What do I need to know?!?!

T

thatpilotguy

New member
I have been searching for a new SUV for the past couple of months and like most guys have had my eyes open to possible new vehicles for several years. Having been a previous Toyota 4 Runner owner...I had a 1986 4 Runner with 176,000 Miles before I sold it, and my family having many thoughout the years a new Toyota would be a logical choice.

I started looking at the FJ. Great truck, but still going for too much money where I live and I have concerns after hearing about their windshield issues. I have also looked at a couple of used FJ's and it seems that they don't do well with rock chips. Actually they looked like hell.

My other though was a 2005-2006 4 Runner. Either V8 or V6, Sport or SR5. What I would like to know...from all of you experts is what should I be looking for in a used 4 Runner. Of course the obvious signs of body work, and what not, but specially what do I need to look for in those years 4 Runner.

Thank you very much! I look forward to hearing what advice you all might be able to lend.
 
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First of all, welcome. Second, Gen 4 4runners are fantastic vehicles. No other SUV combines the driving dynamics, quiet ride and reliabillity quite like this truck. Bear in mind, what follows are either rare or rather minor issues.

The driveshaft is designed to slide, and if not lubricated can cause a clunk. Some have reported vibrations.

Check the function of the sunroof, it is not the best design. There are issues with the proper operation of the track, but no reports of leaking.

Consider the necessity of XREAS suspension. In a used vehicle, you will no doubt need to change the shocks sooner and these shocks are more expensive to replace than the standard suspension.

V8 engines with high mileage require a valve adjustment.

There are TSB's regarding the sulfur smell when driving with the rear window down.

When accelerating with a V8 you will notice a rapid decrease in the size of the image of other vehicles in the rearview mirror. Zealous applicaton of right foot inputs can have an impact on fuel economy :D
 
Welcome to the forum! I'd recommend you take a look at the Problems and Warranty section to find out the typical problems with the 4Runner. It is a great vehicle though, so don't let a few minor things influence your decision.

Also, I truly think that John Elway Toyota has a great service department. We've purchased 2 4R's from them, sadly I had to let one of them go.

Well, I guess it's Go Toyota now.. but I still like calling it John Elway Toyota.. haha.. :D
 
thatpilotguy said:
My other though was a 2005-2006 4 Runner. Either V8 or V6, Sport or SR5. What I would like to know...from all of you experts is what should I be looking for in a used 4 Runner. Of course the obvious signs of body work, and what not, but specially what do I need to look for in those years 4 Runner.

Thank you very much! I look forward to hearing what advice you all might be able to lend.
Click to expand...

Being from Colorado I would imagine that you get your fair share of snow/ice.
When you look at 4Runners (even '05s and '06s) be SURE to have the vehicle you are looking at put up on a lift and check the undercarriage for rust.

Check out this thread and the photos of the undercarriage of my '04 4Runner. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28922

When purchasing a pre-owned 4Runner be SURE that there are two MASTER keys and TWO Remote Key Fobs for the 4Runner you intend to buy.
There should also be a Valet key but that is not as important as having BOTH Master Keys.
Master Keys for the 4Runner are not cheap due to the computer chip they have inside them which also requires programming at the dealer at additional cost.
 
Re: Re: What do I need to know?!?!

charlier180 said:
Being from Colorado I would imagine that you get your fair share of snow/ice.
When you look at 4Runners (even '05s and '06s) be SURE to have the vehicle you are looking at put up on a lift and check the undercarriage for rust.

Check out this thread and the photos of the undercarriage of my '04 4Runner. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28922

When purchasing a pre-owned 4Runner be SURE that there are two MASTER keys and TWO Remote Key Fobs for the 4Runner you intend to buy.
There should also be a Valet key but that is not as important as having BOTH Master Keys.
Master Keys for the 4Runner are not cheap due to the computer chip they have inside them which also requires programming at the dealer at additional cost.
Click to expand...
Valet keys aren't cheap either. They also have the immobilizer chip. If they didn't, you couldn't start the car with it..
 
I have snooped around the problems and warranty section and have book marked a number of the TSB PDF's that people have posted. I figured I might need those later.

I did talk with a Toyota Tech who is look to buy my motorcycle and he mentioned the XREAS Suspension. What would you guys recommend? Go with the XREAS or stay away from it? I have heard it's expensive to replace/repair.

I have looked at a number of posting about the XREAS system and my question is reliability. I tend to drive my vehicles until they don't drive any longer. My question is, how reliable is this suspension system...

Also what do you guys think about certified used? It seems to add a couple grand to the price. If I buy a 4 Runner from another dealership, that still has warranty remaining, can I pay and extend the warranty?

Thanks for all of your input.

I also noticed a couple posts from guys in the Centennial area...has anyone purchased a certified 4 Runner from GO? I'm not sure I like the no haggle pricing. It seems their prices are higher than what Edmunds.com suggest...
 
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also in 06 the 4runner got a new thicker windshield. i've have to replace my 04's windsield twice.


xreas is supposed to last the life of the vehicle, not available on the sr5. standard with the sport.

overall, this thing is a great package put in a truck.
 
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Dude. Let me save you some time. This is the singularly most awesome, smooth power, handling XREAS supporting turn sticking vehicle on the planet. Put down the extra dough ray me and get yourself one.....akay?
 

