Pre-Purchase Info, Modifications, Write-Ups, Quick Links, and FAQ's

[Atlanta_man]

If you buy it, install the module that fixes the potential pollution blower problem.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...air-injection-pump-failure-v8s-important.html


If it is 4wd, check that the activation works.

Rust inspection underneath the truck.

Negotiate a 30% price cut.

Realize that 15mpg is about what it will get around town.

 

[stevo2vabch]

Expertise Needed on 08 SR5 with the V8

Hi folks, I am going to start out by saying what I am going to post has nothing to do with this thread topic but I do not have permission yet to post a new thread and I would really like everyone’s opinion on a 4th gen I am looking at purchasing.
So here it goes... I am looking at a 2008 4Runner SR5 4x4 with the V8. It has 77,000 miles and 2 previous owners. Options on it are the standard options for the SR5. Sunroof, running boards, trailer hitch and so on. This is located in central Pennsylvania. Dealer is asking $16500 for it which seems to be a little above clean retail for it but I know that these 4th gens with the V8 are getting sparse (especially with lower miles) and are sought after. So I just wanted to get everyone’s take on the price. The dealer is currently replacing the exhaust manifold on it so it must have gotten the notorious crack in the manifold.

Again sorry for posting on a random topic not related to this but it wouldn’t allow me to start a new thread and I really wanted to get some opinions from other knowledgeable 4Runner lovers.

Thanks a bunch for your help!

 

[YetiX]

Hi folks, I am going to start out by saying what I am going to post has nothing to do with this thread topic but I do not have permission yet to post a new thread and I would really like everyone’s opinion on a 4th gen I am looking at purchasing.
So here it goes... I am looking at a 2008 4Runner SR5 4x4 with the V8. It has 77,000 miles and 2 previous owners. Options on it are the standard options for the SR5. Sunroof, running boards, trailer hitch and so on. This is located in central Pennsylvania. Dealer is asking $16500 for it which seems to be a little above clean retail for it but I know that these 4th gens with the V8 are getting sparse (especially with lower miles) and are sought after. So I just wanted to get everyone’s take on the price. The dealer is currently replacing the exhaust manifold on it so it must have gotten the notorious crack in the manifold.

Again sorry for posting on a random topic not related to this but it wouldn’t allow me to start a new thread and I really wanted to get some opinions from other knowledgeable 4Runner lovers.

Thanks a bunch for your help!

That price is, in my opinion, too high. If it's been in PA for long, it likely has rust. The mileage is great (although it's going to need a timing belt in about 20k miles) and the V8 4WD is a great vehicle, but not $16,5k worth of good. Especially in an SR5 which won't have leather seats, heated seats, steering wheel audio controls, etc.

I'd pay $10-12k max. and that's a premium price.

 

[stevo2vabch]

That price is, in my opinion, too high. If it's been in PA for long, it likely has rust. The mileage is great (although it's going to need a timing belt in about 20k miles) and the V8 4WD is a great vehicle, but not $16,5k worth of good. Especially in an SR5 which won't have leather seats, heated seats, steering wheel audio controls, etc.

I'd pay $10-12k max. and that's a premium price.

Thank you for the response and feedback. Unfortunately the NADA on it is booking out at $16300.00 and the dealer knows they can get close to this for it because there is a ton of people interested in it. I am seeing dealers still ask $10-12k for 04 and 05’s with over 100,000 miles. It’s crazy but how do you argue when sources like NADA and Kelly Blue Book are in line with what they are asking.

 

[YetiX]

Thank you for the response and feedback. Unfortunately the NADA on it is booking out at $16300.00 and the dealer knows they can get close to this for it because there is a ton of people interested in it. I am seeing dealers still ask $10-12k for 04 and 05’s with over 100,000 miles. It’s crazy but how do you argue when sources like NADA and Kelly Blue Book are in line with what they are asking.

I've never paid NADA or KBB but I negotiate for a living and we have tons of 4Runners here in SoCal so it's a buyer's market to some degree. Good luck!

