What breaks on a 4th Gen? (Looking to buy one in a week or so)

[Blitanicle99]

So after thinking about it. I'm going with a 4th Gen 4runner over a Tacoma or Grand Cherokee. (Get off my nuts about the jeep, It was just a an idea lol)

So.

Definitely 4x4. Not full time. Pretty much wanting a V8 because I like the way my V8 Tundra Sounds. Might get the 4.0 is gas is that much different. I do have a 3900 LB boat to tow around so just a thing to think about.



BUTTTT. Looking to spend a max of 15k. Will not buy a vehicle over 100k miles.

Price range to miles, its doable. an 03 or 04 is all I can find with those specs but I'm okay with that.


So what breaks on these 4th Gens?
Transmission?
Timing Belt/Chain?
4.0 vs 4.7 Reliability wise?
Other stuff that goes wrong?



I'm sorry for making a new thread, but figured this would be a good way to introduce myself. Ive been on TTORA.com for years.


Thanks guys and well guys...


-Travis

 

[Burt]

The V6 has part time 4x4, the V8 is full time 4x4.
The V6 has no timimg belt, the V8 does.

Got 48K on my 2008 V6 4x4, have done nothing to it but routine lube and a set of tires. Getting 21 MPG, average. Very reliable.

 

[galactic_04]

Transmission?
The tranny is fine on the 2wd - haven't seen one fail. There's been a couple 4wd v6/v8's lately that have had it replaced under warranty. It's not a common issue by any means though.

Timing Belt/Chain?
Not on the V6, V8 has one.

4.0 vs 4.7 Reliability wise?
Both are reliable engines. If you don't tow or tow under 3000lbs, get the V6. Nothing to really look for (on the V6) but by the power steering pump in the front driver's side look at the valve cover gasket to make sure it doesn't leak any oil. I haven't seen it on a 4runner, but the Tacoma seems to get it sometimes and it's not an easy fix.

Other stuff that goes wrong?
make sure it's not got any lights on on the dash (o2 sensors and junk). Really, it's a solid vehicle.

 

[Blitanicle99]

The V6 has part time 4x4, the V8 is full time 4x4.
The V6 has no timimg belt, the V8 does.
.

Did not know that even after all my Edmunds and online searching. HMMMM. Don't know if I want full time 4wd. That would eat gas. Any way to disable it?

Transmission?
The tranny is fine on the 2wd - haven't seen one fail. There's been a couple 4wd v6/v8's lately that have had it replaced under warranty. It's not a common issue by any means though.

Timing Belt/Chain?
Not on the V6, V8 has one.

4.0 vs 4.7 Reliability wise?
Both are reliable engines. If you don't tow or tow under 3000lbs, get the V6. Nothing to really look for (on the V6) but by the power steering pump in the front driver's side look at the valve cover gasket to make sure it doesn't leak any oil. I haven't seen it on a 4runner, but the Tacoma seems to get it sometimes and it's not an easy fix.

Other stuff that goes wrong?
make sure it's not got any lights on on the dash (o2 sensors and junk). Really, it's a solid vehicle.

I read somewhere that the towing capacity was 6500 LB with the V8. When you say under 3000... How much do you mean it. The boat weighs 4000 basically with fuel. I don't go far with it. But if I did, should I be worried?

 

[S p a r k y]

No way to dissable the full time on the v8. However compared to the 2wd v8, its typically the same Gas. I get 16.5 or so with winter gas about 18 with spring summer fall gas. Just drive smart.

I like the full time except for when i wanna play, but its still fun.

I would like the v6 with a little more MPG, especially now that I use this for work car. (work does pay me $.15 per mile though ;-) ) But I love the sound of the V8, and the v8 motor has been around alot longer than v6..

 

[DaveS]

The one thing that goes on both is the brake calipers which have a tendency to sieze - it can get a bit pricey if the rotors are chewed up as well but not too bad if you can do the work yourself..

If you are hauling that boat out of the water with the 4Runner I would recommend the V8 for the additional torque, especially if you can go as far as an 05 which got a boost in HP and Torque for the V8 over the 04 due to the addition of VVTi.

If you look at a V6 make sure you try switching it into 4WD HI and LO- some people drive around in 2WD forever then find the electronic actuator to change to 4WD has seized - very expensive to fix. Similarly check you can go into 4LO and lock the central diff on the V8 if you go that way.

Good luck!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

So after thinking about it. I'm going with a 4th Gen 4runner over a Tacoma or Grand Cherokee. (Get off my nuts about the jeep, It was just a an idea lol)

So.

