New to Site - Need Input

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kayakdude

New member
I am new to the site. I am looking for a 3rd vehicle that I can eventually give to my 15 yr old son (once he shows he is worthy of owning a vehicle).

I have found an 03 V8 with 168K. The pictures look great. Two owner vehicle with all the maintenance done by Toyota dealer.

The asking price is $8700.

I will go and look at the vehicle in the next few days so any input would be great concerning price and other things to consider.

I would guess we might put 10K per year on this vehicle.

Thanks for your input.
 
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Be sure the timing belt has been replaced and check all around for rust. cycle the 4x4 on dirt or gravel {not asphalt} if equipped to be sure the solenoids are working. Although most V8's are equipped with all wheel drive. Someone else will chime in with specifics.
 
Is it a Limited, Sport, or SR5? Also is is 4wd. Make sure that the timing belt and water pump have been done. If its 4wd make sure it goes into 4lo and the center diff locks without any issues. Also look at the transfer case for leaks. When driving it get a feel for the shocks to see if they will need to be replaced also check for frozen brake calipers. Signs would be a drag in the driveline and unequal braking.
 
Thanks for the input.

The vehicle is an SR5 4WD with leather seats.

I got the car fax report and it shows that the timing belt and water pump were changed at 112K.

The price seems below Kelly Blue Book (10K verus 8.7K asking) is this do to the V8 not being as popular due to the gas mileage.

Thanks again.
 
Casper421 said:
On the contrary, the V8 is more sought after!
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I did a lot of reading between the V8 versus V6. I don't think the gas mileage difference is very significant with a vehicle that will be driven 10K a year. My truck is 04 F150 5.4L and it gets 14-16 no matter how you drive it.

I think the V8 gives me the option to tow. We had a Landcruiser with the V8 and it was so smooth.
 
kayakdude said:
I did a lot of reading between the V8 versus V6. I don't think the gas mileage difference is very significant with a vehicle that will be driven 10K a year. My truck is 04 F150 5.4L and it gets 14-16 no matter how you drive it.

I think the V8 gives me the option to tow. We had a Landcruiser with the V8 and it was so smooth.
Click to expand...

The mpg difference is 1-3 max but really depends on your right foot. The 4.7 is the same you had in your LC and will run forever, as long as you keep up the maintenance. The V8 is very smooth and responsive, especially with the 5sp tranny. The 03's came with the 4sp though. I believe they switched the V8's to the 5 in 04, could be wrong though. I'd possible look into 04's if you can.
 
Casper421 said:
The mpg difference is 1-3 max but really depends on your right foot. The 4.7 is the same you had in your LC and will run forever, as long as you keep up the maintenance. The V8 is very smooth and responsive, especially with the 5sp tranny. The 03's came with the 4sp though. I believe they switched the V8's to the 5 in 04, could be wrong though. I'd possible look into 04's if you can.
Click to expand...

yep they also switched the the vvti engine in 04. also 04+ is sealed tranny,

Are you sure about the 4spd thing? I thought my 03 v8 was 5 speed?
 
I think the V8 gives me the option to tow.
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You can easily tow with the V6. I do it all the time. With the V8 you can tow a lot more. But most people don't tow things that heavy. I have a popup trailer...fully loaded and all our equipment...and bikes and two canoe's I'm towing about 3700lbs...The V6 has no problem towing that what-so-ever. It's a Class III rating (up to 5000lbs). The V8 can tow up to 7500lbs. I don't have anything close to that to tow...so I don't need a V8.
 
I would ask to drive it for a while...like more than 5 minutes. Actually spend some time in it and drive it. Listen for funny noises which could be wheel bearings or suspension bushings worn out or brakes needing service. Set the park brake see if it works or needs maintenance. Crawl under and search for leaks. Make sure all the power windows work and all electronic buttons are functional. Obviously it's an old, used truck...but the main stuff should all work and mechanically it should be sound. Make sure the heat and A/C work great and the directional controls are working. Nobody wants to buy a truck thinking they got a good deal only to realize that it needs a couple thousand worth of service and maintenance done on it.

And be careful with those hood props...they fail with age and the hood will try to decapitate you. I learned that the hard way. :)
 
Guys thanks so much for all the information. You ave no idea how helpful you have been. Going to take my time and make sure we get a good one.

Cant wait to get one so we can get involved with this site. Make the vehicle a father-son project.

Thanks.
 
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