please talk me OUT of a used 4Runner

[Martinjmpr]

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

Yeah, it's funny the OP indicated he'd be buying a vehicle with 50k to 80k and called it "high mileage."

Maybe for a BMW but I bought my '07 in 2012 with 92k on the clock and I consider that "medium" or even "low" mileage.

Currently it has almost 130k and most of the 40k miles I've put on it over the past 2 1/2 years have been while pulling a 1,000lb trailer.

 

[YetiX]

Another former X5 owner here. The X5 was great and never left me stranded, but it came damn close. But at 150k miles, the transmission was starting to hang up, the ABS pump's control module died (which killed traction control and ABS) and the rear door locks no longer unlocked except using the inside handle. There were a bunch of other little thing that were going wrong and they were all disproportionately expensive to fix. Don't get me wrong, that thing was amazing to drive and was superior in the snow (until the ABS went).

Now I have an '06 T4R with about 92k miles on it. It looks and drives like it's new, especially since I ditched the XREAS suspension which had failed. Everyone that rides in it is blown away that it's an 8 year old vehicle with almost 100k miles on it. Even the freaking steering wheel looks new!!

Get a T4R and be happy. Get something else and feel pangs of regret every time you see one on the road.

 

[WI_4Runner]

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.

Define MEDIUM Tow Vehicle... What are you pulling? I love my 07 V8 for towing my boats (300lb aluminum skiff and 3,000lb fiberglass center console) and my 4R does the job admirably.

I would ditch the BMW pronto and not even wince at a 50-80k mileage 4Runner. That being said, noting that 4th Gen's were produced from 2003-2009, it's a bit of a challenge to find low mileage 4Runners given they are all pushing 5-6+ years now.

However, I would (and do, being an owner of an 07 bought last December with 80k miles) feel way better in a used Toyota than I would owning a BMW of similar age/mileage. Factoring in reliability, durability, cost of ownership, etc., it's a no brainer.

What else are you considering, may I ask?

 

[Toyotio]

Just Got Mine

I just bought an 07 with 92K for 13K. I love it so far. I don't have enough time on it to tell you much but I'd say go for it.
Only things so far and I bought it with these issues: burnt bulb in left side of info screen. 3 dollar easy fix. Driver's side window raising mechanism is sticky, haven't fixed this yet. Wheels look like S%*T, apparently they all peel badly in certain years. Dealer is splitting the cost of either painting them or new wheels.
I've enjoyed reading the responses to your question. Thanks for posting this.

 

[Toyotio]

Oh btw

I was into 04 Jeep WJs. I had two of them and was looking for another one but talk about difficulty finding one with reasonable mileage, I gave up and decided to switch to Toyrunner. I loved those Jeeps--they both towed long, heavy and well-- but after a month with this runner I don't think I'd go back.

 

[Robs08Runner]

Go to CarComplaints.com | Car Problems, Car Complaints, & Repair/Recall Information and check out the reviews on the 4runner and any other vehicle that you may be interested in. The quality will speak for itself.

 

[Jesman]

I just bought a 1 owner 07 Sport V8 with 80k miles for $17,500. I've only put 350 miles on it so far, but so far I am extremely happy with it. This is my 3rd 4runner, 86 and 97 previously. This is the perfect vehicle for my needs. It rides good, handles ok for a suv and has the v8 I wanted for towing my SxS. I will have this one a long time. I've had American and British suvs, but keep coming back to the 4Runner.

 

[macgyver_ga]

Definitely get an '06+. Toyota corrected a lot of the issues and quirks with the '06 refresh. We just bought my wife an '06 sport 4x4 a few months ago w/ 95k. Got rid of her POS '12 Hyundai Santa fe limited (I'll NEVER buy another Hyundai product again). 100k miles is just breaking a Toyota in. I didn't have my first "problem" in my old tacoma til 112k miles which was only a bad driveshaft u-joint ($40 fix). My tundra is too new to speak though (35k).

 

[Ask10]

Don't buy one.

There, I tried.

