Test Driving an '04 - What to Look Out For

[Grease]

Well as the title states I'm really interested in an 04 Sport Edition 4x4 4Runner and I'm just curious what problems occur with this year & model.

I'm concerned it may be a deal that's too good to be true, I'm used to seeing trucks listed $10k over their KBB value, not spot on.. I'd rather know what I'm getting into BEFORE purchasing a vehicle.

 

[tobia]

Cracked exhaust manifold. Front wheel bearings usually need replacing at about 100k. Timing belt done?

I've owned mine since new (also 04) and it's been the best, most dependable ride I've ever had.

 

[ARunner]

Make sure both the low range and the center differential lock are engaging and disengaging correctly. Very common failure points on these aging rigs if they don't get used often. Timing belts need to be changed every 90k on the v8s. Stuck calipers are common too. After your test drive you can feel the wheels to see if they are warm/hot which could indicate a stuck caliper. In very rare circumstances the v6s have had head gasket issues at higher mileage. Obviously check all electronic items to ensure they're operating. Really not too many significant things fail commonly.

 

[jeffryscott]

Six or 8? Six has timing chain, so no need for that to be changed except tensioners. V8 has timing belt, so that should have been changed at some point.

A just bought an 04 SR5 myself. Immediately had P0136 code go off - O2 sensor needed to be changed (dealer fixed it). If it is 4wd make sure it engages in 4wd - hi and low.

I didn't do a lot of research or a very detailed inspection on mine - but reading of V6 head gasket failures has concerned me. Other than that, I haven't seen too much to be concerned about other than general maintenance and how well the car appears to have been taken care of, which applies to any used car.

Fluids clean and good? Drive well? Access to car fax? You can also download a Toyota app and plug in the VIN to get some records.

Good luck!

 

[Grease]

It's a V8 with 90k miles..

I'll be sure to check everything I can out. Just from the ad it seems to be in good shape, but looks can be deceiving. I do a decent amount of highway driving so I'm looking for a reliable vehicle.

 

[RonJR]

If you go to toyotaowners.com you can input the VIN and see every bit of maintenance that was done on the vehicle at a toyota dealer. It will show any warranty work. It will also show where it was bought.

Stuck calipers seem to be more of an issue for rust-belt trucks. Georgia should be a little less likely, but you still want to check.

If you want a reliable vehicle, you're looking in the right place. Very few things ever break on a Toyota that will leave you sitting on the side of the road.

 

[srs034runner]

Timing belt.
Manifold.
Driveshaft. (Shaft knocks if not lubed regularly)
... And then just the regular stuff...

 

[ARunner]

OH - and front axles - you are right about the mileage where the boots start to go. Not a reason not to buy one, but definitely a negotiating point.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

If you go to toyotaowners.com you can input the VIN and see every bit of maintenance that was done on the vehicle at a toyota dealer. It will show any warranty work. It will also show where it was bought.

I tried this recently and the site didn't seem to be functioning properly. I was able to create and account, but it would not add my VIN data even thought it kept telling me the VIN was assigned to me if I tried to re-enter it.

 

[green_manalishi]

Sunroofs fail frequently on these.


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[JEL]

Also poke around the transfer case area, make sure no leaks in there anywhere. Do you search for the 4th gen transfer case leak issue.

 

[Joseph_Conrad]

Check for rust too, underneath of course, but also around the sunroof frame and rear window gasket. Good luck.

 

[eaglesfish]

Especially check inner (as opposed more typical outer in other cars) cv axle boots. Also, front wheel bearing at 100k.

 

[4Running335i]

If you go to toyotaowners.com you can input the VIN and see every bit of maintenance that was done on the vehicle at a toyota dealer. It will show any warranty work. It will also show where it was bought.

Stuck calipers seem to be more of an issue for rust-belt trucks. Georgia should be a little less likely, but you still want to check.

If you want a reliable vehicle, you're looking in the right place. Very few things ever break on a Toyota that will leave you sitting on the side of the road.

Thank you so much for this link. I didn't know this existed and this confirmed that my timing belt was in fact done at 90k in 2013. My new to me 04 now has 1427XX miles on it and I was a bit worried that not knowing would cost me money that wouldn't necessarily need to be spent. Now I can focus on the headers!