Neighbors 2005 T4R

[NC_4Runner]

Hey guys,

Here it is, my neighbors 05 T4R.

I got to test drive it early and she has a lot of power, runs smooth. Overall the body looks great for 05. Only two things worth mentioning:

1 - Tire pressure light is on. Owner says sensor needs to be replaced (It's been 2 years and he doesn't care to fix as it doesn't affect performance, and the tire pressures are fine).

2 - The rear left quarter panel has deep scratches and also on the bumper, something that cannot be buffed out. (Wife backed it up to the mailbox LOL. ) I've never worked in a body shop but I can only guess that will cost about $1,000 to fix.

So those are the only things I see wrong. The vehicle is a 1 owner, well maintained female driver, well taken care of 05 T4R Sport, 2WD tow package, leather seats, with 150k miles (I mistaken said 141k previously) for $7,000. Besides oil changes and tire rotations done at local shops but everything "major" was done at Toyota.

Is this a good deal or what?

Pictures are attached.

My original post on it below:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/new-members/207933-yeah-i-got-my-15-posts-lol-help-2wd-vs-4wd.html

 

[AleksV]

I've seen many different makes and models with crappy tire pressure sensors. I've had the light on my older 4runner, my titan, parents rogue, friends vw's, I wouldn't worry about it. For the scratches, you're not buying a new car, so either live with it, or look for a minter body one. I'd make sure engine is running great

 

[natevans65]

Ask if they have any maintenance receipts. Also, I have the V-8 so timing belt change is needed at every 90K, not sure what the V-6 deal is so I would ask about that or research on this forum what/if any change is needed.

 

[VolcanoT4R]

Looks nice!

V6 is timing chain that "never" needs to be replaced

There's a write-up on here somewhere about disabling the TPMS sensors if it bothers you. Or, a piece of electrical tape will also fix it.

 

[NuclearN8]

It's 2wd (and also looks like a V6), so for me either would be a deal breaker regardless of price.

I never understood why Toyota made a RWD only version of a BOF SUV, let alone why anyone would buy one. (maybe to run over mailboxes... haha)

whatever you do, don't buy it for more than "fair condition" trade in value (that's all any dealer in their right mind will give them for it with body damage).

 

[snowboardwcu]

if good service record and engine is solid, this is a steal. half of what I paid for mine. even if the timing belt hasn't been done (~$1k IIRC) still a steal, just get it done.

 

[Nodnarbian]

I just (like 3 weeks ago) bought the same exact 4runner. 05 sport edition V8 2wd, galactic grey, 120k miles. Can't tell if this one is V6

If it's a V6, skip this. If it's a V8. Check when the timing belt was last changed. Recommended every 90k miles. There should be a sticker on the top of engine stating when it was last done. If not, ask for paperwork showing it. I wouldn't go off word of mouth. You don't want a timing belt to fail! If it was changed at 90k. Your still looking at needing replaced again in the next 30k miles (my local Toyota quoted me around $600 installed). If they've never changed it (gasp, and tell them your amazed they made it this long. But hey, it's a Toyota) you can use that to haggle the price down some. Telling them you'll need to immediately get it replaced, and you should if it hasn't been!! The V6 has timing chain, no worries there.

Not sure your area, rust would be the next thing to look out for. I'm in South Texas, so we don't really get that issue. Get down and dirty under that car, check everywhere. Even if ya don't know what your looking for, at least the owners watching you will know your thorough!

Many talk about seized pistons in the calipers. You wouldn't know about it until you tried to replace pads, but it may be something to ask about.

Create a Toyota account here https://ssl.toyota.com/owners/login? And add the 4runners Vin to your account, it will show you any work done at a Toyota dealer.

Check Craigslist around your area for similar 4runners and their asking price. Dealers are always higher than private party, but never hurts to see what they going for there as well.

Lastly, if your really interested in it after all this, pay the $30 and run a carfax online on it. They may be first owners, but fleet vehicles/loaners won't register as an owner and a carfax would show that (usually). Still, nothing wrong with a fleet vehicle so long as maintained. Just good to know.

