Single mom trying to pull trigger on 1st 4runner

[JimKW]

I would not buy one that is a rental either. I'm not sure what commercial means on the Carfax either. Mine has been here in the Columbus, OH area since new, but it has been garage kept which is ok for me. The under carriage is in good shape. You're prices really are much higher down there.

 

[MikeInNH]

I'd LOVE to see studies that show the V8 has more longevity then the V6....

I've yet to see any. Right now my V6 has over 200k miles on it. Doesn't burn one drop of oil and runs as smooth as if new. I easily expect to reach 300k miles. My last 2 V6's (pathfiners) went to over 300k miles when I sold them....One had well over 400k miles.

Not to sure how many V8 owners are going to keep their 4runners to 300k miles.

 

[RickC]

I would noy buy one that is a rental either. I'm not sure what commercial means on the Carfax either. Mine has been here in the Columbus, OH area since new, but it has been garage kept which is ok for me. The under carriage is in good shape. You're prices really are much higher down there.

I think a leased vehicle will show up as a rental.

 

[zimdba]

I think a leased vehicle will show up as a rental.

Rental will show up as rental. FWIW I do know of at least one rental of the 4th Gen, but I don't recall if it was from Hertz or Avis.

Commercial may mean one of the following:
1) Leased vehicle
2) Leased corporate fleet (sales)
3) Dealer Loaner

There might be more but that's just what I recall from my recent auto purchase.

 

[zimdba]

For the OP: I would go with a higher mileage vehicle in whatever color is your first or 2nd option, assuming it's mechancally sound. If you get a great car that just happens to be in an ugly color, it's probably going to weigh on you more than you think. It's also one of the things you'll mention to your friends/family when they see it: "Oh, I love the truck it's just not the color I wanted."

 

[someday139]

You can't go on what people here post for price, especially if they are northern areas. I have noticed that south eastern vehicles are priced higher. Since you are keeping your search close to Charleston, that is why you are seeing higher prices. The best price you will find in the south is in the Atlanta area. I guess it's because there are so many there.

Obviously!!! Cause the prices around here are higher than they have paid in Colorado!! But still the prices range so drastically for the same year within 100 miles of here.. It's crazy!! I did ask one dealer to remove the "certified used" status cause at 88,000 miles it was only good for 12,000 more miles yet I would pay thousands more. It would be better to buy an extended warranty in my opinion but I don't really think I need one if it has been taken care of.. It is after all why I am buying a Toyota

 

[someday139]

And good luck to you on both your vehicle purchase and your home. Been there done that, it's a big undertaking, especially doing it on your own. I wish you the best.

Thank you so much!! You have been very helpful!!! The black one is sold. Trying to deal on the White one with 109,754 miles. It was originally bought and maintained here in Charleston but a dealer in Columbia (100 miles away) has it and I may be able to work out something with that one!

 

[someday139]

Its farther than what you said you wanted to look, but not ridiculous. Take a weekend to get and drive back!

Toyota 4Runner SR-5 2005

Oh wow! That is a good price AND a good drive.. I have to make a 2 day drive in two weeks to Illinois and am booked up in between that time! But thank you for looking!!

 

[someday139]

I would not buy one that is a rental either. I'm not sure what commercial means on the Carfax either. Mine has been here in the Columbus, OH area since new, but it has been garage kept which is ok for me. The under carriage is in good shape. You're prices really are much higher down there.

Yes the prices are higher. On houses too!! lol. Just moved back home from Columbus area and buying a house here sucked!!

 

[someday139]

Here's the link to the white one I think I'm gonna go with:

Cars for Sale: 2005 Toyota 4Runner 2WD in Columbia, SC 29223: Sport Utility Details - 320738893 - AutoTrader.com


What is yalls opinion on adding leather? Only did it once but didn't keep long enough to know if it held up!

 

[talonjade]

I'd LOVE to see studies that show the V8 has more longevity then the V6....

I've yet to see any. Right now my V6 has over 200k miles on it. Doesn't burn one drop of oil and runs as smooth as if new. I easily expect to reach 300k miles. My last 2 V6's (pathfiners) went to over 300k miles when I sold them....One had well over 400k miles.

Not to sure how many V8 owners are going to keep their 4runners to 300k miles.

The fact, I think people are pulling from is: the V8's have been in use since 1998 it's tested and proven tough... the V6 is new and with a known Head Gasket issue (a bad Head Gasket can Kill your engine) where as the v8 have a well known caliper and cracking manifold (neither will kill your car, just a little pricey to fix.)

I think both are far and above; more reliable then any US product...but I have seen a growing number of threads marked (oil on plug# 6), (compression loss) and (leaky Head Gasket v6)... that affect just the v6's. I like the v6 and think its a great engine FYI. its just what I have been seeing.

 

[RickC]

Here's the link to the white one I think I'm gonna go with:

Cars for Sale: 2005 Toyota 4Runner 2WD in Columbia, SC 29223: Sport Utility Details - 320738893 - AutoTrader.com


What is yalls opinion on adding leather? Only did it once but didn't keep long enough to know if it held up!

That looks like a very good find. My sport came with leather and I removed it and went back to the factory sport interior. I am not a leather fan unless it's heated. It's easier to clean but shows wear more on the bolsters when getting in and out. I gave the leather interior that came in mine to a member here on the board. And it would surprise me if you could have leather installed for less than 1000.00.

I guarantee you that you can talk them down another grand or 1500.00. I would start low and work up. Offer 11,900 cash, out the door, and see if they bite. You can always go up. Might save you a couple thousand though. Tell them you will come get it now if they accept the offer.

