Newbie need advice

R

Roadtripr

Member
Hi all,
My "trusty' 99 4runner gave up the ghost. I need to a new 4runner and the latest model is out of reach for me right now.

I am therefore looking at a 4WD 4th gen 4runner. I need the 4WD for the kind of trips I do. I would like some advice of best model year (2003-2009 range), potentially issues to look for, and what the approx. price range for each year model I can expect. I tried a quick search and didn't find much.

I am willing to spend around 20-24K on the vehicle.

Thanks
Carsten
 
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Thanks. What about the newer models years?
Also, what issues can I expect? F.ex 3rd gens had starters, brakes, gas guage, rear wheel bearing seals issues
 
Here is my 2 cents V8's have some issues with cracked exhaust manifolds, along with sulffer smell from exhaust with backwindow down, fulltime 4wd models seem to have some issues going into 4lo if they haven't been used ever or often enough, The rear hatch has some issues with the rubber melting if you live in a hot climate, thats all I can think of for now hope it helps.
 
hamiltonj2w1 said:
...fulltime 4wd models seem to have some issues going into 4lo if they haven't been used ever or often enough...
Click to expand...

First time I've heard of that issue broken down between V8 and V6. It's easier to quickly exercise center diff lock and low range actuators on the V8, so if there were a split, you'd think it would be the other way.

OP
V8=Full time 4WD with separate center diff lock and low range buttons. 4 modes.
V6=Can run in 2WD, otherwise functionally the same as V8, so 5 modes.
 
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If you go V6, look for any leak around the head/valve cover gasket near the alternator on the front passenger side of the engine. I haven't seen the 4runner leak, but have seen it in the tacomas.

Find a nice urban runner or trail if you can find it. The trail edition was 09 only and has a rear locking diff.
 
Thanks for the input guys.

Did I understand right that the V6 also has an AWD option in the modes? I got to the mountains a fair bit and it is nice to be able to stay in 4wd on snow patches. I am more interested in the V6 as it is enough for me (I don't tow and came from a 3rd gen)

(hamilton, do you have two 4runners? if so how do you like the 5th gen over the 4th gen)

07 over 06 was simply to get something newer and better chance at finding one with lower milage. I would like it to last awhile and start with less use. But I would certainly like to save a few bucks as I will likely drive it to the ground anyway.

09 Trail edition would be optimal but take a lot of time to find and likely over budget
(My original idea was to hold on to my 99 till I could find a 5th gen in a couple of years)
 
Yes, I have an early 2003 model and You've got 2WD, 4H, and 4L. Those are full-time 4WD, due to the center diff. being unlocked typically. On the left side of the steering wheel I have a button to lock the center diff, which shuts off VSC (so you can spin the tires) and makes it part-time 4WD - a 50/50 split of power to front and rear wheels.
 
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