New member! 2003 V8 limited help!

[cjm2022]

Hey everyone I'm new here because I'm looking for a 4runner. Tomorrow I have an appointment to go look at a 2003 V8 limited with 115k miles on it. What are some of the things i should look for when I test drive and inspect it what are common problems with these vehicles?

I am already assuming that I will need to change the timing belt myself(with the help of a mechanic friend), or pay to have it changed at a dealer or other shop it looks like this will cost about $1,000?

I apologize for posting something that has probably already been posted but I could not figure out the search function for this forum (it is different from the other forums i belong to)

Thanks in advance I can't wait to learn more about theses vehicles

 

[Cygan1008]

First thing is go to the toyota owners website, register and put in the vin#. That will give you any toyota service history. You may find the timing belt service there. If not and it was done buy toyota there should be a sticker on the air filter box or somewhere that shows the service date and mileage.

Other than that just check out the under carriage for rust and if it has the xreas (cross linked) suspension then look for any leaks.

It's not the end of the world to replace the Xreas with something else when it goes but you can't replace a single component and have to trash the entire system. The new Xreas systems are north of 1800$ from what I've seen but there are tons of better and MUCH cheaper options.

 

[Bob J]

As Cygan1008 said, there should be a sticker on the air cleaner if the 90K service was done.... Cost varies according to where you have it done but a dealer will probably be in that ball park..... Parts if you want to do it yourself are roughly $250 or so but the labor is fairly extensive....

As for XREAS I would not consider that a show stopper unless there are signs of leakage.... You can replace XREAS once for roughly $2K but many go with Bilstein shocks (roughly $400) when it does start to go...

Checking to make sure you can switch to and from 4Lo is worth doing as well as diff lock in both 4Hi and 4Lo..... It's another expensive fix if it doesn't work (roughly $2K)...

Brakes on any 4Runner are also somewhat problematic.... If possible inspect the pads on at least the front brakes to see if they are evenly worn... It's the easiest test.... Not a show stopper as not as expensive as XREAS or 4Lo/diff lock problems but worth a check....

Also, the CV boots are worth a look while you are at it.... Torn or leaking will be another thing to deal with.... This would be the same level of concern as the brakes were.... Not a huge $ show stopper but something you will potentially need to deal with....

Cracked exhaust manifolds are also an issue for this gen V8s.... Result is a "ticking" when you first start up that goes away when the engine warms.... Doesn't effect performance significantly but can be annoying.... No real fix available since replacing the manifold is pretty big bucks and the new one will just crack again....

Other than that, these beasts are pretty much bullet proof.... Good luck and I hope if works out for you.....;- )

 

[jstanwood]

Good luck on your search. Check out this sticky thread below, which has a wealth of information. It really helped during my recent search.

Sticky: Pre-Purchase Info, Modifications, Write-Ups, Quick Links, and FAQ's

 

[V8Limited4wd]

1) moonroof getting stuck
2) transfer case actuator getting stuck
3) cv boots leaking
4) make sure timing belt/water pump was done
5) make sure AC works - relay can go bad
6) check brakes - frozen calipers are known issue
7) check suspension/ride - if it has it, xreas is known to leak usually above 100k miles

 

[bpowa]

1) moonroof getting stuck
2) transfer case actuator getting stuck
3) cv boots leaking
4) make sure timing belt/water pump was done
5) make sure AC works - relay can go bad
6) check brakes - frozen calipers are known issue
7) check suspension/ride - if it has it, xreas is known to leak usually above 100k miles

Wow sure makes the 4th gen sound like a POS. lol

I just got mines also. I checked xreas, and 4x4 dif loc etc as mentioned above.
All the other things brekes, Timing belt etc was just a way for leverage in closing the deal. I dont see maintenance is a deal breaker only a way to leverage. Point it out to the seller. More than likely the seller is aware of the issues. Im sure they are pointed out to them from the last service from a shop. 100k maintenance scares people because its up a couple thousand dollars. IMO make sure interior/exterior is clean enough for you to live with. No accidents, minor ones are OK in my book; clean title. $X$ system has to work.. Give it gas on the test drive. Test all the gears, reverse etc.. Hold the brakes and give it a bit of gas while in drive to see if the transmission slips; do this in reverse also. Make sure there are no clunking noise from mounts etc..

 

[V8Limited4wd]

Wow sure makes the 4th gen sound like a POS. lol

I just got mines also. I checked xreas, and 4x4 dif loc etc as mentioned above.
All the other things brekes, Timing belt etc was just a way for leverage in closing the deal. I dont see maintenance is a deal breaker only a way to leverage. Point it out to the seller. More than likely the seller is aware of the issues. Im sure they are pointed out to them from the last service from a shop. 100k maintenance scares people because its up a couple thousand dollars. IMO make sure interior/exterior is clean enough for you to live with. No accidents, minor ones are OK in my book; clean title. $X$ system has to work.. Give it gas on the test drive. Test all the gears, reverse etc.. Hold the brakes and give it a bit of gas while in drive to see if the transmission slips; do this in reverse also. Make sure there are no clunking noise from mounts etc..

Just all known issues among owners... yeah it does sound bad haha. So if you find all these problems stay away from it!

Personally I've only had the moonroof issue (fixed under warranty), cv boots leaking (fixed with clamps), and the front xreas shocks have some oil residue (but the shocks still work well). Still on original TB and WP (need to get that done soon) but no other issues @125k miles (knock on wood).

 

[cjm2022]

well it seemed pretty perfect i'm waiting on the bank to approve the loan then i'll pick up the keys.

I am beyond excited i have wanted a 4 runner for about a decade.:cheer2:

it's completly factory. what should I do to it first?