Definitely 4x4. Not full time. Pretty much wanting a V8 because I like the way my V8 Tundra Sounds. Might get the 4.0 is gas is that much different. I do have a 3900 LB boat to tow around so just a thing to think about.



BUTTTT. Looking to spend a max of 15k. Will not buy a vehicle over 100k miles.

Price range to miles, its doable. an 03 or 04 is all I can find with those specs but I'm okay with that.


So what breaks on these 4th Gens?
Transmission? Solid, a very few have had issues but very rare and early in life.
Timing Belt/Chain? V6 chain, V8 - 90k timing belt.
4.0 vs 4.7 Reliability wise? Both very good. 4.7's seem great, occasional O2 sensors etc. 4.0L is very solid too. There's been a few cases of (extremely rare) head gaskets.
Other stuff that goes wrong? Front brake calipers can seize. Easy to replace dash lights may burnout, particularly the climate control lights. This is a biggy; make sure all t-case modes work and the t-case is dry on the outside. The actuator is a poor design, very labor intensive to repair etc. The key to reliability seems to be t-case fluid changes and regular exercise for the actuators (monthly or more).



I'm sorry for making a new thread, but figured this would be a good way to introduce myself. Ive been on TTORA.com for years.


Thanks guys and well guys...


-Travis Welcome:bigok:

Transmission?
The tranny is fine on the 2wd - haven't seen one fail. There's been a couple 4wd v6/v8's lately that have had it replaced under warranty. It's not a common issue by any means though.

Timing Belt/Chain?
Not on the V6, V8 has one.

4.0 vs 4.7 Reliability wise?
Both are reliable engines. If you don't tow or tow under 3000lbs, get the V6. I agree with all of Galactics comments but I would say if it's short tows don't rule out the V6. I have towed in excess of 5k with mine and it does fine. Would I want to 75mph on the interstate for 600miles? No way, get the V8. An occasional drive on the highway and backroad towing is fine. Nothing to really look for (on the V6) but by the power steering pump in the front driver's side look at the valve cover gasket to make sure it doesn't leak any oil. I haven't seen it on a 4runner, but the Tacoma seems to get it sometimes and it's not an easy fix.

Other stuff that goes wrong?
make sure it's not got any lights on on the dash (o2 sensors and junk). Really, it's a solid vehicle.

Did not know that even after all my Edmunds and online searching. HMMMM. Don't know if I want full time 4wd. That would eat gas. Any way to disable it? No. Missing stuff inside (relays are different. I suspect the 4wd controller would be big$$ if it would even work) and the front axle disconnect.



I read somewhere that the towing capacity was 6500 LB with the V8. When you say under 3000... How much do you mean it. The boat weighs 4000 basically with fuel. I don't go far with it. But if I did, should I be worried? If you're only regular towing is to Altoona with the occasional run to Lanier I wouldn't worry about it. Just because I am a huge believer in aux transmissions coolers I'd add one to the V6. The V8 comes with one.

:cheers:

 

[Blitanicle99]

No way to dissable the full time on the v8. However compared to the 2wd v8, its typically the same Gas. I get 16.5 or so with winter gas about 18 with spring summer fall gas. Just drive smart.
.

Is that in town or hwy or average?

The one thing that goes on both is the brake calipers which have a tendency to sieze - it can get a bit pricey if the rotors are chewed up as well but not too bad if you can do the work yourself..

If you are hauling that boat out of the water with the 4Runner I would recommend the V8 for the additional torque, especially if you can go as far as an 05 which got a boost in HP and Torque for the V8 over the 04 due to the addition of VVTi.

If you look at a V6 make sure you try switching it into 4WD HI and LO- some people drive around in 2WD forever then find the electronic actuator to change to 4WD has seized - very expensive to fix. Similarly check you can go into 4LO and lock the central diff on the V8 if you go that way.

Good luck!

Hmm. Tow rating for V6 is 5000... Boat weighs 4000... Decisions Decisions...

 

[Blitanicle99]

:cheers:

Hmm. I only move the boat 10 or so miles a few times a year... And I'm a local Alatoona'er. ;p

But if I wanted to drag the damn thing to say Hartwell... Gahh. I hate "what if's"

 

[DocMT]

Did not know that even after all my Edmunds and online searching. HMMMM. Don't know if I want full time 4wd. That would eat gas. Any way to disable it?

One thing you should understand is that the V6 can run fulltime 4wd just like the V8. The only difference is that the V6 gives you a 2wd mode if you don't want to run fulltime 4wd. The V8 doesnt have that option.

