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

Hey guys, I'm going to look at purchasing a 4runner this week. Never owned one but always wanted one. I'm looking at an '04 sr5 and an '06 sr5. Can anyone tell me the difference between the different years? (if any) Any buyers tips would be much appreciated. Thx!
 
Thanks for this Write up, your a life saver! I'm looking at a 2006 4runner v6 4wd with 177k for 8.9k.
After following your advice I had toyota check it out and they told me this is whats wrong with it.

BODY AND ACCESSORIES, RECOMMEND TIMING COVER RESEAL-LEAKING BADLY, RECOMMEND POWER STEERING RACK-LEAKING, RECOMMEND BOTH FRONT CV BOOTS-LEAKING, POWER STEERING FLUSH W/RACK, RECOMMEND OIL PAN GASKET-LEAKING, RECOMMEND FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS/STRUTS-LEAKING, RECOMMEND POSITIVE TERMINAL-CORRODED, RECOMMEND 4WD ACTUATOR-4 LO INOP.

I can still buy this 4runner for around 6k, but is it even worth it? seems more like a headache. thanks everyone.

If it were me I'd pass unless you get a screaming deal and can do the work. You have to wonder how well the rest of the vehicle was maintained.
 
Hey guys, I'm going to look at purchasing a 4runner this week. Never owned one but always wanted one. I'm looking at an '04 sr5 and an '06 sr5. Can anyone tell me the difference between the different years? (if any) Any buyers tips would be much appreciated. Thx!

The 06 will have a 5 speed trans, side air bags, projector headlights and LED tail lights. The 04 does have a chance of developing a leaking driver side head gasket at some point (only if it is a v6). If you have to pay a dealer to do this it can be 2500-4k. Both years have a common problem of calipers that freeze up. Theory is that the 2010 and up don't have this problem and you can upgrade (search).

Have a friend that knows cars or a mechanic check it out before you buy. You can go to the toyota website and create an account and add the vin of the 4Runner and lookup all dealer performed service since new.

There are a couple of recalls you might not want to do depending on your use. One is a program "upgrade" that prevents th vehicle from taking off when you press the brake and gas. You might not want this if you off road. There is another recall I passed on, but I don't remember what it is.

Get the weathertech floor liners, at least for the front. You can usually get 40% off at advance.
 
Thanks for this Write up, your a life saver! I'm looking at a 2006 4runner v6 4wd with 177k for 8.9k.
After following your advice I had toyota check it out and they told me this is whats wrong with it.

BODY AND ACCESSORIES, RECOMMEND TIMING COVER RESEAL-LEAKING BADLY, RECOMMEND POWER STEERING RACK-LEAKING, RECOMMEND BOTH FRONT CV BOOTS-LEAKING, POWER STEERING FLUSH W/RACK, RECOMMEND OIL PAN GASKET-LEAKING, RECOMMEND FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS/STRUTS-LEAKING, RECOMMEND POSITIVE TERMINAL-CORRODED, RECOMMEND 4WD ACTUATOR-4 LO INOP.

I can still buy this 4runner for around 6k, but is it even worth it? seems more like a headache. thanks everyone.

Oil leak sounds like it is coating everything and they saying everything is leaking.

I call bs, valve cover gasket might be leaking then leaks down to everything else.

Ps fluid is cake to do. Shocks is something expected at 177k,perfect for lift time.

Cv always leak at this mileage. Loads of threads on the fixes.

4wd actuator. It could be low on fluid because of age. Truck is very capable in 2wd and 4hi. Minor thing, don't use it.

If you can steal it at 6k do it. It's still going to be the best truck you ever owned.

The work required sounds like 2 to 2500. Might be more depending on your lift lol.

Stole my 03 v8, 3 years ago at 163k for 5750. 40k later all she asked for was a alternator. Everything else was routine maintenance and mods.
 
05 pre purchase

There are links in the first post that you may find helpful, the one in the first section should give you enough to get started. After that make a post with specific questions.

Any red flags I should be aware of on this 05??? Do the 05's have the same head gasket issue as the 04? Is the'06 more reliable? Any info would help, brothers. Thx!

