What Model Year and Mileage

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KrabbyKakes

New member
First some info, you can skip to the next paragraph if you want. I'm getting my first car and I have narrowed it down to a 4Runner. I have about 15K saved up but am willing to go slightly over. I don't plan on doing any off-roading but will probably add a lift to level out the front and rear. But first I have a couple of questions.....

Any specific model year to get? I saw one thread and the consensus was anything 2006+ with most recommending the 2008. Some said the 2009s were bad quality but didn't really give an explanation. This was back in 2011 so I was wondering if things have stayed the same.

How much mileage is too much? I know that it all depends on how it was driven and every car is different, but at what number would you draw the line? This will be my car for a while as well, not just some throw away. Most I am looking at are from 95K to 115K. I don't assume those to be too high because it is so reliable but I just want to make sure. The only threads I have seems on this is "What is the highest mileage".

Thanks y'all
-Kris
 
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15k mostly puts you in a 4th gen, so I think you're on the right track with the 06-09. I had a much smaller budget and went with an 04 with 165k. I can't really help you with which year to pick. It's safe to say that mine has pretty high miles, and I don't regret it. For 95k-115k, if it's well taken care of, you have nothing to worry about.
 
Well it looks like you've already done a decent amount of research. For model year you are correct about wanting an 06+. For your price range you can probably get something under 100k miles and in good condition, these trucks last forever. If you plan on getting one with 4wd then it may cost you more. Also if you didn't know already there are two different engines a V6 and a V8. If you are looking at a V8 with around 100k miles make sure the timing belt has been replaced. The V6 is a timing chain so you don't have to worry about that.

Continue searching the forum, there is a lot of useful information here that helped me when I bought mine.

Good luck with your search.
 
Sounds to me like you're on the right path. I can't speak to the quality of any model year other than 2006, but if you can find something in the 2006-2008 range with relatively low miles (~100K, plus/minus 15K) you should be good. I bought mine new and didn't have to make any significant repairs until I hit about 220K ... then I had to replace the head gaskets and catalytic converters, which cost me a fair amount of change. If you go with the V6 that's an issue to be aware of, but I'm not sure how you could determine the risk with a typical used car inspection. Either way, as I see it there are pro's and con's for both the V6 and V8.

In spite of the head gasket issue, I'm expecting to get 400K out of my well maintained 4Runner ... so you should have plenty of life left if you can find one with ~100K.
 
Yes I have done my research! I want some extra money for that aforementioned kit, so I am glad that ~100k is no problem. I thought that I read somewhere that the 08-09 body was bigger? I know the grill was changed but I can't really find anything else. This isn't a big problem, but I think I would prefer a smaller body style without going all the way down to a 3rd generation of early 2000s model.
 
Cant speak for other years but I'm in an 03 V8. 299k miles with no issues. Valve cover gaskets just barely starting to leak and replaced 1 starter.

Changing my gaskets myself this weekend.

--Melissa
 
I have a 2005 V6 SR5, bought it new and now, I'm at 110000 miles and did not do any mods. I was able to drive a 2015 SR5 4runner as a rental car when I got rear ended and in comparison, the newer models are quite bigger and taller and I did not like it, there was no running board, I almost fell to the ground when I forgot about it. :)

when it comes to maintenance, so far I did the following:
rotors
pads
radiator at 90000 miles
alternator at 85000 miles
front caliper
tires
drive belt and pulleys at 110000
battery
sparkplugs
air filter
cabin filter
rear shocks
engine oil change and atf oil change
differential oil change


KrabbyKakes said:
Yes I have done my research! I want some extra money for that aforementioned kit, so I am glad that ~100k is no problem. I thought that I read somewhere that the 08-09 body was bigger? I know the grill was changed but I can't really find anything else. This isn't a big problem, but I think I would prefer a smaller body style without going all the way down to a 3rd generation of early 2000s model.
Click to expand...
 
KrabbyKakes said:
Yes I have done my research! I want some extra money for that aforementioned kit, so I am glad that ~100k is no problem. I thought that I read somewhere that the 08-09 body was bigger? I know the grill was changed but I can't really find anything else. This isn't a big problem, but I think I would prefer a smaller body style without going all the way down to a 3rd generation of early 2000s model.
Click to expand...

06-09 is pretty much the same as far as I'm aware. Make sure you get the brakes inspected when you find one you like. The 4th Gen calipers have a history of seizing pistons and you wouldn't want to have to dump money into it right off the bat. You may or may not be able to recognize it on a test drive.
 
