Still looking for a 4th gen - another question

[JTS197]

Hi all,

I've been looking to get a 4th gen 4Runner for a few months now, and I think I have come across two I am seriously considering.

One is an 03 Limited V8 w/ 99k miles, Nav and XREAS for $12k. It looks like the XREAS is not working though; the rear seems to be jacked up. But, it seems to have had all maintenance done, including the timing belt about 4k miles ago. CarFax does not show this, but the Toyota service site does.

The other is an 05 Limited V8 w/ 140k on the clock, no NAV, no XREAS for $11k. The Carfax and Toyota service site shows no real maintenance info past 30k and a minor accident 6 years ago to the rear (no frame damage from what I can tell).

I guess I need some help in deciding which way to go. I like the fact that the 05 has more HP and does not have XREAS but not knowing the maintenance history makes me a little hesitant, plus it has 40k more miles on it.

My two big things with the 03 is the XREAS and the lower HP.

My hope is to do a straight trade for my 05 Mustang GT (85k miles); no issues with it. I just need room for the kids. Am I being realistic on this?

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...l?listingId=392597430&hideBackLink=true&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...l?listingId=394126590&hideBackLink=true&Log=0

What I am trading: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/4953650823.html


Any thoughts?

Thanks,

John

 

[kevinpt]

i thought that they just changed the way that they rate the HP that year. dont think there are any changes that make the one year that says it has more really does. do you have links to the two trucks that could help us know a bit more about the two?

 

[ARunner]

On the trade, you're on your own. I suspect new the 4Runner cost a bit more and typically Toyotas hold their value pretty well.

With that said, the 05 does have a few more horsepower. I was in a similar delimma during my search a few years ago. I can honestly say I don't miss the extra horsepower (as I never had it) but am pleased with the way the 03 has performed. The typical "first model year run" issues aren't really there like in some of the other brands/models.

For me, if I were in your shoes I'd take the vehicle with a better service history and 40k fewer miles. The XREAS won't have anythng to do with the vehicle appearing to sit high in the rear. That's gravity and a heavy v8 weighing down the front for over a decade. However, given age and mileage I would plan on either of these vehicles needing some suspension work if they haven't gotten it already.

If the miles were even and prices were reversed (05 being $1k more) it would be a tougher call IMO.

 

[kevinpt]

the 03 with xreas has the rear air bag suspension so keep that in mind. it can be adjusted how you want it but is more work to convert to coils if you so choose in the future.

i do like the bumper "bullbar" style of the 03

 

[ARunner]

the 03 with xreas has the rear air bag suspension so keep that in mind. it can be adjusted how you want it but is more work to convert to coils if you so choose in the future.

i do like the bumper "bullbar" style of the 03

Saying because a truck has XREAS means it has air suspension is not true. Many Limiteds came with XREAS. Far fewer came with the air ride. You'll see evidence of it in the gauge cluster (indicating height) or via the switch on the center console indicating ride height.

 

[kevinpt]

Saying because a truck has XREAS means it has air suspension is not true. Many Limiteds came with XREAS. Far fewer came with the air ride. You'll see evidence of it in the gauge cluster (indicating height) or via the switch on the center console indicating ride height.

thats in one of the pictures. i know what xreas is, just ripped it out of mine.

 

[09 rex]

I would try and sell the stang private party than trade cus money. I would go for the 03. Not because of mileage but due to good service records

 

[Martinjmpr]

I would try and sell the stang private party than trade cus money. I would go for the 03. Not because of mileage but due to good service records

+1 on this. Trying to trade with a dealer is rarely going to benefit you. A private buyer doesn't need to make money on a deal but a dealer does.

And I agree that in this case I think the lower mileage vehicle would be better. Though I would cringe a bit at buying a 12 year old vehicle for $12k I understand 4runners hold their value (especially V8s and I assume this is a 4x4?)

When I bought my '99 SR5 4x4 in 2009 I remember thinking "I can't believe I just financed a 10 year old vehicle with 117k on it!" Still, I owned that truck for 3 years and only sold it because I needed something with more power to pull my trailer. I never had a lick of trouble with it and it would go anywhere I pointed it. :shrug: