What to look for when screening/buying a 4runner?

[MNguns]

* FYI: I made a post in the Newbies forum to introduce myself and needs.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/new-members/144798-soon-4runner-guy.html#post1411718

I was talking to a guy from craigslist about his 07 he has for sale.

2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport

He told me he is 2nd owner. Prev. owner was lease return.
Said he recently replaces front pads and rotors. Said rotors were uneven and replaced @ the time he did the pads. Also said front passenger caliper was locking up so he replaced it.

Does this sound legit? Or red flag?

Thanks again.

This is my 1st post.
We realy would like 4runner, but have no clue what to look for when purchasing one or screening for one.

Thanks

 

[4RunnerFan]

Welcome aboard!

Yeah, I saw this on CL, too as I also live in MN.

Frozen calipers are common in T4Rs. If you do a search you'll find all sorts of posts about the issue on T4R.org.

At 69k miles I'd be concerned about what maintenance has or has not been done. Are there records available? If not, I'd check the condition of the gear oil in both differentials and the transfer case. Also, the spark plugs should have been changed at 60k (not that hard to do yourself).

If you get to test drive it, don't panic if you feel the infamous "bump" when coming to a stop or just letting off the brake from a start. The drive shaft has six zerks that need to be greased, that's all.

Also, don't panic if you see some rust on the frame and other underside components. Typical on T4Rs in this area.

Not sure about price. Wonder what same thing would go for if it had nav and leather. The ad didn't say, but I think that model of T4R comes with the XREAS suspension system. You can tell it does if you see a hydraulic line coming out of each shock absorber.

The part in the ad about 4Runners easily eclipsing 350k miles, well, that's a pretty bold statement to make unless one has a complete set of maintenance records from when it was purchased new, and even then the rust from MN winters would probably kill it before the engine died.

 

[MNguns]

Thanks,

I did a brief search on yahoo about 4 runner and caliper problems.

Sounds like this is inevitable? Didn't Toyota have a huge recall the other year with the brakes?
Is this covered?

So then am I just doomed to have to replace the other front caliper @ some point?

Do the rears have problems with freezing too?

I hate buyng a tr4 knowing that this "will" happen.

Is there anyway around this?

 

[MNguns]

Welcome aboard!

Yeah, I saw this on CL, too as I also live in MN.

Frozen calipers are common in T4Rs. If you do a search you'll find all sorts of posts about the issue on T4R.org.

At 69k miles I'd be concerned about what maintenance has or has not been done. Are there records available? If not, I'd check the condition of the gear oil in both differentials and the transfer case.

**** Is this any easy thing to check? I was planning meeting him @ a Toyota dealer and having the car inspected. Is this something they can check? Or is it pretty labor intensive?

If you get to test drive it, don't panic if you feel the infamous "bump" when coming to a stop or just letting off the brake from a start. The drive shaft has six zerks that need to be greased, that's all.

**** So this "bump" is notorious with 4 runners? How often does the driveshaft need to be greased? Is that easy or expensive?

Also, don't panic if you see some rust on the frame and other underside components. Typical on T4Rs in this area.

**** RUST!???? Wouldn't the rust eventually progress and move to other areas? He did mention he sprayed the underside with rustolium before the winters. Not sure if this actually doe anything or not?

 

[4RunnerFan]

If you have the vehicle inspected by a pro, they can check the diff fluids pretty easily, especially if they put it up on a lift. They'll just pull the fill plugs for access. Normal scheduled maintenance for front and rear diffs is every 15k miles if you tow; transfer case is 30k miles if you tow. (Note: my manual does not show scheduled maintenance for diffs or xfer case if you do not tow, but it does say the fluids should be inspected every 15k miles. Some of us here make a point of refreshing the gear oil per the "tow" recommendations anyway).

Maybe while they are there they can squirt some grease into the six fittings on the drive shaft. Also easier when up on a lift. Normal scheduled maintenance is every 15k miles, 5k miles if you tow.

Even if not on a lift, both tasks can be done by guys like me in our garages. I change the gear oil, and lube the driveshaft myself. Spark plugs are also DIY.

If it were me buying it, I would change the fluid in both diffs and the transfer case, put in new spark plugs, and grease the drive shaft first thing.

Regarding frozen calipers, yes, this is common, but it isn't a problem for everyone. Our '08 T4R has 49k miles on it and so far, so good. At about 30k, while rotating the tires, I pulled the caliper pins and added some much needed grease as they were bone dry. Not sure if that will help things, but crossing fingers.