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This is not a question of cost, more a question of reliability. I can afford the Sport, but am concerned that down the road I might have to shell out big bucks to fix the fancy suspension. That's my only thought. My 86' 4 Runner with 175,000 miles needed a clutch and an alternator in all of the years I owned it. I love the reliabity, but back then the vehicle where much more simple, less electronics and no fancy suspension. So my question is, is it going to cost me major money down the road. I'm sure's its a great system...
 
ok I hear your concerns. But check this out. This vehicle's stability can out corner many sedans increasing it's safety. If your only concern is the cost of repair my opinion would be to buy a vehicle that has no repair record. If you want a superb machine which is SAFE then buy this one.

best of luck in your decision.
 
you'll be fine with the Sports Runner and the cost of fixing the suspension in the future. well many here have installed a lift kit which requires you to remove the XREAS anyways. I am planning on doing a lift kit as well. again you'll be fine!
 
thatpilotguy said:
I have snooped around the problems and warranty section and have book marked a number of the TSB PDF's that people have posted. I figured I might need those later.

I did talk with a Toyota Tech who is look to buy my motorcycle and he mentioned the XREAS Suspension. What would you guys recommend? Go with the XREAS or stay away from it? I have heard it's expensive to replace/repair.

I have looked at a number of posting about the XREAS system and my question is reliability. I tend to drive my vehicles until they don't drive any longer. My question is, how reliable is this suspension system...

Also what do you guys think about certified used? It seems to add a couple grand to the price. If I buy a 4 Runner from another dealership, that still has warranty remaining, can I pay and extend the warranty?

Thanks for all of your input.

I also noticed a couple posts from guys in the Centennial area...has anyone purchased a certified 4 Runner from GO? I'm not sure I like the no haggle pricing. It seems their prices are higher than what Edmunds.com suggest...
Click to expand...

If you're planning on a simple lift and under 3", X-REAS would be ok. You're only limited to spacer lifts with X-REAS as it's the only way to retain the system. If you're looking for a more aggressive setup, X-REAS will have to be ditched. There are a few SE owners who have removed X-REAS for their lifts.

I think there's a member here who's X-REAS system started leaking around 30k miles. Others had it replaced about 70k. But there are only a handful of people who's had a problem with X-REAS. Replacement for X-REAS is over $2k, I think $1500 is parts alone and the rest is labor.

If the vehicle is still under the factory bumper to bumper warranty, less than 3yrs old and under 36k miles, you can add the Toyota extended warranty, Platinum or Gold. I personally recommend the Platinum since it's not significantly more than Gold and it offers broader coverage.
 
The Xreas is excellent period !!

If my system goes to hell and its not covered under warranty , I will pull it off and go with some nicer shock , coils , small lift , and it will be much cheaper off than replacing the Xreas .
 
If my system goes to hell and its not covered under warranty , I will pull it off and go with some nicer shock , coils , small lift , and it will be much cheaper off than replacing the Xreas .
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Exactly what I was thinking. IF for whatever reason the system packs it up one day down the road, just replace with more traditional pieces if the OEM stuff is too rich for your blood....

I wouldn't worry about it too much.....I'd worry more about finding a nice 4R with a clean history. Outside of that, can't really go wrong. As far as problems, well, everything has problems....piece for piece, you're as safe or safer with a 4R than basically anything on the road.
 
All good advice, so here are my thoughts...what do you guys think.

1. Make sure it has all the keys and key fobs, it seems those things are expensive.

2. Check for any leaks in the fancy suspension system, should I choose one of those models.

3. I found the info about extended warranties...can you extend the warranty on a used truck still under the factory warranty? If so, then there should not be any concern with the fancy suspension.


Other than Carfax, how can you tell if a truck has a clean history? If buying from a non-toyota dealer would you suggest taking it to a dealer and having it looked over. Do non-dealers let you do that?

Just trying to cover my bases and not get stuck with a lemon...

I'm in Colorado so any local advice would be appreciated. Thx.
 
are you buying a used one from a dealer? I would go with the extended warr. no matter what I buy so get it if you can. It does not cost too much anyways.

which model? get the one you've been looking for. You will enjoy it more in the long run. If your not buy it from a dealer then get the car checked out by a dealer or someone you know.

Look luck :)
 
Also make sure to check the brakes, the weakest system on the 4th gen 4runners (IMHO) especially if you plan to do any towing and/or if it did any towing.
 
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i never posted my opinion of the xreas system. it make sthe truck handle great (for an suv). compared to an 07 camry xle, the 4runner feels more confidents in a turn. i know it's not much because the camry isn't a sporty car, but it's an suv compared to a sedan.

another thing is that the sport edition has only 5 seats while the sr5 you have the option of a 3rd row. the back 2 seats are cramped for adults but can fold up to the side or removed when not needed.

yes check to make sure the suspensions ystem including xreas is still good as it would cost 3 arms and 2.5 legs to replace if you wanted to keep the xreas system. but of course at that point you can remove it and go with a trad. system as others have already said.

consider the plans you have for the runner as far as mods and such because it seems you want the sport and there are certain limitations regarding the xreas. also look into v6 vs. v8 stuff. i don't know if you will be maintaing the 4runner yourself or taking it to the shop but i can tell you that after 63,000 miles on my v6, this is the absolutre easiest to do a service (so far). v6 has a timing chain while the v8 has a belt. v6 oil filter is on top while the v8's you'd have to remove the skid plate under and reach inside somewhere (i don't know where, i have a v6). the extra power fo the v8 is great and would only cost about 1mpg compared to v6. 4wd stuff requires a bit more maintenance as well, obviously.

also what rook and alpha said is good info.

i'll chime in again if i think of more things. but as you can tell, i think the 4runner is great.
 
Just curious since you said that cost is not an issue, why don't ya buy new and avoid all those questions? Just thinking out loud hope that you don't mind....
 
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