New guy here..

[Rancid13]

Hey guys. I've been in the market for a used 4runner for about a month now. Currently driving an Infiniti G35. It's a great car, but not so practical, and being that I've driven trucks most of my life, I'm missing it. SO.. I've got a couple questions for you guys. I'm going tonight after work to see a 2005 Sport Edition 4x4 V8 with 77,000 miles. It's at Carmax- who I've never dealt with- and they have their "no haggle prices"- (which I'd rather haggle anyway) it's listed for $17,500. From the research I've done this seems like a good deal and of course that's great mileage for that year. What specifics do I need to be on the lookout for when inspecting the vehicle? I'm no mechanic, but I know how to check a car out, and I also know that every make/model has their own quirks. Anything you guys can tell me to look for specifically? Thanks and I appreciate the advice ahead of time.

-Mike

 

[cmpcmp123]

Rancid, I too am in the market for a 4th gen 4runner. Here are a few quick things to keep in mind, you can get a lot more info by searching for any of these topics as well.

1. 2006 was the mid-cycle refresh. You can see the changes here: Toyota 4Runner History 2006
I think for $17k or above, you should be able to get a nice 06+, that's my plan anyway.

2. The V8 has a timing belt. I posted a topic on this, and there is a debate whether the official replacement schedule is 6yr/90k miles or 9yr/90k miles. I doubt is has been replaced, and it is probably a $700 to $1000 job.

3. Make sure the 4LO and center differential engage. They can seize up if not used, and most people never use them. Replacing those actuators is very expensive.

4. The sport edition has the X-REAS crossed-linked suspension. Some report that it has leaked after only 60k miles, others report it going strong still at 150k. Once it leaks it will need to be replaced with standard coils and shocks.

 

[grey_ghost]

On the CarMax issue; personally i've dealt with them a couple times and had pretty good results. I don't think they sell crap or stuff that's been wrecked or severely damaged and the prices aren't bad, plus they will do the financing, title transfer and everything in-house if you want them to.
Did you see the white '07 Sport for $17,998 and 62k miles? -that might be even a better deal, it's in Orlando with a free transfer to Jacksonville..... good luck!

Oops sorry, I see the '07 I mentioned is only 2WD... I take it you want 4WD... never mind :

 

[Rancid13]

grey ghost- I did see that one, and yeah I'm looking for a 4wheel drive. Thanks though

cmp- thanks for all that. That's exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to know.

I checked out that 4runner today... It was in great shape for an '05. Rode great, I checked it out extensively. I noticed a few things here and there but nothing that was a deal breaker. We went back into the office and they had appraised my car... They said that there is a possibility that the mileage was rolled back. They said on March 10, 2012 the mileage showed 26,137. (which is what I bought it at)Then on March 19, 2012 it was recorded again at 45,759 and then again the same day at 26,329. WTF? They said it is most likely a mistake, and gave me the report that showed it and advised me to take it to the DMV to get it cleared claiming it is a mistake.... So, they offered me $9k for my car lol. Because they said they'd be buying it wholesale and wouldn't be able to retail it. It's a 2008 Infiniti G35 with 52k mile(or so I thought lol). Being that the huge mileage difference within 9 days and then back to the original mileage leads me to believe it is truly a mistake. Needless to say, I didn't get the runner.. Heading to the DMV tomorrow to see what all can be done. If it works out, I can go back and they will re-assess the value. If not, back to the drawing board for me- at another dealer of course.

 

[Cygan1008]

Don't know if it would be something you would be interested in but I just listed my 03 SE V8 4x4 it has 168k but is in very good shape, I'm local to you and it's a lot cheaper haha

 

[4runner423]

I just bought a 2006 Limited 4 runner with 75k about a month ago. I paid about $20k. I was originally going to go the carmax route. They have nice cars..but often charge at least 1-2k higher then a normal dealership. They all semmed to be very high mileage.

I also had a trade in. The carmax trade in process actually worked great for me because i was able to negotiate with other dealers. I ended up getting $1.5k more for my trade from a dealer.

I honestly think one of the most important things is the Carfax. The main reason I purchased my truck was because it had an immaculate service record. Good luck finding that with Carmax. I enjoyed my experience with Carmax but ended up looking elsewhere and getting a much better deal.

Check out 4Runner

Shows the differences between the different model years

PM me if you have other questions..i would be happy to give you my # to chat

 

[Rancid13]

Thanks Cygan, But I'm looking for one with less mileage.

Thanks for the link 4runner423

 

[Rancid13]

Update on the odometer rollover situation. I went to the DMV and got it all cleared up. Turns out it was a typo from the last time the mileage was recorded. They pulled some records and it was taken care of. That would've been an expensive typo otherwise...

 

[Rancid13]

Got it!

The search was not an easy one.. For some reason finding a 4WD in Florida with decent miles is hard to come by. I finally ended up landing a 2008 v6 4WD runner with 80k miles. It's super clean and looks like it was kept in a garage most of it's life. I'm stoked and ready to add some mods

 

[ebg18t]

Where did you end up buying it from?

 

[Rancid13]

I bought it from Vista BMW in Pompano Beach, Fl.