Suggestions on purchasing a 4Runner

M

MDJR

New member
Hello Everyone,

This is my first post as a new member and first off I just want to say I really like this forum and have read many threads from many people. As for my question, which I'm sure has been asked in one way or another by others is: Do you have any suggestions for someone looking to purchase a 4th Gen 4Runner for the first time? The reason I ask this is because I've owned 13 vehicles so far, Chevy's, Pontiac's, Jeep, Saturn, Ford and I have no experience with Toyota. I've had my fair safe of problems with my domestic vehicles but luckily I've been able to fix these on my own most of the time. I really looking for something reliable. I currently have a Saturn SL and it's too small. Gets great gas mileage but I don't feel safe in it, especially in the snow. Had a Grand Cherokee before this one and it was great, but I sold it to help pay for my wedding... Anyway, as someone looking for a safer, more capable vehicle my search has brought me here. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it but most importantly I just wanted to introduce myself as (hopefully) a soon to be 4th Gen owner!
 
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Welcome aboard! How much money are you willing to spend? Since this is your first Toyota, why pick the 4th gen and not the 5th gen? Any vehicle with front, side, rear, and curtain airbags are pretty safe enough. Sorry to ask you these questions, but most peeps fall in love with the very first 4th gen they see on the lot or internet. Then they ask what to look for.

Anywayz, i suggest you get the V8. Get the Carfax even tho if you have to buy it. It's only $14.95. It may not contain all of it's history but at least it's something that you have an idea about. Better than buying it blind. Ask for maintenance records and who, what, where has maintenance being done. Then test drive it. Check everything out. Pop up the hood and check everything there, open all the doors, turn on all the switches and see if they work and figure out which ones that you can go-by (if there's something minor). If you're not satisfied, find another one. If satisfied, then negotiate on the price. I could go on and on but this is my 2-cent suggestion.
 
Do you tow anything? If not, it's probably not worth the V8. I'm happy with the power of the V6 and it's worth it to get 20MPG instead of 14. Do remember the V8 has a timing belt (90k mile changes) and the V6 has a timing chain. The V6 also has 236HP/266Ft.Lbs so it's not a slouch. For options, if you're going to lift it, then it's probably not worth getting the Sport or certain Limited 4runners with the xreas suspension as it's just more work to lift.
 
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The V8 changed in 2005 not 2006. The only thing that changed in 2006 was the HP and torque ratings because of the new SAE ratings standards. The actual power didn't change between 2005 and 2006, only the method used to measure it.
 
That would explain it. The 04 I drove didn't feel any faster... and in fact shifted lower down due to the redline difference in the V6 and V8. I'll back the V6 any day.

Make sure to drive them both to make up your mind.
 
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Well I guess I should say I'd like to buy used, around a max of 17-18,000 at the very most. I wish I could buy new but my wife and I will be looking for a house as well (if our current place ever sells) so I do have to be budget conscious. I really can't believe what they go for used but I guess you get what you pay for... That being said, my dad has an 07 limited V8 and I got the chance to drive it this summer and I really liked it. I'm not opposed to the 6, but I would prefer an 8. I don't plan on lifting it (not likely) but I would like to get the 8 and put on an aftermarket exhaust just to get a nice rumble. Originally I was looking at 3rd gen (love the look of them) but I was a little turned off by how easy they could tip over. We are planning on starting a family soon and I just want a solid, capable, reliable vehicle (you know, everything, haha) and I'm ready to get back in a truck. I think my dog would love the rear window too. I'm finding a lot with 60,000 plus miles for 19K or so. Some 04's with 100K and they are still asking 16K for them. I'm just wondering if anyone has bought used lately and can suggest what I should hopefully be able to get for about 16-17,000? Also, how old can they be and still be certified? I will be financing that is why I ask. Thanks for all the replies so far.
 