I'm sure your aware of some of these strategies, just covering things I just did a few weeks ago.

Best of luck to ya on it!

 

[progress4m]

Considering that it is 2wd it is a good deal (not a steal IMHO);

Also, since it is a V6, I would also make sure that there is no problem with Head Gasket –well known issue for 4.0 V6 on older 4Runner models (just do a search and you will find a lot of info on that)… especially considering that it has 140K on it;

 

[wnelax04sr5]

if its clean, $7k is a pretty good deal, if you can live with 2wd in your area. HG issues are worth noting but its a toss up, theres been failures under 100k and 4.0s with original gaskets over 300k

 

[The G-Man]

The TPMS light is on in mine as well. These systems are pretty old and can be finicky. My mom just got new tires on her '09 Corolla and it took like 3 trips back and forth to get it fixed.

Bottom line, I would just leave the light on a periodically check the pressure (what normal people should do without TPMS).

 

[NC_4Runner]

Considering that it is 2wd it is a good deal (not a steal IMHO);

Also, since it is a V6, I would also make sure that there is no problem with Head Gasket –well known issue for 4.0 V6 on older 4Runner models (just do a search and you will find a lot of info on that)… especially considering that it has 140K on it;

To find out about the head gasket do I just get the VIN from the owners and call Toyota to check that out? Please forgive my ignorance. Per the owners they have not had any major issues or repairs done since owning.

 

[HECDOGGIE]

My 05 with 94K has its TPMS disabled . I purchased after market wheels and tires and the light hasnt come on. IT doesnt bother me as i check the wheels often anyway.

IS there a certain Year V6 that has head gasket issues ? My engine bay looks brand new, but you never know.

 

[progress4m]

To find out about the head gasket do I just get the VIN from the owners and call Toyota to check that out? Please forgive my ignorance. Per the owners they have not had any major issues or repairs done since owning.

If you have a VIN you can just go to Toyota owners website ( Toyota Owners Official Web Site ) , register there and add that 4Runner to your list of vehicles, you will see all work performed by Toyota dealer (s); independent shops work will not be listed there;

Look at the sticky on this forum called” *** V6 Head Gasket Action Request ***”, here is the link to page# 5 of that “sticky” that has many other links listed there: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/188699-***-v6-head-gasket-action-request-***-5.html
It is very informative;

Here is another link that should allow you to understand the symptoms of HG blown on 4.0 V6
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/[email protected]

 

[swanny]

The TPMS could also be that the spare tire is low, easy fix to get rid of an annoying light. Plus then you'll have air if/when you need it

 

[m85476585]

The TPMS sensors have a finite battery life, and after that the sensors are trash and need to be replaced, I think. I would just ignore it because it's a stupid system anyway. But be aware it might cause some trouble at tire shops because there is a law that makes them liable if they defeat the TPMS system. I'm not sure if that applies if it's already not working when you bring it in, or if they have any obligation to make you pay to fix it?

If you can live with the scratches, just leave them and don't pay to fix them to save some money. You'll just get more scratches eventually.

 

[LPilotSmith]

Buy it! Price seems fair and condition looks great for its young age. As for V6 vs. V8 and RWD vs. 2WD... The V6 is surprisingly powerful with torque enough to make the V8 unnecessary for most 'normal' driving. Plus replacing the starter on the V8 is way more complicated and costly than the V6. RWD is also adequate unless your local climate or off-roading activities dictate the need for 4WD. I've owned numerous 4WD vehicles and even living up north only really needed 4WD on limited occasions - in snow and off-road! The early 4th gen 4Runners are by far the coolest of the lineage, so buy and make it your own! Enjoy!!!

 

[snowboardwcu]

Considering that it is 2wd it is a good deal (not a steal IMHO);

agreed. i was at work and skipped over the 2WD i should pay more attention to the forum LOL