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

[jrm]

Ive seen the same thing here

I gotta say there are a few really clean 4runners out there with that many miles on um. Heck i bought my 2nd 3rd gen with 112k but sold it too soon so now iin the market for a 4th gen like you.

Having owned two 3rd gens already miles dont matter "all" that much up to a point. But what IS the important bit is how the truck was/is maintained b/c this really is a direct factor that contributes to the vehicles longevity. Got any pics to post?

 

[PATSWIN4]

I'm thinking I attached the pics correctly.....

 

[04run&gun]

:help:



So my 2007 Charger RT engine just blew and I've been looking at 3rd Gen T4R, but not having much success with reasonable mileage / price I'm looking at 4th Gen, but seeing all the Head Gasket issues posted here is giving me some worry...

I found a 2004 Limited 2WD V6 I was thinking about purchasing... then seeing all the issues with the 4th Gen with Head Gasket issues slowing me down...

I live in Nor CA (2 hours from Tahoe...), and this would be my commuter car... Not big into off-roading (I have 2 little ones so wanted to upgrade in size) so 4x4 wasn't a big issue...
Should I wait out a nice 4x4 just for resale value?

Can someone help with what I'm going to be looking at for 4th Gens with < 100k that will need timing belt and water pump replaced.

Am I better off to go with a 3rd gen with ~150k miles v.
The 4.0 4th gen has a bit more horse power than the 3.4 3rd gen. It also gets better mpg. However I made the mistake of getting an 04 which has a four spd auto trans. That memes I'm limited in my build capabilities because of differential gearing. I'd suggest finding an 05+ with a 5 spd transmission. I love my 4th gen though. She gets through and up mountain highways with little effort. Honestly I don't know what the 3.4 is like to drive but I would think it might have some momentum loss travelling uphill on the highway.

 

[iBison]

Going to look at a '06 4Runner Sport this wknd with 135K miles on her. They are asking 14,500 for it, but I don't believe I should be concerned with the miles. Thinking the price may be a bit much, what do you all think? Looks great with the pics online, it's time to get out of my VW. Thanks

Seems high to me. Check on cars.com and see what they are selling for.

 

[jrm]

:help:

I live in Nor CA (2 hours from Tahoe...), and this would be my commuter car... Not big into off-roading (I have 2 little ones so wanted to upgrade in size) so 4x4 wasn't a big issue...
Should I wait out a nice 4x4 just for resale value?

Can someone help with what I'm going to be looking at for 4th Gens with < 100k that will need timing belt and water pump replaced.

Am I better off to go with a 3rd gen with ~150k miles v.
The 4.0 4th gen has a bit more horse power than the 3.4 3rd gen. It also gets better mpg. However I made the mistake of getting an 04 which has a four spd auto trans. That memes I'm limited in my build capabilities because of differential gearing. I'd suggest finding an 05+ with a 5 spd transmission. I love my 4th gen though. She gets through and up mountain highways with little effort. Honestly I don't know what the 3.4 is like to drive but I would think it might have some momentum loss travelling uphill on the highway.

If you go 3rd gen get a 99 or 00 with the multi mode trans. Having lived, traveled and wheeling in the Sierra 4wd isn't a must but it's worthy insurance when it comes to road closures or driving on primitive roads.

If you do go the 3rd gen route get a 99 or 00 with the multi mode trans. Using the AWD button and overdrive on/off switch i thought the truck worked great at altitude on and off road. I too am looking for a later 4th gen with the 5 spd trans but im not having too much luck.

 

[newguy123]

Seems high to me. Check on cars.com and see what they are selling for.

hey im new here but not new to car/truck forums. im thinking of ditching my loaded bmw 135i and jumping into a limited 06-09' v8 4wd runner. seems there are a few around me with 70-100k miles for sale. besided the timing belts on the v8 im learning they are full time 4wd where the v6 is switchable 2wd/4wd. i love the vvti 4.7 v8 but the full time 4wd scares me with higher miles...are any of the v84wd guys seeing drivetrain failures or common issues i should look for before purchase. my plan with the 4runner is to tow my sand rail probably just throw some rims and skins on her with headers/exhaust. im thinking the v6 could do fine towing the rail too but v8 is preferred. thanks for any tips/advice

 

[bnmjs]

Thats is a great post!!!!! Please add TheRetrofitsource for Xenons I support them 100% over DDM There quality is jaw droppping but just a suggestion

 

[Critt003]

Looking for some info as im going to look at a 2004 SR5 V8 4x4 4Runner this afternoon. What are some typical issues to look for, I know the frame for rust, make sure 4 wheel drive shifts between mods nicely, service records etc. Anything else in specific?

The 4runner has 160k on it, has a 3 inch toytec lift, clean carfax and supposedly had the timing belt etc done recently, new brakes all around with new front calibers. Guy is asking around $9k just wanted some input. It will be replacing my 1998 Gs300 that im just over driving and want something a little bigger and newer. Any help would be awesome I appreciate it everyone.

