What to look for in a Used 4th GEN

[sncourtesy]

Hello,


I'm new to the site and am looking to purchase a 4th gen 4runner. Im looking at a either 2wd or 4wd. This will be a second vehicle for me to use as a daily. When looking at a v6 or v8, are their anything I should be aware of or look for? My plans are a small lift with a 285/50/20 all terrain tire. Im looking at ones with a little higher mileage 85-125k miles. I'm ok with either motor but I've read things about having the timing belt or chain replaced at 100k (not sure on what motor though) Any help would be appreciated. Again Im not scared of a higher mileage one, being that I know the overall reliability for these are pretty good. Also how are the trans on these? Any help would be appreciated

 

[gm350reratliff]

IMHO, both engine choices are great. The V8 requires timing belt replacement every 90k. If you find a higher mileage V8, I would make sure the timing belt has been replaced (or at least plan to have it replaced yourself). Also, I would inquire about who replaced the belt, dealer, indie shop, DIY. If your purchasing a 4x4, I would verify the transfer case shifts smoothly in and out of 4hi and 4 low. Also, make sure the center diff lock works well. If the transfer case doesn't shift, this can be a very costly repair. After a test drive, check all 4 brakes for excessive heat. This could indicate a froze caliper. When driving, listen for a whirring/growling noise, this could be a sign of wheel bearings needing replacement.

These are above the usual checks of tire wear, carfax, overall condition, maintenance records, dash lights, etc.

 

[Atlanta_man]

V6's have some head gasket problems reported on this forum but I think only certain years are at risk. Expensive, and unlike the V8 timing belt scheduled replacement, happens when it decides to.

 

[rileyru]

I got a V8. I'd have bought a V6 if I'd found a nice one, looked at quite a few before I purchased. Here was my list.


1. Rust free (or nearly rust free) frame and components. A very little bit of rust is fine, but you don't want too much- and from what I saw, these 4runners can get rusty, and I just didn't want to deal with it.

2. The 4-low and center differential lock (if equipped) engage quickly/smoothly. If either (or both) of these are not working, it can be big money to fix them (thousands). Unless the prior owner activated them about once a month ,they may have stuck- and may not come un-stuck.

3. If any parts have been replaced, were they good quality replacements? Look at the big things like tires (walked away from a 4wd 4runner that had small, street-tread $79 Capitol Precision Trac tires). Also check the less noticeable stuff; if the battery has been replaced did they buy good quality? Is the oil filter a Toyota, Mobil 1 or Bosch filter? Etc. This may give an indication of how well the 4runner was cared for.

4. Service history. If there are no records with the 4runner, the CarFax report may show some records, but if you create an account on the Toyota Owners page and enter a VIN number (can do this as many times as you want before you buy), it will show any history they have in their system as well.

5. If any mods are already installed, were they done right and were they good quality? Mine already had a Cornfed spacer lift installed, which was fine with me as it looks good and leveled out the ride (no nose-down stance).

 

[sncourtesy]

I appreciate the quick responses! My biggest concern is the timing belt. What is the cost to have this replaced (on average)..My father has a 08 Limited with 17k miles with the v8 and I love how it runs. Again this will be used as a daily so im ok with it being 2wd "Urban/Mall Crawler" LOL...I would have all the fluids flushed on anything I would get. Being that Im looking at higher mileage ones I like to have this done ...Any other things I should look for? Basically if its a v8 make sure the timing belt has been done, if not plan to or have it done....

 

[LTDSC]

i have an 03 4runner v8. 115k miles and the timing belt hasnt been done. Its still in great shape. Dont let the 90k "recommended" time scare you. Obviously take a look, see if you see anything abnormal. Just look it over very good. I found mine and it was a lease for a business and only driven on the road. I didnt check the center diff lock which ended up almost leaving me stranded and cost quite a bit to fix when i returned.

CHECK EVERYTHING before signing anything.

 

[sncourtesy]

On the V6 models what years had the head gasket issue? Or which years were more prone to it?

 

[gm350reratliff]

On the V6 models what years had the head gasket issue? Or which years were more prone to it?

I believe it is the 03-05 model years mostly affected but maybe the later years as well just not as common. IIRC, the head gasket design was changed in 2006.

 

[sncourtesy]

Appreciate all the responses..I think i may of found one..2005 with 109k miles. Customer just had timing belt and water pump done at 100k…Did a service history search through toyota owners and it looks like this particular one has had everything done do it maintenance wise..Going to contact customer and make an offer…

 

[JB40]

Appreciate all the responses..I think i may of found one..2005 with 109k miles. Customer just had timing belt and water pump done at 100k…Did a service history search through toyota owners and it looks like this particular one has had everything done do it maintenance wise..Going to contact customer and make an offer…

Just make sure you get a copy of that invoice and it sounds like you found a good one. Good luck!

 

[ben550]

I was cruising by a dealer the other day and stopped in to see what they were selling. Saw and 08 SR5 V6 4x4 on the lot. Asked to look it over and they opened it up. Well first thing I found was an old rusty wrench sitting wedged in the engine compartment! Then I did a once over of the engine and saw that the coolant reservoir was almost empty. I told the sales rep he should probably get that topped off and he said It was not a big deal... haha.

Well the interior was clean but was worn. The 4wd shifted into 4H and 4L seamlessly which was good and the center diff locked right up when engaged it. The driver window motor clunked real bad going up and down, the front end seemed to have a rumble which i bet was at least one bad wheel bearing. I didnt notice any hot wheels from frozen calipers but did not really check.

The dealer didnt even consider negotiating the price so I walked. I could tell it was not properly serviced before they sold it...

The good thing is there are always more fish in the ocean... just keep looking.

Definitely check everything and if you don't feel comfortable with the deal don't make it.

good luck.

 

[Dylan]

My father has a 08 Limited with 17k miles with the v8 and I love how it runs.

Damn! An '08 with under 20k miles?? The T-belt can run anywhere from $700-$1100 through mechanics. You can also do the service yourself for much less if you know what you're doing.

 

[coconutpete]

I love my V8, LOVE IT!

Just remember... it's a 4,000 lb behemoth with a beast of a powerplant - it does not get good mileage, especially not if you have a flowmaster muffler and like to drive around with the overdrive off like I do ... I don't care - I wanted the V8.... I don't tow, I just wanted the V8. Did I mention I love this thing? But Uhh... it's thirsty.

 

[28.]

Everything everyone has said pretty much sums it up.. But i'm telling you right now, if for some reason you're planning on getting a V6, do not, I repeat, DO NOT drive a V8..:tape2:

 

[03_4x4Runner]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html