JeffMerr said:
06-09 is pretty much the same as far as I'm aware. Make sure you get the brakes inspected when you find one you like. The 4th Gen calipers have a history of seizing pistons and you wouldn't want to have to dump money into it right off the bat. You may or may not be able to recognize it on a test drive.
Click to expand...

Will do. With school and football practice I don't get home till around 7 so it makes things kind of difficult. Only weekend shopping for me
 
'06 V8 here. I only recently got mine so my opinion is limited. What I can say is, I saw 06-09 with <100k and 4WD going for about $20k for the most part. I'm in Seattle though so prices can be a bit high up here. I would venture to guess you're price range is about right and you should be able to find one close to that.

06-09 are the same body style and everything, not sure where the 08-09 being bigger originated.

I love my '06, don't get me wrong, but that VSC OFF button would have been super nice to have (only found in 08/09).

I won't get into the V6 vs V8 debate, all I'll say is I'm happy with my V8 and glad it's what I got. I originally planned to get a V6 but the V8 just kind of landed in my lap for the right price. Maybe I would have been just as happy in the V6, who knows.

Good luck!
 
The 03' and 04' doesn't have VVTI for the V8. 05'-09' do which gives you more power & torque. The only difference visually is the 03' to 05' have a different grill that's more difficult to "satoshi" and have flat topped fenders and different bumper/fog lights. 06' to 09' have rounded top fenders and a grill that's easier to "satoshi". As for the quality between the years, I doubt there's a difference as their all made in Japan, right? Good luck with your search!
 
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As far as V6 vs V8 goes, I'd rather have a V6 for mpg as I won't be towing anything, but I'm not going to shy away from a V8 if it comes up.

Justin,
I'm down in South Carolina so I think prices are probably cheaper here than up near Seattle. I've seen 06s as low as 13k with high mileage.
 
I would just say if you dont already, get a few tools and do your own maintenance...you kids know that all the information is available and there are so many videos on youtube or driveway mechanics...there is nothing to really be afraid of

You can learn alot about your rig, and future rigs and you may find it satisfying when you crawl under there knowing your hands made things solid, dependable and better than new !

So I would always check CV Boots (if your going 4WD) and ball joints, and first thing as soon as you can after purchase, change that coolant (who knows how old it may be) and service that AT...that will prevent lots of problems
 
I have a 2007 V8 and love it! I have done several mods to make it better offroad.
ToyTec 3 inch suspension lift, Nitto Grapper Tires, 17inch Wheels, Hidden Front Receiver,
Smittybilt winch platform, Smittybilt Winch, Baja Rack.
 
rooost said:
I would just say if you dont already, get a few tools and do your own maintenance...you kids know that all the information is available and there are so many videos on youtube or driveway mechanics...there is nothing to really be afraid of

You can learn alot about your rig, and future rigs and you may find it satisfying when you crawl under there knowing your hands made things solid, dependable and better than new !

So I would always check CV Boots (if your going 4WD) and ball joints, and first thing as soon as you can after purchase, change that coolant (who knows how old it may be) and service that AT...that will prevent lots of problems
Click to expand...

My dad built his first car from parts his dad gave him from the junkyard and then worked as a mechanic. He helps us with all car repairs and oil changes. Him and my brother put on new shocks and the lift on my brothers 2005 Colorado in a Saturday, so I am going to enlist his help again, haha.
 
KrabbyKakes said:
First some info, you can skip to the next paragraph if you want. I'm getting my first car and I have narrowed it down to a 4Runner. I have about 15K saved up but am willing to go slightly over. I don't plan on doing any off-roading but will probably add a lift to level out the front and rear. But first I have a couple of questions.....

Any specific model year to get? I saw one thread and the consensus was anything 2006+ with most recommending the 2008. Some said the 2009s were bad quality but didn't really give an explanation. This was back in 2011 so I was wondering if things have stayed the same.

How much mileage is too much? I know that it all depends on how it was driven and every car is different, but at what number would you draw the line? This will be my car for a while as well, not just some throw away. Most I am looking at are from 95K to 115K. I don't assume those to be too high because it is so reliable but I just want to make sure. The only threads I have seems on this is "What is the highest mileage".

Thanks y'all
-Kris
Click to expand...

Right here Kris https://lincoln.craigslist.org/cto/5263875257.html No need to add a lift to it since its already done for you. Great price on a very nice 4Runner. Here's the build thread for it. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/94931-mytoy4-build-thread.html[MENTION=72408]Mytoy4[/MENTION]
 
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