question about 2003 truck

[shi]

Hi everyone. New here and have a question about 4th gen 4Runners. I've been searching for a 4X4 and recently came across a low mileage '03 SR5 V8 4WD for sale (~70k). Original owner says he's only ever changed the oil and brakes. From what I know it is an early '03 base model with unpainted bumpers/trim and no hood scoop, which also means no XREAS. Have also read about possible driveline clunk when stopping because of dry slip joints. I was wondering if there are any other things to look out for with this truck, especially the engine/trans/4WD. Were there any changes made to the powertrain during the first year or two?
Thanks

 

[ben550]

Hi everyone. New here and have a question about 4th gen 4Runners. I've been searching for a 4X4 and recently came across a low mileage '03 SR5 V8 4WD for sale (~70k). Original owner says he's only ever changed the oil and brakes. From what I know it is an early '03 base model with unpainted bumpers/trim and no hood scoop, which also means no XREAS. Have also read about possible driveline clunk when stopping because of dry slip joints. I was wondering if there are any other things to look out for with this truck, especially the engine/trans/4WD. Were there any changes made to the powertrain during the first year or two?
Thanks

This link shows the differences between the years. The v8 engine was upgraded in 05.

4Runner

Bison wrote up a great guideline for stuff to look out for.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

 

[asahi4runner]

I've owned my 03 runner since it had 8 miles on it. I've never had any major problem.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Call me skeptical...

But an 11 year old 4runner with 70k? Make sure you run a carfax, I wouldn't be surprised if the odometer's been rolled back.

Also since you're in the Midwest, check the frame and underbody for rust.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

But an 11 year old 4runner with 70k? Make sure you run a carfax, I wouldn't be surprised if the odometer's been rolled back.

Also since you're in the Midwest, check the frame and underbody for rust.

I traded in my 03 on my 2014 in May. My 03 had 72k on it. It was always in Arizona and had zero rust.

 

[shi]

Thank you for your replies and the links. I read through some of it last night. I'm just wondering if there might be some more details.

So just to be sure, were there any changes made to the V8, trans, or 4WD during '03-04?

Are there specific areas of the body and frame to look for rust?

Thanks

 

[03_4x4Runner]

You might find your answers here. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

 

[shi]

Thanks again for the links everyone. I'll have to read through them again. It's the saying "never buy the first year of anything" that has me a bit concerned.

Thanks

 

[eatpancakes]

A couple quick items likely already listed in the links from above:

1) Check the rear lift gate window frame for rust around and behind the rubber that surrounds the window.

2) listen for the "clunk" with the AC on as it's more pronounced. It seems to happen mostly when coming to, or starting from, a stop.

3) Start the engine cold and listen for a tick noise (cracked exhaust manifold). It's more pronounced when in gear vs. when in neutral. It may go away when the engine is warmed up after a few minutes. Shops can charge 7-10 hours labor per side and the part is anywhere from $250 (aftermarket) to $800 (oem).

4) Check the undercarriage for major rust on the frame.

5) You will likely need to do the timing belt (90K ?). But you can check if they had done it - there would be a sticker with date on the cover piece where it has the toyota logo with V8 4.7

 

[shi]

Thank you very much for the extra info.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Thanks again for the links everyone. I'll have to read through them again. It's the saying "never buy the first year of anything" that has me a bit concerned.

Thanks

I bought my 03 new. The only problems when I traded it in were the famous $2500 transfer case actuator leak and a flakey speedometer. The speedometer quit working about a year ago so I used a garmin gps to read speed. Earlier this year it just started working again and I joked around with my wife that it may be time to trade it in before we spend any money on it. It also needed new tires. The Toyota dealer sent me a email about a 2014 Limited they had marked down. They offered me a fair trade on my 03 4runner and 2011 Avalon and we bought the new 4runner.

 

[shi]

the famous $2500 transfer case actuator leak

Thanks for pointing that out, I didn't know it is so famous$.