Test driving

[Djsharkfan]

Hi folks! I'm hoping to join your 4runner community. This next week I'm test driving a 2004 SR5, V6 4WD. It is a one owner vehicle with 60K on it. Are there any items that I need to pay particular attention to? I will be using as my commuter vehicle, with some trips into snow country. From the pictures exterior (Dorado Gold Pearl) & interior look in great shape. Since I am traveling 200 miles to check it out, I want as much info as possible before I go. Any input would be greatly appreciated. THANKS.

 

[NJshadow93]

make sure the 4WD engages, including locker and 4lo. check for undercarriage rust. also, it being an '04 check the condition of the wheels. for '03-'05 the rims had a defect which caused them to peel and corrode. If they look fine, the truck was likely well cared for. This might be connected to the undercarriage rust.

 

[seanzorio]

I bought an 04 with double that mileage on it a week ago. Like the above post said, make sure that the drivetrain seems to be in good shape, and check for rust. As a general "I like to find this" thing on new cars, see if they have any service history.

 

[JB.]

Check for signs of a leak between the transfer case actuator and the case itself. It's a black box at the rear of the transfer case. Grease gets thrown up there from the drive train so don't get faked out by that. The leaks are rare but very expensive to fix.

 

[Dougtoms01]

The guys have hit the main issues. I just bought a 2008 recently. I took a crawler with me and a flashlight so I could go underneath the vehicle and get a good look at everything. Make sure the 4WD locks in as it should as stated above. Drive it and make sure everything shifts well. I would also get the VIN # ahead of time and go to the Toyota Owners site and register it as yours. Any maintenance history should show up. I also has mine taken to Toyota for an inspection before I purchased. Even if they want $200, it's worth the money up front. The dealership took the vehicle to Toyota after I put a down payment. Sale was pending based on a clean inspection report by Toyota. The dealer found the actuator sticking and corrected it. They only charged $49 and the non-Toyota dealer picked up the fee. Good luck, Doug