But---running fulltime 4wd doesn't eat as much gas as you would think. My V6 4Runner loses about 1 MPG less when I run fulltime 4wd than it does when I'm in 2wd mode. I tend to put my 4Runner in 4wd for the winter months and don't take it out until the spring.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Hmm. I only move the boat 10 or so miles a few times a year... And I'm a local Alatoona'er. ;p

But if I wanted to drag the damn thing to say Hartwell... Gahh. I hate "what if's"

Unless you 'upgrade' tires to a full 285/70/17 it'll do Hartwell fine... The V6's tolerate 265/70/17's or 255/75/17's very well but much more than that plus a 4k trailer might not be fun.

I have the V6 and from being on this site and T120 for a while it shakes out like this: A few V6 guys wish they had a V8. I don't think there's one V8 guy who would trade for the V6 especially if they run large tires and tow frequently. Keep in mind I'm an extremely satisfied V6 guy... The V6 4Runner is awesome vehicle. You've been thinking about the boat. Think about the 4Runner & the boat Will the T4R be lifted? Big tires? Stuff like that...

I have a very mild lift and a very minor tire upgrade. Mine does fine but I can tell that a full 3/2 lift and 285's wouldn't be pretty when the trailer weight gets up above 3500lbs or so.

 

[S p a r k y]

its a mix, if I do all city, red light - red light its slightly less. I watch my RPM's alot, try not to go over 2200. If I drive aggressive then its going to be about 16 in city..

Due to a recent letter from the State I have decided to drive completely different than i used too lol..

Pulling 2 large 4-wheelers and a very heavy trailer on interstate about 70mph, I would say i was getting about 13. But that was really pushing hard.

 

[Blitanicle99]

Unless you 'upgrade' tires to a full 285/70/17 it'll do Hartwell fine... The V6's tolerate 265/70/17's or 255/75/17's very well but much more than that plus a 4k trailer might not be fun.

I have the V6 and from being on this site and T120 for a while it shakes out like this: A few V6 guys wish they had a V8. I don't think there's one V8 guy who would trade for the V6 especially if they run large tires and tow frequently. Keep in mind I'm an extremely satisfied V6 guy... The V6 4Runner is awesome vehicle. You've been thinking about the boat. Think about the 4Runner & the boat Will the T4R be lifted? Big tires? Stuff like that...

I have a very mild lift and a very minor tire upgrade. Mine does fine but I can tell that a full 3/2 lift and 285's wouldn't be pretty when the trailer weight gets up above 3500lbs or so.

Your pretty much right. After lift and tires... The boat wouldn't be much fun. Because its gonna get lifted LOL and I'm not selling the boat. Therefore I guess V6 isn't a considerable option.

Thanks for reminding me.

 

[Doozi]

Your pretty much right. After lift and tires... The boat wouldn't be much fun. Because its gonna get lifted LOL and I'm not selling the boat. Therefore I guess V6 isn't a considerable option.

You can always re-gear to compensate for larger tires. I live at 6500' elevation (~18% less power than sea level) and think the V6 is great! Plenty of power and I'm getting right around 20mpg, mixed driving with winter gas.

Just a thought... sorry to complicate the decision making process!

~Doozi

 

[rockwall]

My 2003 Limited V8 has had the fluids changed and got new tires. Just upgraded the brakes to Brembo's. NO repairs necessary of any kind. Absolutely the best vehicle that I have ever had.

 

[ALLEGRO]

66K, fluids and tires.

Lots of smiles and lots of miles.

 

[audiness]

You're going to be hard pressed to find a 03 or 04 V8 4X4 W/ under 100k miles for $15 grand or less. these vehicles tend to hold their value very well.

 

[S p a r k y]

You're going to be hard pressed to find a 03 or 04 V8 4X4 W/ under 100k miles for $15 grand or less. these vehicles tend to hold their value very well.

He can find it, just may have to travel. Found mine in summer of 09 with 72,000 for $14,000 from a dealer which was a surprise. traveled 300 miles to get it.

here is a great one in the classified section

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/class...08-fs-2003-sport-4x4-v8-60k-miles-silver.html

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Why are you against one with 100K miles? I picked up my 03 Limited 4x4 (fully loaded with everything from heated seats, GPS, to rear air suspension) for $11,500 from a dealer. There were detailed maintenance receipts in the glove box showing it was maintained regularly at the dealer. A carfax also showed it to be a one owner. Deals are there, you just may have to search for them. That said, at 90k you need the timing belt and related stuff done, which can easily add another grand to the cost. IMO you'd be better off finding one just at or over 100k that would be less money and already have this done, unless you can find one with 60-70k miles and wouldn't need the timing belt done for 2-3 years).

 

[Barefoot]

I do have a 3900 LB boat to tow around so just a thing to think about.

It's a no-brainer. Get the V-8