Thinking about purchasing a Gen-4

[naszero]

After much debate, I decided I wanted to purchase a 4Runner over a Xterra. :naughty:

I've been reading this forum and it seems nothing major changed between MY 05-08 other than minor cosmetics.

Initially I was set on snagging a 3rd Gen 4Runner for cheap, but I read comments on this forum about the 3rd Gen being under powered. I was searching Autotrader and there seems to be some great deals on 4th Gen 4Runners, albeit with a V6 instead of a V8. Does the V6 feel underpowered compared to the V8? I would like to tow maybe one or two motorcycles with the 4Runner.

I came across this 4Runner and the price seems pretty good.
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?ct=u&address=90012&resultCar=337698027&dealership_view_name=route46cjd&car_id=337698027&dealer_id=100032790

Is this a fair price or should I try to haggle on the price? I also found this 4Runner Sport V8

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/inview/detail.jsp?ct=u&car_id=319348803&dealer_id=100000094&car_year=2005&pager.offset=100&dealership_view_name=eliteautomotiveoh&sort_type=make_modelASC&first_record=101&cardist=7815

This one looks good too, however, I don't know how successful I would be negotiating the car down to $15k

Anything I should look for other than the "milk shake" issue, shifting between 4-Hi and 4-Lo, or rust? Sorry for all the noob questions.

 

[Desert Fox]

Both have very low milage. That is good but why is it so low? Check the carfax on them.

The V8 will need the timing belt changed in 30k miles. That will set you back a little.

Keep in mind another difference is full time 4 wheel on the V8 vs selectable on the V6.

I do not have a issue with full time 4 wheel drive. I havnt driven a V6 so I cant compare but the V8 has good power for sure and gas milage is acceptable for a offroading SUV.

 

[Smobien]

Both of those look like nice vehicles. The v8 is a sport model. The sport models come with cross-linked suspension, bigger brakes, and mine came with power seats. The v6 sr5 looks like it’s got leather and for 12k seems like a great price for how low the mileage is. When I shopped for mine, I was torn between the two motor options. I test-drove the v8 it had plenty of power, it was smooth and quiet. The v6 did not feel underpowered but it was a little noisier. I opted for a newer (06 v6) rather than a 05 v8. I liked the redesign done in 06 and the AUX input feature they added. If you plan to tow go for the v8. If not the v6 I believe will surprise you. Good luck with your hunt!

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

The "strawberry milkshake" is for third gens only. I love my V8 (mine is a 03 SR5 so it doesn't have VVTI) but still has tons and tons of power. Though it does have a timing belt but that doesn't bother me much.

 

[markosyko]

I looked at this truck back in April of last year, he also had a 2007 at the time, this is not a bad truck, a lil cancer underneath, and few scratches, small dent in the hood like something fell on it. The owner Gene, has a pile of cars and trucks in his whse. He seemed decent to deal with, I passed, because I thought I could find a better truck for the same money. He will give you a copy of the Autocheck, I think it scored an 86 or an 88, I think,,,,don't quote that. Its certainly worth your time to look, and it's been sitting there for a while, he'll want to move it, he's had it since at least last april, so I think he'll haggle a bit.

Good Luck



Is this a fair price or should I try to haggle on the price? I also found this 4Runner Sport V8

View Inventory

This one looks good too, however, I don't know how successful I would be negotiating the car down to $15k

Anything I should look for other than the "milk shake" issue, shifting between 4-Hi and 4-Lo, or rust? Sorry for all the noob questions.
[/QUOTE]

 

[naszero]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm still torn whether I should get the V6 or V8. hwell: Also, how big of a difference is X-REAS suspension? Is the timing belt a costly repair? Is that something I could do myself?

Thanks markosyko for your input. That definitely saved me some time. Armed with that knowledge, I'll try to haggle with Gene and see how low I can get the truck.

 

[madeinhb]

I have the V6 and have had no issues with it. Bought it a month ago. Wanted the V8 but I liked the selectable 4WD. If memory serves me horse power was pretty close on the V6 and V8. The V8 just has more torque. If you can save money go for the V6. In this economy money is better to have. The V6 should have no problem towing 5000 lbs as that is what's rated for V6. V8 will tow 7000.

