re: Used Toyota 4Runner - what’s the most miles you’d want?

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2uzfe

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it will run forever

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Preach brah. I got over a half million miles combined on my 2 hundys. One workhorse fixing to flip 400k any day now and a cherry stock 102k mall cruiser.

I asked OP what years and engine platform he was considering with no reply. Absolutely no way to quantify mileage concerns without knowing these parameters.

IMO the 4th gen 06-09 V8 would be the starting point for a late model search since Toyota fixed the earlier model frame rust issues and increased available horsepower in the later engines. Probably the most desirable would be the 09 Trail Edition which featured an electronic rear locking differential in addition to the center diff lock available in the other earlier 4th gen models.

Holy grail model 4R to me is a 85 solid axle 1st gen with the 22 RE engine but they are spartan interior wise and not as comfortable for daily driving as late models. But man do they just go where you point them and so damn easy to work on. Not many mileage worries on these as they are so cheap to maintain and repair although parts can sometimes be harder to locate.

A capable compromise and highly sought after 4R would be a 3rd gen. They were the first to be built on the LC Prado frame platform and could be found with the 5VZ FE V6. I'd look for a 99 Highlander Sport Edition or a 00 Limited with the rear e-locker. These later models had interior and lighting upgrades and provided a great mating of old school 4x4 with improved drivability and creature comforts. These engines can easily be reliable into the 300k's with routine maintenance and overall are tough, rugged and simple. They will be harder to find with low mileage than newer generations but I wouldn't let that scare me off should you find one that hasn't been beat on or lived in the rust belt or northern latitudes.