 

[JimKW]

Here's the link to the white one I think I'm gonna go with:

Cars for Sale: 2005 Toyota 4Runner 2WD in Columbia, SC 29223: Sport Utility Details - 320738893 - AutoTrader.com


What is yalls opinion on adding leather? Only did it once but didn't keep long enough to know if it held up!

That looks like a good deal for your area. Personally I would not want the cloth interior. How much would they charge you to upgrade to leather? I've never realy heard of anybody doing that.

 

[MikeInNH]

the V8's have been in use since 1998 it's tested and proven tough.

I'm sure it is. But that doesn't mean the V6 ISN'T.

The caliper issue is for both V6 and V8. And has nothing to do with the engine.

The other down-side issue with the V8 is the timing belt. V6 has a chain. Unless you do the timing belt yourself...it'll cost you well over $500 to get it replaced. And if you keep your 4runner over 300k miles..that's 3 timing belt changes.

 

[jimithing]

The fact, I think people are pulling from is: the V8's have been in use since 1998 it's tested and proven tough... the V6 is new and with a known Head Gasket issue (a bad Head Gasket can Kill your engine) where as the v8 have a well known caliper and cracking manifold (neither will kill your car, just a little pricey to fix.)

I think both are far and above; more reliable then any US product...but I have seen a growing number of threads marked (oil on plug# 6), (compression loss) and (leaky Head Gasket v6)... that affect just the v6's. I like the v6 and think its a great engine FYI. its just what I have been seeing.

You realize that the number of head gasket failures on this site is unreliable at best because of a certain user that registers multiple usernames and then posts about a failure and then disappears, right? There are a couple of legit ones I'm sure, but I doubt it's more than 10. And of those that are legit I'd like to see a complete service history.

Any aluminum block is prone to warping (and therefore HG leaks) when it overheats. It isn't only the Toyota 1GR-FE. It's crucial to keep them properly maintained and prevent them from overheating.

 

[aha2988]

ok guys its been 9 years since the 4th gen came out can we agree that the V6 and The V8 are both good engines. There both powerfull enough to do what we need, they both last long when maintained, they both get about the same mileage, they both have there own descrete issues easily overcome. I drive a V8 and love it but want a V6 to have 2wd. If i had a V6 i would want the V8 for more towing weight.

to the OP good find i like white 4runners to!! lol hope the deal works out for ya. the dealership will charge a pretty peny for leather install but they'll waranty the work for so long. other than that you can source out autobody/ apolstry however you spell it shops they may be cheaper and most have lifetime waranties on there work. Another idea would be to save whatever money the quote comes out to for leather install let your kids destroy the cloth interior (if there the averaged behaved children or young obivously these are all assumptions) then when they get older and arnt riding around with you, you can put the fresh interior in and enjoy it or sale the truck for more value just thoughts an opinions.

 

[RickC]

That is actually a good point. Use the cloth and if it gets destroyed or stained really bad, you can always find the factory seat covers on this forum for sale. I bought mine, brand new never used, for 50.00. They were removed by a dealer when they put leather into a new vehicle. Now I did pay 400.00 to have them installed because I didn't want to mess with it.

 

[someday139]

Y'all rock!!! Love all the information. They have come back with an OTD price of 14,700 which means they didn't take any off and added their doc fees and of course tax and tags. I told them no thank you! Should I make an offer to them? Or see if they offer again?
Also, how do I know if there is a head gasket issue possibly BEFORE I buy it? Can u tell somehow?

 

[RickC]

Y'all rock!!! Love all the information. They have come back with an OTD price of 14,700 which means they didn't take any off and added their doc fees and of course tax and tags. I told them no thank you! Should I make an offer to them? Or see if they offer again?
Also, how do I know if there is a head gasket issue possibly BEFORE I buy it? Can u tell somehow?

I would not worry too much about the head gasket. I think that is rare. If it's got a problem, it will overheat. Some dealers will give you the owners name and let you call them, if they took it in on trade, which the ad for the vehicle states they did. If they buy from auction, they don't have that information.

I would counter offer them about 12500. If they gave average trade in, which that is the high side that dealers put into them, then they only have 10,600 in it.

Your offer of 12500 after tax is a 1000.00 profit. Would be interesting to know how long they have had it on the lot. The 2wd version doesn't sell as fast as the 4wd version.

 

[aha2988]

Y'all rock!!! Love all the information. They have come back with an OTD price of 14,700 which means they didn't take any off and added their doc fees and of course tax and tags. I told them no thank you! Should I make an offer to them? Or see if they offer again?
Also, how do I know if there is a head gasket issue possibly BEFORE I buy it? Can u tell somehow?

if its the issue these guys have been arguing about then the motor wouldnt be running or it would be idleing rough (miss firing). in other words you'll know lol. thats if the head gasket is leaking into the cylinder. it has been noted to leak to the outside of the cylinder and not cause a noticible issue other than a pink corrosion build up on the side of the engine block. but im fairly confident these head gasket cases were due to lack of proper maintance and or enviroment conditions. for our area of the country 14,700 sounds like a fair price but that truck better be in top shape you do plan to test drive it before final purchase correct!! pictures can be misleading. its easier to negociate at the dealer as apposed to over the phone because you can show them your lack of interest or your displeasure in the deal. if you call them they know that you are obiviously extremly interested in the vehicle. plus they know they'll have to wait for you to get there and get the papers signed which could potentially loose a sale for them while they wait for you to get there and pay a lower price than say someone who hasnt done research might pay. i would let them call you back with a counter offer or make the drive and speak with them in person.