 

[NJshadow93]

After much debate, I decided I wanted to purchase a 4Runner over a Xterra. :naughty:

I've been reading this forum and it seems nothing major changed between MY 05-08 other than minor cosmetics.

Initially I was set on snagging a 3rd Gen 4Runner for cheap, but I read comments on this forum about the 3rd Gen being under powered. I was searching Autotrader and there seems to be some great deals on 4th Gen 4Runners, albeit with a V6 instead of a V8. Does the V6 feel underpowered compared to the V8? I would like to tow maybe one or two motorcycles with the 4Runner.

I came across this 4Runner and the price seems pretty good.
2005 Toyota 4Runner $12,795 - Route 46 Chrysler Jeep Dodge - Little Falls, NJ 07424-1717 Dealer

Is this a fair price or should I try to haggle on the price? I also found this 4Runner Sport V8

View Inventory

This one looks good too, however, I don't know how successful I would be negotiating the car down to $15k

Anything I should look for other than the "milk shake" issue, shifting between 4-Hi and 4-Lo, or rust? Sorry for all the noob questions.

Both trucks look very clean. Both engines have more than enough power to do what they're meant for. The low miles is a plus for sure. Out of curiosity, will you be having the vehicle shipped to California if you decide to buy it? I live fairly close to the 2005 V6 (30 minutes) but I see your location is California.

From my experience buying 4Runners (bought two of them in two years) I test drove both V6 and V8. The V6 had plenty of accelerating power for sure and in no way did it feel under powered. I chose the V8 because I loved the low end torque and the sound. I've had to replace two timing belts on both V8s I've had (my previous 2003 V8 was totaled last year). It's not fun but it's good piece of mind knowing you have a new belt along with all the moving parts that go with it..

 

[naszero]

Both trucks look very clean. Both engines have more than enough power to do what they're meant for. The low miles is a plus for sure. Out of curiosity, will you be having the vehicle shipped to California if you decide to buy it? I live fairly close to the 2005 V6 (30 minutes) but I see your location is California.

From my experience buying 4Runners (bought two of them in two years) I test drove both V6 and V8. The V6 had plenty of accelerating power for sure and in no way did it feel under powered. I chose the V8 because I loved the low end torque and the sound. I've had to replace two timing belts on both V8s I've had (my previous 2003 V8 was totaled last year). It's not fun but it's good piece of mind knowing you have a new belt along with all the moving parts that go with it..

NJshadow93,


I originally planned on driving the 4Runner back to California. I'll be on military leave for training and New Jersey and it would be great to buy and drive the truck back after training. Since you're quite familiar with 4Runners, would you mind taking a look at the 4Runner for me?

 

[bobp315]

You may also want to think about buying one once you get back to California. There won't be any rust/corrosion issues from the salt and I'm sure there will be plenty of used 4Runners around. Just a thought.

 

[wadle5]

I haven't driven the v8 4runner but have driven plenty of other trucks and SUVs(Yukon, Yukon XL, Nissan Titan, Ford F-150, Suburban, etc) with a v8, and I can say that the v6 4runner is not underpowered and accelerates plenty quick for the size of it. I also liked the idea of having a selectable 4wd.

 

[NJshadow93]

NJshadow93,


I originally planned on driving the 4Runner back to California. I'll be on military leave for training and New Jersey and it would be great to buy and drive the truck back after training. Since you're quite familiar with 4Runners, would you mind taking a look at the 4Runner for me?

I'm sure I can do that. I probably wouldn't be able to until Saturday because of work. Send me a PM.

 

[naszero]

You may also want to think about buying one once you get back to California. There won't be any rust/corrosion issues from the salt and I'm sure there will be plenty of used 4Runners around. Just a thought.

I would like to purchase local, however, the selection of 4Runner's in California is limited and dealerships tend to charge a premium here. Also, a lot of the 4Runner's in California are 2WD.