Here's the listing

Used 2005 Toyota 4Runner SR5 For Sale in Arlington Heights IL |
 
Hello everyone, long time reader first time poster.

I am looking at an 06 v8 4x4 4runner this weekend. 109k miles for $13,500. The timing belt was replaced at 90k miles so hopefully everything along with that was done right.

Is there anything else specific on the v8 I should look closely at? I have been trying to read as much as possible on here but just want to make sure I know what to look at.
 
Hello everyone, long time reader first time poster.

I am looking at an 06 v8 4x4 4runner this weekend. 109k miles for $13,500. The timing belt was replaced at 90k miles so hopefully everything along with that was done right.

Is there anything else specific on the v8 I should look closely at? I have been trying to read as much as possible on here but just want to make sure I know what to look at.


-Engage the 4hi to 4lo, and engage the center diff lock. this is a 3k$ repair if they don't work.
-Cracked manifolds, will sound like a ticking from engine (can be fixed with doug thorley headers at 2k$ for install)
 
2004 vs 2005 vvti in Colorado/high altitude?

Hi guys,
I'm new to the site, hoping not to repeat a common question.
I'm in Colorado, 5300' and looking for a 4th gen V8. 2004's are more prevalent and much less expensive here than the 2005+ VVTI version. Wondered if anyone has any direct comparison info on the two engines, especially at altitude? I've driven one 2004 and one 2006 and thought the '06 was noticeably quicker but I'm not sure if this is consistent or not. Would really appreciate thoughts from folks who have driven both. If there is a sticky somewhere, please feel free to direct me. Thanks!
 
lots of people always seem to forget with forums that if all answers were in stickies and no need to post new threads. Why would anyone return?
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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
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This is my first post and I wanted to say this was super helpful. I'm looking to trade in my G37 coupe towards a 4th gen, maybe a 5th gen if I'm feeling rich. Before today, I had ZERO knowledge on the T4R and had a ton of research to do and this pretty much tackled everything. I'm aiming for a 06+ Limited or Sport, haven't figured out which options would suit me best for my needs. Thank you again!!
 
I was in your shoes 2 years ago & ended up with exactly the truck I wanted - an '07 Sport 4x4. Point being, please feel free to ask me any questions you have. I'll do my best to answer or point you in the right direction.

This is my first post and I wanted to say this was super helpful. I'm looking to trade in my G37 coupe towards a 4th gen, maybe a 5th gen if I'm feeling rich. Before today, I had ZERO knowledge on the T4R and had a ton of research to do and this pretty much tackled everything. I'm aiming for a 06+ Limited or Sport, haven't figured out which options would suit me best for my needs. Thank you again!!
 
Pre purchase questions

I am in the middle of a dilemma, with searching for a 4TH Gen 4runner. I was looking to spend about 10,000 on the best 4runner I could buy. I also really wanted the Pacific Metallic Color, which seems to be few and far between.

Basically, I know very little about car mechanics but really want to learn and work on my own 4runner. I have found while researching 4runners a very high mileage 250k 03 4runner limited V8. The interior looks almost spotless minus the normal patch in the driver's side leather seat.

If I can get that car for cheap like $3000, is it possible to upgrade to the 05 4runner v8 engine since it will have the same 5 speed tranny. What kind of problems would that open up and how much do you think it would cost? Also, what other kind of mechanical issues will I have with that many miles?
 
So I'm planning on throwing a 3" Toytec lift on my 05 SR5 and had a few questions. The lift is just gonna be 3 inch spacers on the front and then 2 inches added on the back with rear coil springs. I talked to a few mechanics around my area and a majority of them said that not only would it ride pretty bad. But eventually my upper control arms are going to see some issues if I didn't replace those and my shocks to after market. I was wondering if any one has this lift or if anyone agrees with what they had to say about that.
 
is there any reason not to buy a 2003 4WD V8? there's one on CL in my area for a good deal, but i'm always wary of first-year models of a new generation. i know of the moonroof, seat, and driveline clunk, but are there any other issues to look for when seeing '03s?

thanks
 

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