Question on Longevity

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feddeytx

New member
Hi All
I am going to buy a used SUV this week. I have narrowed it down to a 07-08 4runner or Explorer. I am mechanically savy. I will be departing with my 98 V70 that I refuse to spend any more money on buying parts.
Here is my question, Can I get an easy 200,000 miles out of this vehicle if properly maintained? I know, anything can break at anytime, what I do not want is high maintenance(I have that with the Volvo), stupid things that always break at a certain mileage. You could set your odometer by the crap that would break on my Volvo. I have owned Toyotas in the past and have always considered my self a Toyota guy(even though I do not own one currently). I keep my vehicles for 10+ years. I know about needing regular repairs, radiator at 150,000 miles stuff like that. I do not want to replace spark plugs every 30k like on the Hemi Durangos(stupid). Nor do I want to replace all the power door locks because they break, or weld a door back on because the closer pushes through the body. Stuff like that.
I think I know the answer but I would like real input from the high mileage guys. BTW before anyone starts ripping Ford, I have a 98 F-150 4x4 with 182k that runs perfect. I have spent less than $600 in parts over it life. Great truck. Like I said, I do the maint on time.

Thanks for your time and I look forward to your input.

Mark
 
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I've got 90,000 miles on my 4runner. I've replaced the brakes a couple times, the rear hatch door motor and striker plate, the heater fan, oxygen sensor, and timing belt. None of those repairs were cheap. But that's not unreasonable for 90k miles.

Will it last to 200,000 miles? Dunno, but I sure hope to find out.
 
What year do you have? I thought all the V6 and V8 have timing chains. Brakes, belts, hoses I expect. Fan blower motor? Stuff like that pisses me off.
I do not want to do any more timing belts.


Mark
 
Hey Mark....you asked an interesting question. Keep in mind that just about everything on a car was designed with certain mileage expectations. I once saw a chart (wish I could find it now) that listed age/mileage expectatations for just about every component under the hood. From the starter motor to the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, etc... So even if you get 400,000 miles out of the engine and transmission, there's a good chance that other components will fail somwhere along the line. That said, I've seen plenty of vehicles (Toyota and others) go more than 200K with nothing more than normal maintenance repairs (brakes, oil changes, timing belts, etc...)

Now if you're looking at a 4th gen 4Runner and you're concerned about maintenance, keep in mind that the V6 engine has timing chains and the V8 has a timing belt. You also mentioned spark plugs....the V6 plugs are scheduled to be changed every 30K and I believe the V8 has iridium-tipped plugs that are good for 100K. Then again, you could always put iridium plugs in the V6 and not have to worry about the 30K plug changes anymore.
 
My '05 is 5 years old now. No major mechanical problems or excessive wear on the usual consumables but the moonroof and doorlocks would have cost me close to $3K in repairs so far. I've done well by buying the extended warranty which runs another year.

Last week the glove box lock finally gave up, after being used maybe 10 times in 5 years. Failed locked, not openable by the dealer without a drill out and replacement of the g box door. $350 out of pocket for the repair and I saved $100+ by leaving out the lock cylinder in the repair.

Driver's seat is going to need some major leather repair soon.

It's the small stuff that really eats your lunch on these 4Runners.
 
I just traded my 96' Tacoma w/ 283k miles in on a 05' 4runner sport v8 w/ 108k miles. This 4runner runs smooth and quiet. The Tbelt has already been changed. No reason it won't hold out well over 200k. In fact I'll not be happy if it doesn't. I've heard the V8 is a very very smooth and reliable engine. Not to mention it's used in a half dozen other Toyotas. You can't go wrong w/ Toyota. Yes, you'll have small things here and there that need attention, but nothing like the Exploder or a GM product. My dad's 04' GMC z71 was a highway vehicle and absolutly fell apart at 100k miles. He spent over 5k in a year on major repairs. I'll be sticking with Toyota. Hope that helps with you decision.
 
If you kept an F-150 in excellent shape for 10 years, you will keep a 4Runner at least 20 years with the same amount or less effort....
 
I think you'll get more out of the 4Runner than Explorer dollar 4 doll. My Rav4 went 167,000 with only oil/plugs/belt/tires an still ran great when I sold it. Never broke down once. My American Jeep Gran Cher went 100,000 and bled me dry - still ran when sold. I have an 08 T4R an look forward to a long life, so far I have 46,000 and some sweet great memories! Reliable, fun and no repairs just maintienance.
 
I've got a 4r and an Exploder (both V-8s)

The only thing I like better about the Ex is it has more room behind the back seat.

I'm gonna guess that a comparable lightly used Ex is gonna be quite a bit cheaper (to buy) than a lightly used 4R.
 
85,000 miles, no repairs except routine maint. and tires. Still on factory brakes, but they are due soon. I still love it as much as the day I bought it and would recommend it to anyone.
 
