please talk me OUT of a used 4Runner

[retrocar66]

Hi all. I've never owned 4Runner (or any other Toyota.) I'm considering a used 4Runner because I need a medium tow vehicle, and the X5 seems to be junk after about 80k miles from what I've read.

Are any of you driving high-mileage 4Runners? Can you tell me how they are faring after 80k or even 100k, 130k miles? I'm going to buy used, not new. I'm looking for the 50k range, so probably 3-4 year old vehicle.

I realize all vehicles wear out, but they do not wear out equally. If you can talk me OUT of buying a 4Runner, that's what I'm looking for. If you can't... then you will probably see my ugly mug more often on the forums... lol. I am looking for horror stories but also just want to hear the experience of high-mileage owners.

Thanks in advance! I really appreciate all input.

 

[Az636]

Hi all. I've never owned 4Runner (or any other Toyota.) I'm considering a used 4Runner because I need a medium tow vehicle, and the X5 seems to be junk after about 80k miles from what I've read.

Are any of you driving high-mileage 4Runners? Can you tell me how they are faring after 80k or even 100k, 130k miles? I'm going to buy used, not new. I'm looking for the 50k range, so probably 3-4 year old vehicle.

I realize all vehicles wear out, but they do not wear out equally. If you can talk me OUT of buying a 4Runner, that's what I'm looking for. If you can't... then you will probably see my ugly mug more often on the forums... lol. I am looking for horror stories but also just want to hear the experience of high-mileage owners.

Thanks in advance! I really appreciate all input.

There really isn't much to tell..

BUY IT!

I bought mine w/ 107k for 16.5, at 135k now and approaching year 2 of ownership .. Did normal maint and at 120k replaced all fluids, plugs, filters, basic crap. Haven't touched waterpump or chain yet (v6).

There's a thread w/ high mileage runners and they're up there!

All in all, do regular maintenance and she'll treat you like a King!

________________

Details on purchase?

 

[bpowa]

Hi all. I've never owned 4Runner (or any other Toyota.) I'm considering a used 4Runner because I need a medium tow vehicle, and the X5 seems to be junk after about 80k miles from what I've read.

Are any of you driving high-mileage 4Runners? Can you tell me how they are faring after 80k or even 100k, 130k miles? I'm going to buy used, not new. I'm looking for the 50k range, so probably 3-4 year old vehicle.

I realize all vehicles wear out, but they do not wear out equally. If you can talk me OUT of buying a 4Runner, that's what I'm looking for. If you can't... then you will probably see my ugly mug more often on the forums... lol. I am looking for horror stories but also just want to hear the experience of high-mileage owners.

Thanks in advance! I really appreciate all input.

I got rid of my x5 4.4l. Nothing really wrong with it. But I just did not trust it at 150k miles. The 4Runner has 147k. I would drive it across country as it sits with no doubts. The x5 had more power and better handling and more plush. But I like knowing I can take my 4Runner anywhere. And if things break. It won't cost me an arm and a leg. Plus the 4Runner forum has less snobby people. But yea. Stay away & enjoy at your own risk.

 

[awdjunkies]

some of the best advice comes from the owner's themselves, so you've come to the right place. Now with that being said, you also have to be, not only smart, but have some sort of common sense. I am talking, in the way that if you are ready to fork over the cash to the 4runner of your dreams? Then obviously you are willing or have already done your homework with what areas of the 4runner need attention the most within this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

Plus, have taken IT to your favorite/trusted mechanic to have a look over, or your nearest Toyota Dealer, to give you a clean bill of health, aka, a peace of mind...

Good Luck with your search.. and a pre-welcome to the Toyota runner family.. :yo:


PS: My last two 4runners (2nd and 3rd gen/ both V6s) had over 300k miles... Both ran perfectly fine with original engine and transmissions...

 

[gaterose]

Mine has 220k and still runs great, I bought it lightly used from a family member with 120k on the clock 4-1/2 years ago.

Only regular maintenance other than an electrical problem a few years ago that was caused by my poor wiring job.

 

[Plumber]

If you take that 80k 100k and 130k and add them together that is still a reasonable lifespan for a 4runner that has been properly maintained.

 

[LTDSC]

120k. Bought it used at 94k miles. ive done standard maintenance and its never left me stranded nor given me any reason to not trust it. And i come from owning new vehicles every other year and never going over 100k miles.

 

[Burnzy]

I bought mine last January w/97k. 2 oil changes, air filter, spark plugs is the extent of my maintenance. Drives as nice as any vehicle I have ever owned regardless of age or mileage. These routinely see 250k-300k. I have put 6k on mine in 11 months, I will have this truck forever!

