Questions about potential purchase

[SpeedoJosh]

Looking at a used 4runner. Looked up the maintenance on it, and it got a new transmission at around 40k miles. Some bushings around 100k, and new axles around 130k.

40k is kind of early for a transmission to go out, but I understand things happen. The thing that had me worried is the front end issues it appears the owner was complaining about, and the bushing and axles. Is that normal? Also, looks like they replaced this stuff with Autozone parts, i.e. A1 axle, Moog bushings, etc. Service was done at a toyota dealer though.

 

[MarkinWMich]

Any vehicle can run into mechanical issues early on. So many variables to account for, it really doesn't make any sense to make bold claims as to whether or not this vehicle is a POS or that one is going to outlive the owner,...it's all BS. I am sure there are Jeep owners that are convinced that all Toyota's are a POS, and vice-versa...it's all BS. Now, having said that, back to your question.

The abnormal transmission issues will typically pop up early, as in this vehicle's case. The second transmission seems to be working well, I am assuming, even with around a 100K on it.

As for the other parts, well, to be honest, once they run past 100K, consider them all a "normal wear out part". There is a good reason why manufacturers typically do not have factory warrantees beyond a 100K. So, drivetrain and suspension parts are often in need of replacement after a 100K. I just replaced my entire suspension in July. Mostly worn bushings, but also shocks and springs. Could I have let those parts sit on the vehicle for another year or two, perhaps another 20-30K? Sure, but I like the firm road feel of a new vehicle...I've got it now. My choice. I also do not wait until something actually fails before replacing it.

Aftermarket parts can be better, worse, or the same as OEM...hard to say whether that was a good call or not with those specific parts. However, it was done at a Toyota service center, which is somewhat helpful in the fact that the replacement parts were likely of good quality and installation was likely performed correctly...even though Toyota will not back up their work as these parts were not OEM. A risk everyone takes.

Given the information you've given, if you like the vehicle, then get it. The work that has been done doesn't throw up any "red flags" in my opinion, especially given the mileage.

 

[SpeedoJosh]

Thanks for the reply. Looking more at the service history, I've found some more big ticket items.
New transfer case and shafts @ 112k miles
New radiator and water pump at 130k, along with a wheel bearing.
All new exhaust system @ 110k
New alternator @ 97k
New shocks @ 95k

Those are just the bigger ticket items. Random bushings and whatnot are here and there.

Some of the normal wear and tear things are expected. But a transmission, transfer case, radiator and water pump, alternator, etc. so early in its life??
Think the dealer just pulled some shady stuff, and told the owner this all needed replaced? Or is this common for the early model 4th gen 4runners?

I still think I'm going to look at it. Sounds like the whole drivetrain, minus the engine (assuming, since I haven't checked all service records), has been replaced. As long as the head gasket holds (haven't seen a 03 go bad), I don't see what else could break in the next 200k.

 

[MarkinWMich]

Is this a Florida vehicle? Any evidence to suggest hurricane-related water damage? What kind of off-road use would Florida have that would be cause for transfer case damage? Having major parts replacement before a 100K does make one question the vehicle's previous life, but on the other hand, they have been replaced and should last for a while.

Trust your gut on this. If things don't feel right with this vehicle, then move on and keep looking.

 

[DC runner]

That is a ton of stuff.move along. Might be a lemon.. It happens.

 

[SpeedoJosh]

Vehicle is from a Northern State. I want to say Mass.

I thought it might of been abused, but the owners who abuse vehicles usually don't fit the vehicle history. Dealership service every 5k. Continued to replace expensive parts after warranty. Looks clean from pics, and doesn't appear to off-roaded. Definitely wasn't lifted since it's has stock shocks that were replaced at random intervals.

I thought lemon too, but having the transmission, transfer case, radiator, water pump, alternator, etc. all fail would have to be a one-in-a-million chance it got all those defective parts from the factory.

The two scenarios that I have in my head are:
1. Dealer pulling shady activities, and stating things need fixed. (Seen it before.)
2. OCD owner who insisted something was wrong, so dealer changed part to appease the owner's persistence.

I plan on looking at it this weekend, so I will update it when I get some close up views.
Anything specific to 4runners I should check out?

 

[preacher35]

Vehicle is from a Northern State. I want to say Mass.

I thought it might of been abused, but the owners who abuse vehicles usually don't fit the vehicle history. Dealership service every 5k. Continued to replace expensive parts after warranty. Looks clean from pics, and doesn't appear to off-roaded. Definitely wasn't lifted since it's has stock shocks that were replaced at random intervals.