 

[bearisasquare]

Best mod order

Hi all, I purchased an 09 Limited a month ago. I am looking to do a few things to it going into the future. However, i'm not sure where is the best place to start. I would like to get a new front bumper, suspension, wheels/tires. Right now its stock and ive only done the led swap and some other electrical modifications inside. Anyways, what should I get first so i'm not wasting money getting one first and then having to replace something later because I added another mod before another. Front bumper, suspension or wheels/tires? Thanks for the help

 

[08SprtEdtn4wd]

Looking for some advice

Greeting all,

I'm the proud owner of an 08 SE with a V8. In the next couple months I'm planning on installing one of them nifty C4 Low-Pro bumpers and a 10k winch. I'm currently running Blistein 5100's on all 4 corners, stock springs in the rear with a 1.25" Traxda spacer and OME 2885 springs up front (2"). I know that adding the bumper and winch is going to add significant weight to the front end and I'm wondering if any of you fine knowledgeable peeps could make some suggestions as to what, if any, changes I should make to my front end to account for the extra weight. Should I be upgrading the springs? Shocks? Leave as is?

I'm trying to prevent the front end from dipping and/or taking a dive upon braking. Any and all suggestions and points of views will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all!

 

[Slowgoat]

UCA write up and Splash Guard PDFs

My UCA write up thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/237425-4th-5th-gen-upper-control-arm-uca-install-write-up.html

My Splash Guard PDF thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/198245-pdfs-4th-gen-fender-liners.html

^Post #22 has the PDFs in regular ole 11x8 printed format

Enjoy!!

 

[cr4runner]

Bookmarked! Thank you!

 

[bbrack]

Hey guys, I wanted to make a thread but my post count is too low. I am looking at 4th Gen 4 Runners, and had a few questions.

The V8 model really stands out to me with the towing i do - it is mainly limited to my boat and a family friends, ranging from 19'-22', a handful a times per month. I know the 4.0 is capable, but does it tow well regularly?

Also, as i am looking, there seems to be a huge range of price and mileage...some 'too good to be true' and others seem to be made of gold. WHat should i expect to pay? I'd like to have something that is 05-08, under 150,000 miles, that is a 4x4.

With this...any years I should avoid? Any known issues to look out for?

I have questions such as...should i be wary of low-mileage (90k), or look for something closer to 150k miles that shows regular use?

Any and all feedback is much appreciated.

 

[RTCt4r]

Hey guys, I wanted to make a thread but my post count is too low. I am looking at 4th Gen 4 Runners, and had a few questions.

The V8 model really stands out to me with the towing i do - it is mainly limited to my boat and a family friends, ranging from 19'-22', a handful a times per month. I know the 4.0 is capable, but does it tow well regularly?

Also, as i am looking, there seems to be a huge range of price and mileage...some 'too good to be true' and others seem to be made of gold. WHat should i expect to pay? I'd like to have something that is 05-08, under 150,000 miles, that is a 4x4.

With this...any years I should avoid? Any known issues to look out for?

I have questions such as...should i be wary of low-mileage (90k), or look for something closer to 150k miles that shows regular use?

Any and all feedback is much appreciated.

Keep in mind my experience with these things is pretty limited at this point but I'll throw out my opinions based on that:

- My specs when I was looking were actually identical to yours. Although I ended up buying an '04

- I patiently looked around for 6+ months before buying my '04 Limited V8. It's just a mid-life crisis toy/ hunting truck so I was in no rush. I found the same thing as you, pricing all over the place. All the ones I looked at priced $6k & below either had more like 200k miles & above or serious issues.

- My piece of advice #1 is take a flashlight & small screwdriver with you every time you go look at one. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time laying on your back checking the frame, body mounts, suspension mounts etc for cancerous rust. These things are known for frame rot and most of the inexpensive ones had it, in spades. If you see any suspiciously new undercoating or paint - poke it with the screwdriver. Several times I was able to easily stick it clear thru the fresh undercoating. Especially with the radiator mounts. I preferred seeing no new paint & some minor frame surface rust so I knew nothing had been hidden.

$7k - $10k I found some that were in good shape inside & out. A couple were in excellent shape but had other issues like frame rot or shot CV boots, etc. $10k was my max, so didn't look at anything priced above that.

Ended up paying $7300 for mine with 136k miles. Mechanically seems to be in very good shape. Timing belt & water pump were already replaced & was able to pull up all service records on Toyota's web site and verify it had been meticulously maintained it's entire life at the same dealership. It's in good shape inside, but a little rough outside.

