New Guy Tips?

[TNG]

Hey guys I'm new here Looking at getting a 4th Gen 4Runner anything specific i should be on the look out for? I own a Tacoma right now just need some more space. Thanks Guys!

 

[satanos6668280]

Frame rust. Service history. V6 headgaskets. Rear axle noise. Front wheel bearings. Frozen calipers. Thats about all the issues commonly found on a 4th gen it seems like alot but compared to other makes and models these things are 100% reliable

 

[jimithing]

In addition to what he said above, cracked exhaust manifolds on the V8. And if it has a sunroof make sure it's sliding properly and fully closing.

 

[TNG]

Thanks for the help guys ill be sure to check them out!

 

[NJshadow93]

Thanks for the help guys ill be sure to check them out!

What year/trim/engine Tacoma do you have?

 

[HokieRunner]

Thanks for the help guys ill be sure to check them out!

One more major item to check. Make sure the transfer case cycles properly. 4hi, 4lo, center diff locks etc.

It's one of those use it or lose it items and folks who don't cycle the actuator frequently end up with frozen ones.

 

[Minn3sota]

V8 timing belt/water pump change out

 

[TNG]

What year/trim/engine Tacoma do you have?

2003 Xtra Cab 4x4 TRD SR5 3.4 V6

 

[lunchindabox]

2003 Xtra Cab 4x4 TRD SR5 3.4 V6

Those are sweet, send me a note when you are ready to unload it...

 

[firebirdguy]

frame rust, frame rust, & frame rust!

also when test driving make sure the trans shifts smooth & there is no strange vibration or whats called "rumble strip" when in drive/5th gear with the converter locked up, usually around 40-50mph.

 

[ZebRuaj]

Smaller item but it'll bug the crap out of you when you notice it: dead HVAC control bulbs.

 

[JONBOY345]

Use the search function. There's probably a thread already about it.

If the built in search doesn't work well, use this: https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Atoyota-4runner.org%2F4th-gen-t4rs%2F

Just type in what you're looking for after the text in the search box and off to the races.

 

[Captsolo]

I own a 2005 2WD runner with 150,000 miles. Brakes done last year - just front calipers, pads. 4 starters - failures every 4 years. Car engine never touched. No new WP, no alternator, just batteries. Starts on first crank for 15 years. Original radiator.

Just oil and filter every 4000 miles.

Starts and runs like when I bought it new in 2005. Paint perfect. No rust, except superficial underneath frame.

Ride is still good. No new shocks. Most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned. Car is in Nassau Bahamas. Lots of stops and starts AYL! Would be 300,000 miles if car was in USA. No highways in Bahamas - except one stretch of 20 miles.

Everything electrical still works and is OEM.

That's why... I love my Toyota. Brought my daughter a new loaded 2015 Camry - and she has driven it 5 years without issues. Camry has 50,000 miles now!

She works for the world's biggest discount broker. Graduate of FSU with 3.3 GPA.

There's a reason Japanese Toyota and Honda outsell everything else. Quality.

 

[Toystory2]

frame rust, frame rust, & frame rust!

also when test driving make sure the trans shifts smooth & there is no strange vibration or whats called "rumble strip" when in drive/5th gear with the converter locked up, usually around 40-50mph.

Good tip, thanks.

 

[Toystory2]

Agreed, they are super reliable.