New to Toyota Looking to buy a 2007-2008 4runner
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JohnnyT
New member
I went from a BMW 328 to a 4Runner so it is a very similar move. Not nearly comparing apples to apples though so don't even try. An A4 and 4Runner are obviously on different ends of the spectrum.
Easy for me since I always had and still have trucks.
Look for a clean Carfax (but this is only a surface check since Carfax doesn't capture much) and before you purchase bring a knowledgable "car person" with you to see the truck if you are not aware of what to look for regarding body, paint, and other flags that may indicate any issues with the truck.
Other than that, they are pretty damn solid trucks. This is my first 4Runner and it won't be my last. But they will not have anything like the ride of an A4 or 328.
zerowkul98
New member
This is how i went about buying the 2 I have:
1) If you cant find one you like, ask the dealer to do a search for one throught their dealer-to-dealer network. Certified Pre-Owned.
2) If you find some on Cars.com or the like, get the VIN# and look it up in the Toyota Owner's Website....see the service history.
3) Do you and/or your wife tow? What is is going to be used for the most part? V6 / V8?
4) 2 words: Seized Calipers. Look into them. All 4 on the rig.
1) If you cant find one you like, ask the dealer to do a search for one throught their dealer-to-dealer network. Certified Pre-Owned.
2) If you find some on Cars.com or the like, get the VIN# and look it up in the Toyota Owner's Website....see the service history.
3) Do you and/or your wife tow? What is is going to be used for the most part? V6 / V8?
4) 2 words: Seized Calipers. Look into them. All 4 on the rig.
I forgot about that one... I think there is a difference in which buttons you get in the dash.
This should be pretty noticeable on a test drive right?
jason04
New member
We came from an A4 Avant.... after 3 years of being European auto repairs free I can tell you we are much happier.
Expect to be paying more at the pump as your MPG will likely drop from the mid 20's to the high teens. If you plan to modify the 4runner with added weight, lift & larger tires expect mid teens with regard to MPG.
Our A4 wagon was our "get out of town vehicle" and the 4runner was a wondrous replacement. We now camp and explore places we otherwise would be unable to go.
Pre-purchase inspection: check all door panels, fenders, hood & gate to see if there's a VIN sticker present. If one is missing its likely the panel has been replaced do to excessive damage. Look in the cracks and seams to see if there is excessive buffing compound (white/yellowish buildup or dust). This is typical of a vehicle that has had recent body work. Also could be from a recent detail but most likely not... details clean up there mess... body shops typically do not. Last, look at all the bolts holding the fenders to the engine bay including the bolts on the radiator support and headlights. There is no reason these should have had a wrench on them as the vehicle is only 3-4 years old. If the bolts look like they've had a wrench on them it's likely it's been in an accident. Check for recent paint work and tape lines. BTW, carfax is worthless imo. And if your future vehicle was in a previous accident it's not the end of the world. It could still be the best vehicle out there for you....
Take a peek under the front of the vehicle. Check the CV axles to see if the boots are torn or leaking grease. See if the gas tank has scratches all over it and look to see if theres signs of the front and rear diff being services. (run marks of oil from the fill point or wrench marks on the fill point.
Hope this helps & best of luck. We have loved our T4r and in the last 3 years have only needed to do scheduled maintenance items, 1 CV axle replacement, 1 windshield, all brakes and rotors and that is it!!!
Good luck on your search!
Expect to be paying more at the pump as your MPG will likely drop from the mid 20's to the high teens. If you plan to modify the 4runner with added weight, lift & larger tires expect mid teens with regard to MPG.
Our A4 wagon was our "get out of town vehicle" and the 4runner was a wondrous replacement. We now camp and explore places we otherwise would be unable to go.
Pre-purchase inspection: check all door panels, fenders, hood & gate to see if there's a VIN sticker present. If one is missing its likely the panel has been replaced do to excessive damage. Look in the cracks and seams to see if there is excessive buffing compound (white/yellowish buildup or dust). This is typical of a vehicle that has had recent body work. Also could be from a recent detail but most likely not... details clean up there mess... body shops typically do not. Last, look at all the bolts holding the fenders to the engine bay including the bolts on the radiator support and headlights. There is no reason these should have had a wrench on them as the vehicle is only 3-4 years old. If the bolts look like they've had a wrench on them it's likely it's been in an accident. Check for recent paint work and tape lines. BTW, carfax is worthless imo. And if your future vehicle was in a previous accident it's not the end of the world. It could still be the best vehicle out there for you....
Take a peek under the front of the vehicle. Check the CV axles to see if the boots are torn or leaking grease. See if the gas tank has scratches all over it and look to see if theres signs of the front and rear diff being services. (run marks of oil from the fill point or wrench marks on the fill point.
Hope this helps & best of luck. We have loved our T4r and in the last 3 years have only needed to do scheduled maintenance items, 1 CV axle replacement, 1 windshield, all brakes and rotors and that is it!!!
Good luck on your search!
hgill
Member
The 4Runner is a solid truck. I went from a M3, which was pretty much a problem child and if it wasn't one thing, it was another. I picked up a 06 V8, found it on cars.com. Ran the carfax, ran the VIN on Toyota website. It was in another state, so the dealer even took all the pics I requested. Flew out to Nevada, and drove it back to California.
Main things, check for damage, repaint, rust, xreas (they tend to leak after a certain miles - theses are on the sport edition). Both engines are great (but please dont start a V8 vs. V6 thread), we have too many of those already.
