WTB: 4th gen V6, pref. 06-09, NYC or Northeast

[pancakesfan]

Hey y'all, new to the forum and searching for my first 4runner. After researching for a while I've narrowed it down to:

Must haves:
4th gen. V6
<200K
Mostly stock (not used for off-roading or towing anything major)
No frame rot
Well maintained, well documented, for sale by owner!

Ideally, all of the above plus:
'06-'09
<150K
Rust free!

Some background:
I'm hitting the road this summer for a cross country road trip and unfortunately my old Honda CR-V can barely roll it's way around Brooklyn, so it's time to upgrade. I'm not a mechanic, but I've really enjoyed learning how to work on cars with my CR-V. I appreciate the big community of DIY TFR owners, and all the resources and mods available.

I've been searching for a car that I can use for long haul road trips and something I can build a bed platform in for camping trips. I also have a side hustle restoring vintage furniture, so I need something big enough to lug that stuff around. Seems like in general the TFR meets all my needs, and I can continue doing DIY work on it.

I've landed on my criteria above because:

-I've considered 3rd gen. TFRs, but I want something a little larger and more comfortable for the long hauls. I also worry that I am not mechanically inclined enough to deal with the typical trouble areas with 3rd gens.

-I'm open to '03-'05 4th gens. but the whole head gasket thing has me spooked after dealing with a blown HG on my '99 Subaru Forester. If it was the right car for the right price, I'd get it and just budget for replacing the HG eventually.

-The towing thing. Currently dealing with a failing tranny on my CR-V, so I'm hyper aware of potential transmission problems. I'd definitely buy a car with a history of fluid changes that drives real nice even it was used for towing. Just one of those things where worrying get's the better of me whaddyagonna do ya know?

Think it's possible? Am I being too picky or paranoid?

I'm in NYC, but I can travel around the Northeast for the right car. Let me know what ya got, thanks everyone!!

 

[Golgo13]

I definitely do not think you're being too picky as someone who recently purchased a 2008 V8 with minimal rust from private sale in Virginia. If you are willing to drop some major benjamins for shipping or if your schedule allows you to test drive vehicles that are far away, then your search will go well.

Word of caution though; I don't know if it is because of the most recent stimulus check or something, but a majority of the 4runners I saw while in my search were a bit on the high price. Hell, I sold my V6 for a V8 and still got more than I originally paid in this sale. If you find one that is within your price tolerant, POUNCE! I missed out on at least four options because by the time I called, there was already a hold on the vehicle (mind you, this was perhaps three or four hours after a posting...)

 

[pancakesfan]

Thanks for the advice! I have a flexible schedule and can travel so that should help, but these things get picked up FAST. I'm not someone that feels comfortable rushing into a purchase this big, so I feel like that's putting me at a disadvantage.

Any advice for searching? I feel like constantly refreshing craigslist, FB marketplace, this forum is taking a toll on me lol. But if I only check classifieds once a day and I miss a good one by a few hours, a real PITA! Also, seems like prices at used car dealers are nearly the same as private sellers at this point...

 

[pancakesfan]

Still looking after a few weeks...if anyone is looking to sell please PM me. Thank you!

 

[erzipperer]

Still looking after a few weeks...if anyone is looking to sell please PM me. Thank you!

Have you seen the one I have for sale?

FS: 2005 4runner SR5 V6 4WD - CLEAN, LOW MILES, lightly modded - Charlotte, NC

 

[cphilip]

We have a 2008 V8 4.7L LTD with 3rd row seats, 199k miles I towed a small pop up with it about 12 years ago for a couple of years, but nothing since. Located in Dunstable, MA.

 

[Total2010]

I have exactly what you’re looking for. 05 4x4 V6 with only 52k miles. Message me if you’re interested