New purchase: 2003 4Runner Limited with 186,000 miles

[bhove]

Hello Forum,
As a former 2008 FJ Cruiser and 1984 4wd truck owner, I have missed having a Toyota 4WD in my fleet. My car allowance budget finally has allowed me to look at Gen 4 4Runners which next to the Gen 5's are my favorite. I had been looking at Grand Cherokees but something just didn't feel right to me about them so I found this nice 2003 Limited 4WD/AWD with 186,000 miles on it with a spacer lift and new AT tires and think it's too good to pass up.

Will this be a good vehicle overall, as I usually try to buy lower mileage vehicles.

Any responses would be appreciated.

 

[RUN-4-LIFE]

Get it checked out. Used car inspection. Then make your decision. These cars are awesome. That will tell you if there are any leaks or little problems.

All cars have their problems at mileage. Make sure rust is minimal. 4wd shifts into low and then back into high without a problem. That's all I can think of at the moment.

 

[groverdill]

make sure 4lo and CDL work, both master keys, run the VIN on the toyota owners website, carfax etc. If a v8, timing belt, exhaust manifolds check

 

[Toivul]

Bought my 2003 three years ago with about 190k on it and have put 30k on it since. So far I've have to rebuild t-case because a $5 Oring around the actuator shaft leaked. Had a predetonation issue that took out the threads in one spark plug hole and eventually scored the cylinder.

Have it checked out. When was the timing belt last changed? Water pump and tensioner? Do a compression check or leak down test. Look very carefully around the t-case for an oil leak.

What motor is it? I have a 4.7l and am in the process of replacing it. I've done a leak down test on three motors (original and two potential replacements) and all three have had exhaust valve leaks.

 

[bhove]

Thanks for replies guys.

Current owner has taken car of all items mentioned, no rust anywhere.
Biggest current issue is the strange dash cracking that afflicts these vehicles.

 

[sull625]

I just bought an 05 4.0L V6 myself with 144K on it. I noticed my has some oil deposits near the front passenger side of the engine. From what I have learned this is due to a leaking Timing Cover. Everything else is great. Hopefully going to get a lot of miles out of it.

 

[Blackhawk_194]

Yeah make sure you get a pre buy inspection, I had one done at a Toyota dealer near where I bought it aND they were able to catch things I had missed. Worth the 75 to 125 to save you from a lemon.

 

[earthrealm]

if sport edition, the xreas system..ie the shock system would likely b on its last legs @180k miles...
an expensive fix, most folks around here replace the system with billies when they eventually crap out

 

[swiftneed]

the dash crack

that dash crack is actually a recall issue wich the owner should have received a letter to have it repaired free of charge