Possibly a new 4th gen owner

[volkinator]

Found a potential 4Runner. Looking at upgrading to a 4th gen. Not too picky but wanted to run it by the masses:

2007 Limited V8 with 70k miles. What's a good price do you guys think? Will need a new timing belt and such. This will be my first 4th gen (coming from a 3rd with 260k) It's got pretty good records from the dealer and a couple previous owners, but looks like it's been taken care of. Clean carfax with what looks like a small bump on the front end (from the carfax, but it's been repaired). I'll make sure 4lo and the center diff lock work obviously, but anything else I should watch for? SAIP seems like a concern...

 

[ian.b.pond]

I'll chime in about the SAIP, you can reach out to slyfox75 on here and he makes an affordable bypass kit, takes maybe 15 mins at most to install and should prevent the SAIP failure, at least that was my understanding. I installed it on my 2008 V8 preemptively (since I haven't had a problem) and have had zero lights or warnings.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Don't buy it without going underneath and checking for rust.

With 70k miles it should be expensive. Easily over $15k if everything is in order. Timing belt is due soon, usually done at 90k but it has a few extra years on it too.

 

[chris in ky]

IMO, unless you are intending to tow trailers, stick with the V6. No cracked manifolds, no timing belt to change, as fast or faster than the V8, marginally better gas mileage, more room in the engine bay. The 2006+ models will have the improved head gasket, no cracked dash plastic, 5 speed transmission, projector headlights.

 

[run4lander]

IMO, unless you are intending to tow trailers, stick with the V6. No cracked manifolds, no timing belt to change, as fast or faster than the V8, marginally better gas mileage, more room in the engine bay. The 2006+ models will have the improved head gasket, no cracked dash plastic, 5 speed transmission, projector headlights.

Lol, seriously? As fast or faster than the V8?
Cracked manifold is not a huge concern, does not impact performance whatsoever. V6s have their issues as well.

Seems like someone has V8 envy and needs to justify their V6 purchase.

Buy a V8. A much stronger engine, and has similar MPG especially after mods.

 

[Billynath1988]

The V8 vs V6 debate can and will take over this thread. Both are excellent engines. Both have their pros and cons. When I shopped 4runners I drove several of both and went with the V8. I have zero remorse for that decision 7 years later. I suggest you drive both.

 

[volkinator]

Definitely wasn't trying to start a new debate, but it's been tough finding anything with low miles and minimal rust. And anything worth having is gone in a flash... Both have their issues that can be addressed.

 

[ICUMF]

I agree anything worthwhile is practically non-existent. Good luck in your search, sounds like you know what you want and ergo will know when you see it...

 

[L8Shift]

Definitely wasn't trying to start a new debate,...

I believe the debate comment was directed towards... "chris in ky"... :noidea:

Good Luck with your search.. don't forget about the GX470s, I noticed a few decently priced units out there. :eyebrows:

 

[bkim7]

Last March, I purchased a 1-owner 2003 SR5 V8 4WD with 75,000 miles for $11,000. Needed the timing belt swapped, had a clean record, and just surface rust. Just to give you a reference point. I'd imagine the vehicle you are considering should definitely be worth more than what I paid for mine, but it also depends on where you are too.

 

[Bumbo]

2007 V8 with 70k miles... don't tell me who is selling it because ill go pick it up for myself.

But seriously, if everything is in order, no rust I would jump on it.

I would expect to do things like brakes, possible sized caliper, timing belt if needed, but with only 70k on the clock I can see changing more things due to age than mileage (like fluids).

If the seller knows what they have, the price is often times the price, but you could get lucky.

 

[volkinator]

2007 V8 with 70k miles... don't tell me who is selling it because ill go pick it up for myself.

But seriously, if everything is in order, no rust I would jump on it.

I would expect to do things like brakes, possible sized caliper, timing belt if needed, but with only 70k on the clock I can see changing more things due to age than mileage (like fluids).

If the seller knows what they have, the price is often times the price, but you could get lucky.

Too bad! Put my deposit down and about to fly out and get it.

Checking the Vin through Toyota the last 3 years its done 10k miles (last owner hasn't driven very much!!!) But the calipers were replaced due to being seized along with the coolant and a battery. Regular maintenance every 6k miles with regular check ins at the dealer. Already getting quotes for the timing belt just in case. I'm super pumped!

 

[Kimokona]

Too bad! Put my deposit down and about to fly out and get it.

Checking the Vin through Toyota the last 3 years its done 10k miles (last owner hasn't driven very much!!!) But the calipers were replaced due to being seized along with the coolant and a battery. Regular maintenance every 6k miles with regular check ins at the dealer. Already getting quotes for the timing belt just in case. I'm super pumped!

I wish you good luck, but if your heading NE, good luck with the rust also. It’s seems like every low mileage one I located was in that direction, they also never included pics from down-under, once I received those pics, I was done.

 

[volkinator]

I wish you good luck, but if your heading NE, good luck with the rust also. It’s seems like every low mileage one I located was in that direction, they also never included pics from down-under, once I received those pics, I was done.

Thanks, I got pics right away as I've had the same issue. There is some, but from what I can tell it's all surface which is easy enough and still better than anything I'll find locally. Especially for the price. If it's rotten I'll leave it. From what I can tell, it seems like it wasn't driven much, and definitely garage kept. I'll take a hammer to the frame when I get there though and make sure its solid. Planning on some time underneath to treat anything I can find. Goal is to make this the next 8 years or so

 

[who done it]

Just stating a personal opinion. If you are looking for a V8, have you looked at the GX470? I think they are similarly priced.

I have a V6 and I love it, but if I was to do it again, I would have gone with the GX.

 

[volkinator]

Just stating a personal opinion. If you are looking for a V8, have you looked at the GX470? I think they are similarly priced.

I have a V6 and I love it, but if I was to do it again, I would have gone with the GX.

I had considered it. They are definitely in the right price range compared to the runner, but for me, the hatch is super important, especially the rear window. We work on our home a lot and don't have a trailer yet, so the rear window has been invaluable for us. I also wasn't too particular on engine setup. Was just looking for the right condition and miles really. Also, some of the Lexus stuff makes me nervous (all their air suspension and stuff. I know it's great, but as soon as you change anything it adds that complexity, not that the 4runner doesn't... XREAS and RAS...)

 

[Kimokona]

Thanks, I got pics right away as I've had the same issue. There is some, but from what I can tell it's all surface which is easy enough and still better than anything I'll find locally. Especially for the price. If it's rotten I'll leave it. From what I can tell, it seems like it wasn't driven much, and definitely garage kept. I'll take a hammer to the frame when I get there though and make sure its solid. Planning on some time underneath to treat anything I can find. Goal is to make this the next 8 years or so

Well...what happened, did you buy it, pics if you did.

 

[volkinator]

Well...what happened, did you buy it, pics if you did.

Haha! I did! flew out and drove back. Finally got settled in yesterday. I'll try to get some pictures after work today (last day for the year!!)

If anyone has the stock skid plate they want to get rid of, I'm interested, otherwise I'll hold off for an RCI sale maybe... Also weathertech liners are on my list. but otherwise seems to be in good shape. I thought it had XREAS but it actually doesn't which is kind of nice. It's firm and planted all around, but it'll make the upgrades easier later on.