I thought lemon too, but having the transmission, transfer case, radiator, water pump, alternator, etc. all fail would have to be a one-in-a-million chance it got all those defective parts from the factory.

The two scenarios that I have in my head are:
1. Dealer pulling shady activities, and stating things need fixed. (Seen it before.)
2. OCD owner who insisted something was wrong, so dealer changed part to appease the owner's persistence.

I plan on looking at it this weekend, so I will update it when I get some close up views.
Anything specific to 4runners I should check out?

Not worth it. There are too many red flags on this one. There are soooo many Runners for sale. Go find another.

 

[ARunner]

I disagree. If the truck is clean and checks out otherwise, consider these items as bonus parts you can bank on for many more miles of use. Things wear out. I had a transmission go out in a Lexus I owned at 40k miles. I never abused it. It just shifted hard on cold mornings into drive. No idea why. But it took 3 years and 40k miles to start doing it. It wasn't a lemon. Never had any other issue on it.

The fact that this owner actually took it to the dealer and had these items addressed make me think they had the funds to keep the truck in good shape and someone with the funding and perseverance to deal with these issues is a good owner IMO. They don't fit the profile of a juvenile owner or someone that would mistreat a car. A lemon is an overused term. Sure it seems the transfer case and some other items failed early, but if the truck is in good running shape now, I don't think there's any reason it would give you any more trouble than the next one you find that's in equally as good of shape. In fact, all things being equal, I'll take the one with a new transfer case and half the miles on the transmission.

The thing that concerns me more than anything is the fact it was up north and the associated corrosion.

 

[SpeedoJosh]

Yea, the up North has me a little worries as well. Claimed to be rust free. I'm definitely going to look around and see though. Are the 4runners having similar issues like the tacomas with rust?

 

[SpeedoJosh]

Well, I'm backing out of this one. Seller seemed somewhat cooperative until I asked about rust. Then he said it had some rust "just on the wheels". Then when I'm confirming a time to come look, he says there is rust on wheels and frame.
WTF!!! So then I ask how bad, and he states not bad. I ask about holes, he says none. So I asked for pics and got the classic response of, "I will later." We later never came, so I shot him a text and he said that the back right was pretty bad. Not sure what his "pretty bad" is, but I'm done with his shenanigans.

So unless a 4runner falls out of the sky for sale locally, looks like a Rav4, scion, or some other vehicle is in our future. The lady NEEDS a vehicle asap, and can't keep waiting for the perfect 4runner anymore. She's exhausted and tired of the roller coaster.

 

[ARunner]

I certainly understand the frustration. You probably made the right decision. I can't stand corrosion. In my neck of the woods 4Runners are 4-1 more plentiful than Rav4s, but if you need transportation and a 4Runner isn't required, the other options are more economical to own. Likely easier to enter and exit for your lady as well. Good luck.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Yea, the up North has me a little worries as well. Claimed to be rust free. I'm definitely going to look around and see though. Are the 4runners having similar issues like the tacomas with rust?

definitely check the frames and the like if you're looking at a vehicle from new england. some are completely shot and have holes forming in the frame, and others may be clean. i know mine has been in new england since it was dropped off the boat in 04, but i hardly have any surface rust because the previous owner cleaned it in the winter and now i do the same

 

[chitown40]

Look in the warm weather states. Texas usually has a a lot of good condition vehicles if you can snag one before the sun bakes it to death. Buy a $75 ticket on Southwest to wherever the truck is and drive it home. Have a little adventure.

 

[SpeedoJosh]

Look in the warm weather states. Texas usually has a a lot of good condition vehicles if you can snag one before the sun bakes it to death. Buy a $75 ticket on Southwest to wherever the truck is and drive it home. Have a little adventure.

That would be ideal, but with school in full swing, I only have a day to give each week.
That's what I did with my VW Vanagon though. Bought in NY, drove it to FL.

 

[Kitsune]

If you want a car badly enough, you will do what you can to get it.

Here in the Pacific NW, GC8 1998-2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5rs are expensive. Usually a nice one will run you $10k+.

In the east coast, they're a lot cheaper due to rust. I bought one from Rhode Island, flew there and drove it home and saved a ton of money but figuring I was going to do some modding and rust repair, I saw it was worth it and the drive back was fun.

It's the experience as well that makes the journey fun.