I only looked at V8's because I will also pull my 20' boat with it. I had trailered once some years ago with my Dad's '05 Limited with the V8. I considered that my minimum tolerance for power & torque for towing, BUT I've had a lifetime of trailering with 3/4 ton pick-ups (and bigger) with diesels or big V8's so maybe I'm kinda spoiled. Have only pulled my boat briefly with the new Runner because I'm not willing to risk it before I get the tired old Xreas system off and my trailer brake controller installed. Plus I have my 2500 truck.

Good luck. Be patient. There are deals out there to be found.

 

[Reeeba1]

Possible purchase 2005 SR5 V8, 273k mi, feedback?

Hello. I am the previous owner of a 2008 4x2 Limited and I am now looking at a purchase of a 2005 SR5 V8 4 x 4 with 173,000 Miles. I reviewed all records and here are my thoughts and concerns. I would appreciate any feedback. This is my first post.

- vehicle looks great to my untrained eye. Dealer is replacing alternator and battery prior to sale.
- I reviewed all maintenance records via car fax and Toyota website. Prior owner did a ton of dealer maintenance. 5k mike services... that’s good but I also see replacement of radiator, exhaust manifold, fromt axle which was leaking, and twice, a secondary air injection valve. Also, inner and outer boots and left front cv boot. This is in addition to routine maintenance.
- vehicle comes from P.A. and is a one owner
- I don’t see a specific mention of a timing belt replacement in the service history but I’m going to look more closely for stickers or other evidence when I look at the vehicle again tomorrow. I know my V6 had a chain but this has a belt....

So part of me is excited that I won’t have to deal with a radiator or manifold leak since both were replaced in the past few years. Part of me though wonders if any of this should be a red flag.

Appreciate any thoughts and anything specific I should look for to get myself a level of confidence that it’s not going to have ongoing issues. Of course all cars need maintenance and repairs but I just don’t want to get in over my head. Purchase price would be 7800 in case anyone is wondering and I would be buying it from a Toyota dealer. I miss my old 4Runner and I am super excited at the possibility of getting another one and also would use this to tow a camper less than 3000 pounds on occasion.

My apologies for not starting a new post but as a newbie I apparently am not eligible to do that yet so I found the closest header I could.

 

[RTCt4r]

Coming from PA, the land of salt paved roads in the winter, I would look very closely under it at the extent of frame rust.

Ideally, ask the dealer to put it up on a lift and let you inspect it.

 

[AuSeeker]

Hello. I am the previous owner of a 2008 4x2 Limited and I am now looking at a purchase of a 2005 SR5 V8 4 x 4 with 173,000 Miles. I reviewed all records and here are my thoughts and concerns. I would appreciate any feedback. This is my first post.

- vehicle looks great to my untrained eye. Dealer is replacing alternator and battery prior to sale.
- I reviewed all maintenance records via car fax and Toyota website. Prior owner did a ton of dealer maintenance. 5k mike services... that’s good but I also see replacement of radiator, exhaust manifold, fromt axle which was leaking, and twice, a secondary air injection valve. Also, inner and outer boots and left front cv boot. This is in addition to routine maintenance.
- vehicle comes from P.A. and is a one owner
- I don’t see a specific mention of a timing belt replacement in the service history but I’m going to look more closely for stickers or other evidence when I look at the vehicle again tomorrow. I know my V6 had a chain but this has a belt....

So part of me is excited that I won’t have to deal with a radiator or manifold leak since both were replaced in the past few years. Part of me though wonders if any of this should be a red flag.

Appreciate any thoughts and anything specific I should look for to get myself a level of confidence that it’s not going to have ongoing issues. Of course all cars need maintenance and repairs but I just don’t want to get in over my head. Purchase price would be 7800 in case anyone is wondering and I would be buying it from a Toyota dealer. I miss my old 4Runner and I am super excited at the possibility of getting another one and also would use this to tow a camper less than 3000 pounds on occasion.

My apologies for not starting a new post but as a newbie I apparently am not eligible to do that yet so I found the closest header I could.

Coming from PA, the land of salt paved roads in the winter, I would look very closely under it at the extent of frame rust.

Ideally, ask the dealer to put it up on a lift and let you inspect it.