Since you guys are coming off a Audi which probably had all the luxury items in it (taking a guess), i would suggest getting the Limited model.
Best of luck on your search.
Main things, check for damage, repaint, rust, xreas (they tend to leak after a certain miles - theses are on the sport edition). Both engines are great (but please dont start a V8 vs. V6 thread), we have too many of those already.
Since you guys are coming off a Audi which probably had all the luxury items in it (taking a guess), i would suggest getting the Limited model.
Best of luck on your search.
Dougtoms01
New member
My wife checks every button, window, seats, lights, sun roofs, interior etc.
I bring a floor dolly and roll under the vehicle and check for rust, damage, CV boots, leaks, muffler etc.
Go over the outside with a fine tooth comb, look at top.
I drive and test all shifting, 4WD, Hi/Lo etc.
If it's not a Toyota dealership, I put a deposit and negotiate to have them pay for an inspection.
If I can't negotiate that, I pay for it myself and take it to a dealer. They'll inspect it for less that $200. Money well spent IMO.
Run the VIN number to check all maintenance, warranty work done etc.
You can check tire wear by usually looking at the spare. I put a quarter in the thread on a new spare, then check against tires on the road. That will give you an estimate of when you'll need to spend another $1000 on tires.
Drive expressway and around town.
They fix anything that's wrong at Toyota.
Best I can do to avoid issues.
I bring a floor dolly and roll under the vehicle and check for rust, damage, CV boots, leaks, muffler etc.
Go over the outside with a fine tooth comb, look at top.
I drive and test all shifting, 4WD, Hi/Lo etc.
If it's not a Toyota dealership, I put a deposit and negotiate to have them pay for an inspection.
If I can't negotiate that, I pay for it myself and take it to a dealer. They'll inspect it for less that $200. Money well spent IMO.
Run the VIN number to check all maintenance, warranty work done etc.
You can check tire wear by usually looking at the spare. I put a quarter in the thread on a new spare, then check against tires on the road. That will give you an estimate of when you'll need to spend another $1000 on tires.
Drive expressway and around town.
They fix anything that's wrong at Toyota.
Best I can do to avoid issues.
NWSKIUrbanRunner
New member
For me finding my 4Runner I went about looking at Autotrader.com and Craigslist (for both Washington and Oregon) Before i even went to the dealership I was asking for every tiny detail possible on the car. Another thing I did was join Toyota Owners. Create and account and enter the VIN number of the truck so you can see the vehicle history and see how well the previous owner took care of the car.
Other than that, as comments above state they are very reliable and solid trucks. Thus the reason why so many people love the 4Runners. Reliable, descent gas mileage, it's not in the shop tons of times and when it is, you aren't having to sell a kidney or take out a second mortgage on your house to pay for it
.
Happy hunting though for your 4Runner
Other than that, as comments above state they are very reliable and solid trucks. Thus the reason why so many people love the 4Runners. Reliable, descent gas mileage, it's not in the shop tons of times and when it is, you aren't having to sell a kidney or take out a second mortgage on your house to pay for it
. Happy hunting though for your 4Runner
08medic4x4
New member
as stated, frozen calipers, and sunroof rust! also as mentioned above, make sure all the buttons work, and the service history would probably be the most important thing. good luck with your search.
zerowkul98
New member
Not necessarily...
It can start really subtle....but it could get worse. Eventually turns into a pulsation as if it was a warped rotor.
I bought my 08 last March....just had both front calipers replaced (thank GOD i bought the extended warrantee!)
Its a very common design flaw on 4th gens. Many threads on it here.
I feel i should say that this happenned on my 2003 V8 Sport Edition a few years back and I replaced mine out of pocket. I didnt think twice when I had the opportunity to grab another one!
Update With question on switches.
I found a 2006 4runner white sr5 with 85k. It is very nice my wife loves it.
Does any one know about the hidden wiring harness in the blank buttons where the center lock switch is. What are they for and could I add a switch to make them work?
I found a 2006 4runner white sr5 with 85k. It is very nice my wife loves it.
Does any one know about the hidden wiring harness in the blank buttons where the center lock switch is. What are they for and could I add a switch to make them work?
Rowan611
New member
Could you describe the area were the wiring harness is better?
ClockWork
Banned
If you're talking about the center DIFF lock then it is most likely the RSCA off button.
You can't just add a switch in hopes that hardware that wasn't initially installed will work.
jdkilroy
New member
I just found a 2008 SR5 V8 with less than 21K miles. It was like buying a brand new vehicle. I did a lot of searching and investigating on Craigs list; separated owner vs dealer listings and ended up with a pretty good idea what to look for and what i should expect to pay.
Its really sweet rig; very solid and sure-footed.
best off luck and don't keep looking after you buy; you'll always find a better deal.
jon
Its really sweet rig; very solid and sure-footed.
best off luck and don't keep looking after you buy; you'll always find a better deal.
jon
The wiring harness(s) are behind the blanks above fuse panel. And in center console.
I was just curious.
Thanks!!!
jediwebdude
New member
Our A4 (2006) ran great. We went from that to a SUV because our 3rd kid was born and 3 kids didn't fit very well in the backseat.
I went from a 2005 V6 4Runner SR5 to a 2007 V8 4Runner Sport Ed because we bought a travel trailer. When I did, I purposely sought out a 4Runner with the JBL Audio System since the stock audio was so terrible. Glad I did...I really like the JBL system.
The V8 and V6 engines are both great. The 4WD in the V8 model is full-time, which is great during snow/ice.
