What to look for...

[oh6SR5]

Hey everyone, I am back in the market for a 4th gen 4Runner. I owned a 2006 4x2 V6 SR5 a few years back but have since sold it and now have a Camry.

I am about to go look at 2 different 4Runners:

2004 Sport 4x4 V8 w/ 100k
2003 Sport 4x2 V8 w/ 89k

I purchased the 2006 new so there wasn't really anything for me to look for. But on these 2 models with higher mileage, can you suggest anything that I should specifically look for / stay away from? Both have clean Carfax's and are 1 owners.

Thanks in advance!

 

[gptoy96]

Check the actuator in the 4x4, make sure it switches to 4Lo ok. They usually work fine but if they don't get used regularly they can seize and it's a pricey fix. Since both are Sports check the XREAS system for leaks. Their mileage isn't that bad but timing belts are probably due to age rather than mileage so check to see if that's been done yet. And typical seized calipers, not sure how to check that though unless a mechanic can take a look at that.

All I can think of at the moment.

An early welcome back to the club!

 

[gptoy96]

Oops, I'm a Canadian so I'm used to km's for the limit of the timing belt. Both of the trucks your looking at are due for mileage and age so they'll definately have to be done if they haven't already.

 

[oh6SR5]

I just looked at the carfax for the 4x4 V8. It has 102,xxx miles. It has normal oil changes, at 78,xxx the serpentine belt was replaced and at 101,xxx, the rear differential fluid was flushed and changed. So its looking good so far.

How would I go about checking the XREAS?

 

[08GX470Driver]

FLush and serpentine belt aint nothing...thats like 300 dollars worth of service for the last 2 years of its life besides oil.

You'll have to perform the timing chain/water pump replacement almost immediately if you buy the 102xxx vehicle and pretty soon with the 80,xxx truck.

That's about a 1300 dollar dealer job, right? maybe you could negotiate that in the price a little. You dont wanna neglect the timing chain. Makes things go boom if it goes.

check the cv joints and diff cover for seeps or leaks. check for corrosion in the engine bay/frame.

 

[oh6SR5]

Gotcha, I'll definitely look at it. Is there an easy way to tell if it has been done already?

Also, I just did a quick Google search and it looks like an approximate cost for the timing belt/water pump cost may be anywhere from 500-900.

 

[08GX470Driver]

ok....I got my price from Lexus so I'm sure there was the obligatory "luxury" tax added.

 

[gptoy96]

I think timing belt/water pump is around a $1K job around my parts (at Toyota).

If it has been done, there should be a sticker, I think on the timing cover or something that'll say the date/mileage of when it was done.

For XREAS just look at the shocks, if they're leaking they're done.

 

[krupnation]

FLush and serpentine belt aint nothing...thats like 300 dollars worth of service for the last 2 years of its life besides oil.

You'll have to perform the timing chain/water pump replacement almost immediately if you buy the 102xxx vehicle and pretty soon with the 80,xxx truck.

That's about a 1300 dollar dealer job, right? maybe you could negotiate that in the price a little. You dont wanna neglect the timing chain. Makes things go boom if it goes.

check the cv joints and diff cover for seeps or leaks. check for corrosion in the engine bay/frame.

$1300 for a timing belt and water pump? That's quite steep. My local Yota dealership quoted me a little over $500 (I think it was $526 total w/ tax) so definitely shop around. Mine was done before I purchased the truck at 92k so I didn't have to worry about it.

I also see you reference a timing "chain". The V8 has a timing belt that needs changed, the V6 has a timing chain that doesn't.

 

[mrrab]

Try listening for a ticking noise coming from the engine compartment if you have the opportunity to start it up in the cold. If there is a ticking noise it will likely go away in about 30 seconds. The ticking noise is mostly likely a crack manifold.

Make sure all VIN stickers are on the panels and they match. Even if all VIN stickers are there take a close look at all angles of the car. For instance, you can tell if one side of the car has been painted if it appears more dull than the other side of the car.

Check for leaks underneath the vehicle. While under there, check of the rust situation.

That's all I have for now.

 

[08GX470Driver]

$1300 for a timing belt and water pump? That's quite steep. My local Yota dealership quoted me a little over $500 (I think it was $526 total w/ tax) so definitely shop around. Mine was done before I purchased the truck at 92k so I didn't have to worry about it.

I also see you reference a timing "chain". The V8 has a timing belt that needs changed, the V6 has a timing chain that doesn't.

yeah I meant belt, just a habit of referring to timing chains

 

[zerowkul98]

It was about $1300 for me, but keep in mind i had the 90k service for the 2003 V8. Also had water pump done.

I could send u the items/fluids changed when the dealership did the 90k service.

 

[oh6SR5]

Thanks everyone for the input. I checked out the 03 4x4 V8 and it had a very nice ride and no issues that I could see. Mechanically it looked great. But the interior was another story. The door panels had scratches and indentions right where the windows rolled down where it looked like little dogs had gotten ahold of it. Also, the person had some type of XM radio that he glued next to the AC controls that had completely taken the finish off. A few other things just made me walk away from it.

I am checking out the 03 4x2 SR5 tomorrow and I know the wholeseller so hopefully it will be a good 4Runner at a good price.