Ditto on a detailed inspection of the frame for rust, radiator support is one of the first area to rust badly and then the rest of the frame, if it has anything more than surface rust....RUN away...., that being said the timing belt in need of being replaced would be my next concern, at this point even if it was replaced at the recommended 90,000 miles it's due to be replaced again at the present mileage, if it hasn't been replaced recently you can use that as a bargaining chip BUT you would then have to do the replacement soon.

Also you need to make sure the 4X4 system works flawlessly, if the system hasn't been used once every month or at least every two months it could need some major attention and costly work to get it working correctly, the issue is that the transfer case actuator will get stuck and need replacing with a used one or rebuilt if not used frequently, if the system works inspect the tranfer case area for leaks as the o-rings on the actuator tends to go bad, this is another semi costly job to fix.

Other then that the price is good if everything checks out and I wouldn't hesitate buying it!!

If you find any of the issues mentioned above they all can be fixed other than the frame rust and still have a nice T4R, the V8 is very sought after especially in a 4X4!!

Just an FYI these V8s in the 4th Gen 4Rs is the same engine that is in the 1 Million miles 2007 Toyota Tundra that Toyota purchased back from the owner 2 years ago and gave him a brand new Tundra, so these engines for the most part when maintained properly will last for many, many miles!!!

 

[Reeeba1]

Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate it. I don’t really know vehicle mechanic at all except from the research side so I don’t know what I’m even looking at when I look at it so I will need to bring somebody with me... or go to a mechanic. It’s at a Toyota dealer... if I could figure out how to post pictures here I would post a few just for context. I will definitely look for rust and didn’t see any when I checked the first time. Haven’t driven it yet because it was traded with a bad alternator which the dealer is replacing tomorrow...

I regret trading my 2008 four runner on nearly a daily basis and I am very excited about the possibility of this one but it would be a daily driver so I don’t want to get myself in a position where I’m replacing a transmission in six months.

 

[Reeeba1]

It’s my understanding that this vehicle has full-time four-wheel-drive so as long as it was driven routinely I assume the four-wheel-drive was used. Is that an incorrect assumption?

 

[AuSeeker]

It’s my understanding that this vehicle has full-time four-wheel-drive so as long as it was driven routinely I assume the four-wheel-drive was used. Is that an incorrect assumption?

It is full time 4 wheel drive...BUT, the transfer case has to be used monthly...i.e. shift from 4high to 4low, which is what the transfer case is for, it can be driving in 4high just fine which is the normal day to day mode, but if it hasn't been shifted into 4low for a long period of time then the transfer case can be stuck not able to shift into 4Low, or it may shift into 4Low and then may not be able to shift back into 4High which is rare but could happen and if it does driving on dry pavement in 4Low is recommended and shouldn't be done especially while trying to turn, 4Low is usually only used on dirt or ice/snow while driving slow, but usually it just will not shift into low properly if there's an issue.

None of the above has anything to do with the transmission, 2 different piece of the drive train, the transmission in these 4th Gens are for the most part are bullet proof but should have the fluid drained and fill every 30,000 miles are so, especially if used for towing.

I will also answer your question you left on my profile page....no I'm not who traded this T4R in, not sure where I may have gave you that impression, and your comment/question wasn't a PM, but instead just a comment on my profile page.

Edit: I just noticed I made a typo in my first response where it said....
"Other then that the price is good if everything checks out and I would hesitate buying it!!"
the "would" should have stated..."wouldn't", I have edited the post to reflect that, sorry if it made you worry about your possible purchase!!

 

[Reeeba1]

Thank you for all the info. Sorry I am new to this forum and I think I was confused by a truncated portion of your reply which read “I am the previous own”. Oops! That seemed too weird to me anyway. I do appreciate your time in responding and great advice.

 

[AuSeeker]

Thank you for all the info. Sorry I am new to this forum and I think I was confused by a truncated portion of your reply which read “I am the previous own”. Oops! That seemed too weird to me anyway. I do appreciate your time in responding and great advice.

I just reread my previous post and don't see anywhere I typed...“I am the previous own”..... but I guess it must of been my reference to the Million Mile 2007 Toyota Tundra(?) trying to relay how good these V8s are when proper maintained, but maybe you have never heard of this, here's a link to the story of the Tundra.

Toyota Buys Victor Sheppard?s Million Mile 2007 Toyota Tundra

 

[Reeeba1]

Thanks. Not sure why that popped up. I will go look at it again tomorrow and we will see!