New guy looking for opinions

[jpintx]

Here is the background. I have driven full size pick ups for years, currently a 2005 F250 diesel 4x4. I really do not need this size and power any more, and based on specs a 4Runner should fit my needs. Because going down in size is still a bit of a question mark for me, how much I spend on this experiment is an issue, so I am looking at one of two used 4Runners and would appreciate any pros/cons.

a) 2006 4WD Limited, 95,000 miles
b) 2008 4WD SR5, 42,000 miles

They want $3,000 more for the 2008. Both are very clean, seem very well cared for and sound. The miles on the 06 scare me a bit, but I do like the really nice interior, and $3000 left in my pocket.

I would sincerely appreciate the opinions of those on the forum.

 

[MikesToy]

Welcome aboard! The Limited has all the whistles and bells. Don't be afraid of the miles. If you do the math, the '08 has more miles than the '06.

 

[andyman32392]

Quick question what are the engines?

 

[12guns]

Get the more used limited. You won't regret it. Drive it and make sure it's still tight and drives good. Also make sure the timing belt and H2O pump have been done, or make them drop the price another 1k. SR5 is fine if you want lower miles, but I personally drove a Limited 04' and thought it would be the best thing for me if the price had been lower.
I just traded in my 96' Tacoma for a 05' Sport 4x4. Didn't know how I would handle switching from my truck to a SUV, but so far I LOVE it. Don't think you can go wrong w/ either one.

 

[JAC]

I'd get the Limited....

 

[jpintx]

andyman,

Both are V6's.

Thanks for replies, others would be appreciated. I gather from reading this forum, I should probably have the full transmission service done immediately on the high milage vehicle, if I go that direction.

 

[BassMiesterNJ]

b) 2008 4WD SR5, 42,000 miles

Still covered under 5yr/60k Powertrain Warranty.

 

[Maz]

Still covered under 5yr/60k Powertrain Warranty.

Bass hit the nail on the head. One car is still under partial warranty, and the other is only a realtively few miles away from a somewhat expensive service point that includes a timing belt change. It you normally drive a modest number of miles annually, it will be 2013 before the SR5 catches up to the Limited miles wise.

 

[Mutombo]

Bass hit the nail on the head. One car is still under partial warranty, and the other is only a realtively few miles away from a somewhat expensive service point that includes a timing belt change. It you normally drive a modest number of miles annually, it will be 2013 before the SR5 catches up to the Limited miles wise.

The v6's don't have a timing belt, just a timing chain, so that's not something that should affect his decision.

 

[DesmoST4]

I would base my decision on which one is cleaner, not the mileage. Hard to give you an opinion without looking at each one personally. The higher miles shouldn't scare you if it is clean and well taken care of. If you don't mind me asking what is the price of each, it helps to have that when giving an opinion. I'm guessing the 06 is around $14-$16K and the 08 is around $19K from what I found when shopping. For your reference I purchased a 2004 V6 4x4 SR5 with 17inch wheels for $16K (Total) with 56000 miles on it. It is super clean. 8.5-9 on a 10 scale. I would also do a car fax on them both before making any decisions if you haven't already done so. Make sure there are no skeletons in the closet. Then its just a matter of how much coin you want to spend. Goodluck

 

[PlanetAlaska-]

I'd go with the lower mileage because I always sell my vehicles before 90K miles. Although Toyota's are reliable, I don't take risks. I'm in Alaska though, and up here, there are too many spots without cellphone coverage.

 

[jpintx]

Thanks again to all.

In reply to Desmo. The 06 limited is exceptionally clean, easily 9.5 in your terms, the 08 sr5 is clean but using the same scale, 7.5 at best. These are both at carmax (the only 4wds within 100 miles of NW side of Houston), and so you expect clean and no carfax issues. Prices lots higher than you thought, 06, 20,000 08 23,000.

I won't make a deal with them as they low balled me on my truck, as of now, thinking I will bring beach jeep home to drive while I sell truck myself, then start looking again.

At this point, I am leaning toward the Limited, test drove it and really liked it, probably would buy it if available when my truck sells.

THANKS again to all, I will check back when I get some targets in sight.