What you give up in gas mileage with the V8 full time 4x4 you get back in security, especially when your wife is driving it with your kid. You did mention snow too. Should your wife ever need the 4x4 it is already there engaged and all she has to do is point and shoot. Also: try to find one bone stock, perhaps go to the local Toy dealer and find out who handles their lease returns (a good source for a low mileage one). If the lease guy has your number he can call when one hits the lot. I really love my sport edition, the Xreas suspension eliminates allot of body roll, even with my space lift.
 
I just finished negotiating for an 04 V8 4WD SE with 56k miles. It's in great shape other than a few things which I plan to fix myself (cracked fog light housing, broken cover for trailer wiring connector on the hitch, etc...) and it needs new tires very soon. He was asking $19k which is a bit ridiculous given that it needs new tires and a fog light housing; I finally got him down to $17,100 and went for it. As long as nothing unexpected pops up, I'm really happy with this price. And I like being able to pick my own tires anyways. I would say, spend a bit more for one with lower miles now, since they hold their value insanely well and if you need to get rid of it in a few years, that way it will be easier and you won't lose much. Hope this helps you plan.
 
galactic_04 said:
Do you tow anything? If not, it's probably not worth the V8. I'm happy with the power of the V6 and it's worth it to get 20MPG instead of 14. Do remember the V8 has a timing belt (90k mile changes) and the V6 has a timing chain. The V6 also has 236HP/266Ft.Lbs so it's not a slouch. For options, if you're going to lift it, then it's probably not worth getting the Sport or certain Limited 4runners with the xreas suspension as it's just more work to lift.
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Sounds like you're a V8 hater. :confused:
 
MikesToy said:
Sounds like you're a V8 hater. :confused:
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Yeah, the timing belt argument makes NO sense to me at all. So every 90K you have to replace it which translates to about twice, maybe three times over the time you own it. Um...so what?

The gas mileage? It's a couple MPG here and there? I bet this argument could translate over to getting 87 octane vs. 92 octane as the 10c a gallon is going to cost soooo much. So a 20 gallon fill up costs $2.00 more.

Get the V8. My buddy has the V6, same year, same model. He wishes he got the V8 every time he's in mine. The V6 in no way shape or form is bad, it's just not fun! Besides, the V8 drivetrain feels more refined.

And removing the XREAS is NOT more work if you choose to lift. It's still four shocks, just a couple extra fittings. I'm going OW when my XREAS takes a dump.

I like the Limited (if you like leather) and the Sport model for the upgraded brakes, super fancy hood scoop, and dark interior.
 
I have to say I'm also a fan of the few sport models that are out there. I love the darker interior and the wheels along with the hood scoop. There is a nice 04' Sport about 100 miles from me, black, V8, 64,000 miles for 18,750. Seems like decent price and it's a one owner located at a Ford dealer. I'm not quite ready to buy yet but it would be exactly would I think I'd want. I'm going to shoot for a V8 but it won't be a deal breaker if it is a 6. The only thing I wonder is if the dealer will give me a 5 year loan on a 6 year old car! I hate to do it but money is tight. I think I'll be more ready in the spring, and I'm wondering if the prices might be a little lower then too??
 
galactic_04 said:
Do you tow anything? If not, it's probably not worth the V8. I'm happy with the power of the V6 and it's worth it to get 20MPG instead of 14. Do remember the V8 has a timing belt (90k mile changes) and the V6 has a timing chain. The V6 also has 236HP/266Ft.Lbs so it's not a slouch. For options, if you're going to lift it, then it's probably not worth getting the Sport or certain Limited 4runners with the xreas suspension as it's just more work to lift.
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stock V8 4x4 mpg compared to stock v6 4x4 mpg is only about 1 mpg less bud. sorry to break your spirit but i think your just saying that to feel better about having the V6 when you wish you had the V8. :bash:

OP if you test drive a V8 and a V6 you'll definitely wnat the V8 whether you tow or not. as i said mpg is almost identical and its one of the smoothest driving V8 engines out there.
 
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