4Runner vs Explorer

I've had experience with both, an 05 Ex (2wd), and an 09 T4R (4wd). Understanding that difference, the Ex was a great highway crusier, had lots of room, was quiet and comfortable. In 30,000 miles, I replaced the front brakes twice, but had no other problems, and I probably would have been happy keeping it. Rumors abounded about the differential and transmission, but I didn't experience problems with either one. Mileage was okay considering the size and power of the vehicle.
So why did I trade it? I made the mistake(?) of driving an 08 T4R from Sacramento to San Jose. In that 130 mile trip, I experienced more driving enjoyment than I ever had in the Ex. It is just more of a "drivers" vehicle. Better accelleration, road feel, control. After that trip, I wanted a T4R. It's not to say that a 4wd Ex would have been the same, but I doubt it. In the few times I have driven a 4wd Ex, I have not been impressed. (I work for one of the major car rental companies.)
One other thing. In looking at KBB values, just for fun--my 09 T4R is worth much more as a percentage of new vehicle cost, than a similiarly equiped 09 Ex.
Just my opinion.
Bill W
 
Atlanta_man said:
My '05 is 5 years old now. No major mechanical problems or excessive wear on the usual consumables but the moonroof and doorlocks would have cost me close to $3K in repairs so far. I've done well by buying the extended warranty which runs another year.

Last week the glove box lock finally gave up, after being used maybe 10 times in 5 years. Failed locked, not openable by the dealer without a drill out and replacement of the g box door. $350 out of pocket for the repair and I saved $100+ by leaving out the lock cylinder in the repair.

Driver's seat is going to need some major leather repair soon.

It's the small stuff that really eats your lunch on these 4Runners.
Click to expand...

Sorry I dont know how to use this forum thing but I wanted to ask if you repaired the leather seats for a 2003 limited and what it might have costed you?
 
4runnerstudy said:
Sorry I dont know how to use this forum thing but I wanted to ask if you repaired the leather seats for a 2003 limited and what it might have costed you?
Click to expand...


Whoa! 8 year old thread revival! Welcome aboard [MENTION=258269]4runnerstudy[/MENTION] :)

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/221150-leather-seats-cracking.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/235468-how-do-you-guys-repair-your-cracked-seats.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/150153-leather-seat-interior-fix.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/92667-leather-seat-repair-wet-okole.html
 
Bossman said:
Whoa! 8 year old thread revival! Welcome aboard [MENTION=258269]4runnerstudy[/MENTION] :)

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/221150-leather-seats-cracking.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/235468-how-do-you-guys-repair-your-cracked-seats.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/150153-leather-seat-interior-fix.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/92667-leather-seat-repair-wet-okole.html
Click to expand...

Wow thank you that was so nice! I’m trying to search for things but it doesn’t work too well. I really appreciate your help I think I’ll take them to get upholstered as I care about it a lot.
 
4runnerstudy said:
Sorry I dont know how to use this forum thing but I wanted to ask if you repaired the leather seats for a 2003 limited and what it might have costed you?
Click to expand...

Finally, tomorrow, leaving it with the upholstery shop. Vinyl replacement patches for me - perfect color match. Cheap ($350) two side panels and back panel replacement. There's a couple of holes in the leather seat back from something metal poking through into my back when driving. (I had the same failure on a 70's Corvette, just my luck).
 
I'm not afraid to rip on a ford. Specifically that body style explorer. They are garbage! You will be replacing the transmission or differentials before you get close to 200k miles. Feel free to private message me an "I told you so" if you get one :police:

The f150 is a different animal, an explorer won't be the same experience for you. 4runner is a much better choice and a reason it will cost a little more. I've bought just over 14,000 cars in my career and a lot of explorers and majority had the issues i mentioned with age and mileage!

---Wow just saw this was revived from the dead--- :cheers:
 
Last edited:
12guns said:
I just traded my 96' Tacoma w/ 283k miles in on a 05' 4runner sport v8 w/ 108k miles. This 4runner runs smooth and quiet. The Tbelt has already been changed. No reason it won't hold out well over 200k. In fact I'll not be happy if it doesn't. I've heard the V8 is a very very smooth and reliable engine. Not to mention it's used in a half dozen other Toyotas. You can't go wrong w/ Toyota. Yes, you'll have small things here and there that need attention, but nothing like the Exploder or a GM product. My dad's 04' GMC z71 was a highway vehicle and absolutly fell apart at 100k miles. He spent over 5k in a year on major repairs. I'll be sticking with Toyota. Hope that helps with you decision.
Click to expand...

I had the GMC Jimmy V6 (1996). Rusted out. Sold it for $600.

Toyota V6 4 runner 2005 has been flawless. 150,000 miles - just change the oil every 6 months / 4000 miles with conventional in my driveway (Nassau Bahamas - 24 miles long - all driving short trips - usually under 5 miles a trip).

Spark plugs a few times.

NO RUST! Really.

I test drove a new dealer's Explorer in 2005, then bought the 4 runner new from Toyota dealer's lot.

Had the dealer change Tranny fluid at 100,000 miles. Still strong at 150,000 miles.

Never owned an Exploder.
 
Last edited:
Hiker865 said:
I'm not afraid to rip on a ford. Specifically that body style explorer. They are garbage! You will be replacing the transmission or differentials before you get close to 200k miles. Feel free to private message me an "I told you so" if you get one :police:

The f150 is a different animal, an explorer won't be the same experience for you. 4runner is a much better choice and a reason it will cost a little more. I've bought just over 14,000 cars in my career and a lot of explorers and majority had the issues i mentioned with age and mileage!

---Wow just saw this was revived from the dead--- :cheers:
Click to expand...

THIS. My wife had a 2006 Explorer and the transmission died at about 110k miles.
 
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