Thanks in Advance,
Chris

 

[sull625]

Hello, I already purchased a 4Runner but wanted to see what others thoughts were anyways. I bought a 2005 T4R Sport 4.0L with 144k miles. I noticed it has a oil leak near the passenger front side of the motor. Looks like its the Timing Chain cover. Should I get this fixed asap? I don't have a lot of disposable income but we need the vehicle running strong for awhile. I was hoping to post a thread but I cant post one without having a undetermined amount of posts.

Everything else is great. I read about the Head Gasket issue as well but the vehicle has not exhibited any of the issues associated with the symptoms. I will keep an eye out for indicators though.

 

[BelizeMe]

WTB a daily driver

4the Gen vs. 3rd Gen for a daily driver.

We are looking to buy a 4Runner to drive 3900 mile through Mexico to Belize and then use as a daily driver in the hills at a higher elevation in the Cayo district of Belize.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I'm interested in what year models are most reliable, which engines, and stock ground clearance, etc...

The roads are rough, especially in the rainy season, but we're not planning to go off road3rd Gen vs. 4th Gen for a daily driver.

We are looking to buy a 4Runner to drive 3900 mile through Mexico to Belize and then use as a daily driver in the hills at a higher elevation in the Cayo district of Belize. The roads are rough, especially in the rainy season, but we're not planning to go off road.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I'm interested in what year models are most reliable, which engines, and stock ground clearance, etc...

 

[mehbohdi]

Difference 04 V8 05 V8

I noticed in the Wiki page that 04 V8's are rated @ 235/320 and the 05 is 260/305, is there a noticeable difference in performance? I prefer torque over horsepower, is the 04 better? I was looking at buying 05 or newer but maybe the 04 might be the better choice seen as I will probably go for little bigger tire and 2-3" lift.

 

[mikesayboom]

Hey guys can't wait to be apart of the 4Runner world. Currently looking at a 2007 4Runner sr5 sport. It has 193xxx miles on it one owner with tons of service records via cArfax. It is a v8 4wd and they are selling from a dealership for 10,987. It has a few cosmetic flaws and rear spoiler is broken in half, lift gate button is melted, aftermarket seat warmers with passenger side doesn't work. I got them down to 11k out the door ttl and all. should I pull the trigger on it? I think it's still kind of high for all the miles on it.

 

[jrm]

06' SR5 4x4 with 141k $10,000

original owner with some records. interiors in great shape. Exterior has some scrapes and such but i think that can be somewhat expected. Everything works. Little bit of erosion/rust. The clear coat on the wheels is peeling. The rear wiper arm/blade is missing.

The OBDII code reader didnt find any old or recent codes. Engine is clean of oil but it makes a bit of a racket which is "normal" for the v6? I couldnt get the center dif to lock in 4H. The indicator light flashed but didnt go solid and then it started beeping.

<img src=http://images.craigslist.org/00R0R_dM4lSTjYsnV_600x450.jpg>

I know its going to need some work, lift and tires around 2k or so. So what do you guys think? Does this look like a good enough 4runner to put some $$ into?

2006 Toyota 4-runner SR5

 

[Modern Color]

Just bough an 07 sr5 w 108k for $13,999. Had a 4wd issue lights just stayed on and 4wd wouldn't engage. Luckily it had a warranty and the dealership is sending it to Toyota to get repaired this week. I'll follow up on the repairs it took to get 4wd to work again, but guessing it's the actuators on the front diff and or the one on the transfer case not engaging.

So make sure to check 4wd system in hi and low, lights should not blink or ding when properly engaged.

 

[yibnj]

Thats is a great post!!!!! Please add TheRetrofitsource for Xenons I support them 100% over DDM There quality is jaw droppping but just a suggestion

 

[iBison]

IGNORE ALL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR "TheRetrofitsource".!

 

[iNAN3 SOLDi3R]

IGNORE ALL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR "TheRetrofitsource".!

Care to elaborate on this statement? Bad experience I take it.

 

[iBison]

Care to elaborate on this statement? Bad experience I take it.

No, but these messages are just spam so look to members on here for reviews.

 

[jrm]

Same exact thing..

Just bough an 07 sr5 w 108k for $13,999. Had a 4wd issue lights just stayed on and 4wd wouldn't engage. Luckily it had a warranty and the dealership is sending it to Toyota to get repaired this week. I'll follow up on the repairs it took to get 4wd to work again, but guessing it's the actuators on the front diff and or the one on the transfer case not engaging.

So make sure to check 4wd system in hi and low, lights should not blink or ding when properly engaged.

in the process of buying a 06 v6 SE. im picking it up later this week while the dealer replaces what i think is the actuator b/c it wont engage Lo4. Do you have any follow up info on your experience?

Im kind of worried about them replacing the actuator. I know it can go bad to do a lack of use and all but i wonder if i should look elsewhere.

 

[EricP3]

I would like to give thanks for this thread as I used it extensively looking for a 4th gen. I just picked up a 2004 SR5!