wheeler a couple times a year, so the v6 should be enough. I can wait it out, and although I have about 3 guys looking at my car right now, there's no garuntee it'll sale so it could be a while. I'm just hoping I can get into a 4runner pretty quick after the sale of my car. The v6 I'm looking at is at a dealer and they're asking $11k. I figure I can get it around $10-$10500 and then have enough left over to pay sales tax. I've searched high and low and the best deal I found on a v8 was a local one that had like 115k miles and it was $12k. In short, I'm 20, pay for all my own stuff, and don't believe in loans. I've got money saved up for my rig, so my max is set in stone. I've really had trouble finding even a v6 in my price range. I've found a couple early 03 models, but I absolutely hate the plastic cladding on them. Is there anything wrong with the trans in the 03 with v6? This'll be my daily driver. I don't plan to wheel at all. It may see dirt roads a couple times a year for hunting/fishing, but that's about it. Thanks!

 

[simple]

I don't know a whole lot, but the 4spd trans is just fine. I have the v6 and I'm a fan, although to be fair, I never test drove a v8. But for my needs, it was perfect, I was 21 when I bought mine. And when gas hit nearly 5 bucks a gallon last year in CA, I was struggling... and that extra 1-2mpg really helped.

Again, I don't know a whole lot, but from things I remember from just reading around here... the v6 has the timing chain, so at that mileage it should be pretty close to needing to be changed. Check the maint records and find out if its been done or not. Also, in regards to the trans, it's probably impossible to know if the PO towed or not, or even serviced the trans, so I'd let her warm up and check the condition of the fluid. Check the shocks? Look for any leaks?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I don't know a whole lot, but the 4spd trans is just fine. I have the v6 and I'm a fan, although to be fair, I never test drove a v8. But for my needs, it was perfect, I was 21 when I bought mine. And when gas hit nearly 5 bucks a gallon last year in CA, I was struggling... and that extra 1-2mpg really helped.

Again, I don't know a whole lot, but from things I remember from just reading around here... the v6 has the timing chain, so at that mileage it should be pretty close to needing to be changed. That's one of the "plusses" for the V6, the timing chain needs no service/replacement. The t-chain should last for the duration and then some... It's the V8 that needs a t-belt replacement at 90k. Check the maint records and find out if its been done or not. Also, in regards to the trans, it's probably impossible to know if the PO towed or not, or even serviced the trans, so I'd let her warm up and check the condition of the fluid. Check the shocks? Look for any leaks?

A 4th gen will serve you well. :iagree: with all the responses here... Good luck on the hunt for a T4R! You're going to love it
:cheers:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Yea, I thought with the chain you didn't have to replace it (or is it that it's just much cheaper to replace when the time comes)??? I'm not set on this particular rig, but it does fit all my qualifications. I've got a guy planning to come pick my car up Monday, so we will see but it looks like I may be in a 4runner sooner than I thought!!! On my Mustang I get about 20-21 and have to run premium (93 octane), so the loss of 1-2 mpg won't be a big difference. I know they say you're suppose to run the mid grade gas in the v6, but even that wouldn't be bad. Thanks, and any more input is appreciated!

 

[jharris2]

I know they say you're suppose to run the mid grade gas in the v6, but even that wouldn't be bad.

Not true -- 87 octane is OK per the owner's manual. It says that you may get better performance with higher octane. I haven't found that to be the case, though.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for correcting that. I've heard that point used in the mpg debate with the v6 vs the v8. As bad as I want the power of the v8, I think the v6 will be more than enough for what I need, save me some money up front, and also save me some at the pump. It's really looking like a good option. I'm suppose to have someone picking my car up, so I may be headed to get my 4runner mid week. I really need some input on this rig, I'm getting VERy close to being back in the family here.

 

[chaz]

v6 will be enough, funny thing for me ,when i went looking for the t4r, v6 ,4x4, i drove it first, liked it but didnt care for the tapping noise of the engine, then drove the v8, thats all it took. i do have the 6 in my highlander tho, & yes, it makes the same sound as the 4runner with 6 did. if you dont mind it, get it, you ll like either one, but id do some more shopping around before deciding. just my 2

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I have test drove a 03 v8 4x4. I love everything about it, just can't swing the price. I've not found ANY v8 4x4's under $12k, much less $11k. I've searched every auto site I know of, and searched withing like 300 miles.

 

[eskimochaos]

How about a 98/99 land cruiser?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'm pretty set on the 4runner. I've searched literally every place I can think of (dealer sites, craigslist, autotrader, cars.com, vehix.com, ebay, etc) and have yet to find a decent v8 4x4 for under $11k. I did find a couple out in Texas, but they are on the other side and way too far away. I'm closing the deal on my car Monday, and for lack of anything better I believe I'll be heading to pick up this 03 v6 4x4 hopefully sometime this coming week. Any other suggestions/input on this 4runner before I commit to buy? I've heard the v6's have motor noise, what exacly should I be expecting here? I'm use to the exhaust on my car, which is LOUD, so I can handle some noise. Thanks!!!

 

[chaz]

nothing a muffler & stereo cant solve. youll see when you open the windows & drive by the divider on the highway or park next to a building with the motor running. goodluck

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Bump, need some more input asap. I've got cash in hand and ready to buy this 4runner unless someone can show me that it's not a great deal. I want a v8 4x4 but my $11k budget just doesn't seem to be enough.