 

[M1911]

I've got 152k on my 03 V8 Limited 4Runner. The biggest issue that I've had is frame rust. My frame was swiss cheese. Toyota just replaced my frame (my cost: $2k), but they did that under "goodwill". There has been no frame recall. As a result, each instance is being independently reviewed. Toyota is replacing some frames but other people are simply being told that their truck is out of warranty.

So if you are buying a used 4Runner, get it up on a lift and take a good look at the frame, particularly the cross member under the transmission.

The other recurring problem I've had is frozen calipers. I've replaced front calipers at least 3 times and rears at least twice.

Check the transfer case for leaks. Sometimes an o-ring can flatten around the actuator. While the problem is a cheap o-ring, as I understand it the Toyota authorized fix is over $1k.

My V8 has been great. Early V6s are having issues intake manifold leaks, IIRC. The fix is very expensive.

If the 4Runner you are looking at has the XREAS crosslinked shocks, have them checked carefully. Replacing them with new XREAS shocks is prohibitively expensive (around $3k). Most just replace them with conventional shocks when they wear out.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

I've got 152k on my 03 V8 Limited 4Runner. The biggest issue that I've had is frame rust. My frame was swiss cheese. Toyota just replaced my frame (my cost: $2k), but they did that under "goodwill". There has been no frame recall. As a result, each instance is being independently reviewed. Toyota is replacing some frames but other people are simply being told that their truck is out of warranty.

So if you are buying a used 4Runner, get it up on a lift and take a good look at the frame, particularly the cross member under the transmission.

The other recurring problem I've had is frozen calipers. I've replaced front calipers at least 3 times and rears at least twice.

Check the transfer case for leaks. Sometimes an o-ring can flatten around the actuator. While the problem is a cheap o-ring, as I understand it the Toyota authorized fix is over $1k.

My V8 has been great. Early V6s are having issues intake manifold leaks, IIRC. The fix is very expensive.

If the 4Runner you are looking at has the XREAS crosslinked shocks, have them checked carefully. Replacing them with new XREAS shocks is prohibitively expensive (around $3k). Most just replace them with conventional shocks when they wear out.

some have had head gasket failures. enough that it is not coincidence, not enough to warrant a recall. most have had hg failures on cylinder 6 after overheating.

 

[M1911]

some have had head gasket failures. enough that it is not coincidence, not enough to warrant a recall. most have had hg failures on cylinder 6 after overheating.

Just to be clear, you are talking about the early V6, correct?

 

[Be_Original]

Have had two tacoma's 05' and 10' with over 100k that ran flawless with proper maintenance. My current 4runner I bought with 120k miles and has given me no issues at all. This is not to say that if you purchase used it will last you, be sure to know the history of the vehicle and have it looked over at a dealer or with a trusted technician/mechanic. Good luck with your search, a 4Runner will not disappoint.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Just to be clear, you are talking about the early V6, correct?

03 and 04 were the problem years, there was a redesign afterwards

 

[emc19]

Just purchased an '06 with 111k. I typically keep my cars for a year and a half or so, I purchased this one with the intent of keeping it for at least 5 years. The only car I've own with over 100k on the odometer was my first one, and it died at 130k. I have no worries and am completely confident my 4runner will last me 200k+ easily. If you told me it currently had 30k on it I'd probably believe you.

 

[Ebbsnflows]

Not much more that I can say that hasn't been said. This is my 3rd 4Runner, and will likely buy a fourth (5th Gen model) once the prices come down a bit. I bought my current 2005 4Runner with 70K miles 5 yrs ago and it now has 130k on it. It literally drives like it has 30k on it. There isn't single squeek/rattle on the car. My previous generation 4runner had 217k miles on it when it was T-boned/totalled and still drove like a dream.

They're not the flashiest or the most plush vehicles, but holy-hell when it comes to "going and going and going", they make the energizer-bunny look downright lazy.

 

[28.]

On my ???th Toyoya, but love my 4runner.. Bought it at 15?K for my "work" vehicle, now my baby at almost 200K.. Runs as good as new. Ever since I've taken ownership I tell my wife I should have bought one years ago.. Will own this one til it falls apart.. Which doesn't seem to be anytime soon and will be replaced with another. Best vehicle I've ever owned and I've had some nice ones..