Potential New Owner

[matty]

Hey all,

I originally posted this in the new member welcome area, but didnt get any bites. Sorry in advance for the double post, but most of this is pertinent to the 4th gen forum, so here is goes:


New member here looking at picking up a V8 4-runner from 06-08 range. I have a few questions:

1. Regarding the X-REAS: As I understand it, in this vintage, no SR5’s had it, all Sports had it, and it was an option on the limited. Limited also had the option of air-ride but only if X-REAS was present correct? Due to the prohibitive cost of replacement, I would like to steer clear of the air-ride, but would like to have the X-REAS for on-road enjoyment. Where is the compressor so I could tell if the limited was equipped with air-ride?

2. Most of the vehicles in this age range are at 50-80k miles. This means timing belt is just around the corner.
a. Is the timing belt a shade-tree mechanic kind of deal (I am pretty handy with a wrench), or are there tricks involved?
b. Is the V8 an interference engine? I have read both ways on this. Not that I want to drive it to the point of breakage, but it is good piece of mind.

3. In looking at used 4runners, what are common problem areas unique to the vehicle? Things to look for, things to walk away from, etc.

Thanks, and I look forward to learning from this community.

Matty

 

[chaz]

welcome! thats alot of info, dont take this the wrong way, but it might be better if u run a search for each of ur questions, u will find several threads on each topic that can tell u exactly what u want to know. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/perfo...superchargers-more/1076-xreas-suspension.html http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/13993-rear-air-suspension-x-reas.html http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/71491-timing-belt-change-kit.html http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/70218-lift-options-rear-air-suspension.html heres a few, hope they help a bit.

 

[matty]

thanks for the reply. I understand the search function, and should have mentioned that I did search before posting my question. (Ok, i didnt search for the timing belt issue, but the link provided helped, thank you.) However, i still am wondering how i can tell if the vehicle has RAS. Also, is the V8 an interference engine? I have read (using the search) that it is and it isnt. Which is it? Also, besides common things to every used vehicle, what are the problem areas to look for in this vintage? Thanks.

Matty.

 

[T4RBoarder]

If the truck has rear air suspension (which is rare) it will have airbags on the rear axle that look similar to this...

in addition to that, there will be two extra switches on the center console (on/off switch and height switch) and a height indicator on the instrument cluster.

 

[matty]

Perfect! Exactly what i was looking for. Thanks!

 

[FourEyedWilly]

Just chiming in a bit. Have a 06 SE with the XREAS V8. Put on a Daystar spacer lift and All-Pro wheel spacers. I'm running a 255 75R17 tire and I have to say the 4runner is PERFECT..sort of.

Now the game I'm playing is saving 5-10 bucks each week, in a envelope, somewhere in the house. When those XREAS shocks start to leak or go downhill, I'll be ordering from Overland Warehouse for the full setup. Until then, I'm enjoying what I've got. I'm 98% on road so it works great. I just flipped 40K miles, so I'm figuring a year or more still.

AND, the wife loves the ride...and that's saying ALOT!!

 

[matty]

looking at a 06 sport with the V8. It has 46,000 miles and they have it listed for $16,995. Far better deal than anything else around. What do you all think? I am going to check it out tomorrow.

 

[FourEyedWilly]

looking at a 06 sport with the V8. It has 46,000 miles and they have it listed for $16,995. Far better deal than anything else around. What do you all think? I am going to check it out tomorrow.

Good price, two or four wheel drive?

 

[matty]

4 wheel drive. I didnt make it to the lot today, but read that this place takes wrecked vehicles, fixes them, and sells them. i have requested the carfax report to see what that says, and they are dragging their feet. I will keep looking. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

 

[T4RBoarder]

Good way to see how much a vehicle has been repaired is to check the VIN stickers on all the panels (fenders, bumpers, doors, etc) and make sure they match the correct VIN

 

[FourEyedWilly]

4 wheel drive. I didnt make it to the lot today, but read that this place takes wrecked vehicles, fixes them, and sells them. i have requested the carfax report to see what that says, and they are dragging their feet. I will keep looking. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Bought mine about a year ago with 32K on it for about 23K. It seems awefully well priced. I kinda had my hands tied as it was the only V8 SE in the Las Vegas valley. I still don't see them for sale and I look often.

I would be sure to check the Carfax and ask them directly if the vehicle was in any major accidents. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I would think you should be in the 19K range. Heck though, if all is well, jump on it!

 

[matty]

Digging up an old thread, but I am getting back into the market for a 4runner. I am looking at an 03 SR5 with the 4.7 V8 with 103,798 miles on it. It has leather seats, but other than that it appears to be a stock SR5. The dealer has done the following recent services:

Lube,oil, filter including air filter
Replaced rear CV boot
new windshield
replaced rear center seatbelt (this seems odd, no?)
replaced pads and rotors front and rear
Serviced transfer case, drained and replaced fluid (and gaskets) in front and rear diff
New wipers front and rear


They have also said they will do the timing belt, water pump, and tensioners.

I would like to get the transmission flushed, which they are not willing to do, but I figure under $200 at the dealer to make sure it is properly done.

Asking price is 13,995 which is competitive in our area. Is there anything i should look for while test driving it besides the standard that you would look for on any used vehicle?

 

[JB.]

. Is there anything i should look for while test driving it besides the standard that you would look for on any used vehicle?

Make sure it goes into low range and the center diff locks.

Lo, stopped in neutral.
Diff lock, any speed. In motion can make it easier.

 

[matty]

Well, it's official. I bought the 2003 T4R today. Looking forward to learning from the group.

 

[AKUMA03]

Congrats and welcome to the community. I'm pretty new to the community also and I also bought a V8, 2004 though. Just had my Daystar 2.5/1.5 lift put on today :thumb3: Have fun with your new 4Runner!