 

[cacarbuff]

Bought mine used two years ago with 131k on the clock. Now has 176k on it with about 12k of that towing a 4-7k lb trailer and about 144 total hours on trails. . .

 

[Sporin]

Bought mine in April with 145k on it (for $10,200) and at 157k now am perfectly pleased with the purchase. The truck looks and drives like something with 60k miles on it and passengers are routinely surprised it's nearly 10 years old and has the miles it has.

I would get in it and drive it cross country right now without a second thought.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

161k on mine and the only thing I've replaced, outside of regular maintenance, has been brake calipers. I'd drive it to California tomorrow and not think twice about it. If you want something reliable, you've found it.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

you hardly need to think until 100k on 4runners, simple replacement of wear parts then watch the miles go up with nothing but oil changes. i would not be wary of a well kept 4th gen, even if it was approaching 150k

 

[CookieRoe]

Approaching 115K miles. No issues. Bought her at 70K miles and about 5 years ago. I expect mine to last at least until 250-300K. If heads/TC go on mine, they'll get replaced.

 

[4thGen4.7]

I had a hand-me-down 2000 Ford Explorer with 198k miles on it before the tranny went out, Often times I would get in it and just think, this could be the day that this f*ck*r dies on the highway.

Anyways, I'm gonna make a long story short. I wanted a wrangler. I grew a ball sack. I got a t4r with 154k miles on it a couple months ago and now it has 160k. When I'm having a bad day I don't watch cute cat videos, I look out the window at my sexy car parked in the driveway; sometimes I go out there and caress it or lift the hood and go in to change my drawers. It's such a great vehicle and although I was really skeptical when I first bought it with such high mileage (or so I thought until I learned more about it) I know with some TLC I will get this thing to 400k miles

 

[Jerm]

OP, I have never owned a Toyota myself but my ex had one, family members, and friends have owned them. I would throw a 20 year old or high mileage Toyota at anything endurance wise. You might not win any road races but you look good and feel confident losing while not having to pull over. For most of my life I was a die hard GM fan and still am when it comes to my toys. But, for a DD there is no contest. I currently own a 2001 Pathfinder for a DD but I have been wanting to replace it with a 4Runner since 5 mins after purchasing it. Toyota quality and life expectancy is second to none. Like I said I do not own one yet but if it means anything for a Non-owner to recommend one over anything else then you can take that to the bank. I hope this helps!

 

[cjsmuscle]

I've had F-150's and the like....my mom and step father have owned Toyota's for many, many years, with my grandparents owning the Lexus equivalents. I was looking for the "right" 4Runner so I would not have to try and navigate my LS430 through the winter anymore. Found my 2004 Black Sport V8 and couldn't be happier. I have an aunt with the X5 and she adores my 4Runner over her vehicle, haha.

 

[eviele]

That's a good looking 4runner!

OP, I found my 2006 V8 Sport this summer with 54K on the clock. Grabbed it for something like $18,900. It was the third V8 4runner I'd driven and it was the tautest, cleanest, best running one as well. It felt like a brand new car. 10K miles later and I'm blown away at how clean and tight this thing is. I hope to get ten years out of it easily...I can't convince you to NOT buy one, I can only tell you that this is the best Toyota I've had and I've had four long running ones.

 

[pc1p]

If you take that 80k 100k and 130k and add them together that is still a reasonable lifespan for a 4runner that has been properly maintained.

Congrats [MENTION=108649]Plumber[/MENTION], you won the internet today with this...

arty:

 

[Dylan]

I realize all vehicles wear out, but they do not wear out equally. If you can talk me OUT of buying a 4Runner, that's what I'm looking for. If you can't... then you will probably see my ugly mug more often on the forums... lol. I am looking for horror stories but also just want to hear the experience of high-mileage owners.

Honestly, a high mileage 4Runner is normally once you get to the high 200k to 300k mile range.

Check this thread out: Highest Mileage 4th Gen

 

[Sporin]

Hi all. I've never owned 4Runner (or any other Toyota.) I'm considering a used 4Runner because I need a medium tow vehicle, and the X5 seems to be junk after about 80k miles from what I've read.

Are any of you driving high-mileage 4Runners? Can you tell me how they are faring after 80k or even 100k, 130k miles? I'm going to buy used, not new. I'm looking for the 50k range, so probably 3-4 year old vehicle.

Just realized... 3-4 years old will be a 5th gen, not a 4th gen. Still a solid truck I wouldn't hesitate to take to high mileage, but different forum.