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Looking at buying older generation 4Runner.. Worth it or too old a vehicle?
Posted on 9/18/25 at 3:07 pm
Posted on 9/18/25 at 3:07 pm
I've got my eye on the gen4 (03-09) 4runners that have the V8 which are supposed to be very reliable and potentially last for 300k+ miles. The V6 is reliable too, but I would just get a more recent model with the same engine.
I like the idea of lower tech and the ease of accessing the engine to do maintenance myself. Not really going to take it off road, but would like the towing ability. Plus they look cool.
I've looked at 4 so far in the Houston area. They have had pretty serious leaks from either the valve cover gasket, the transmissions rear main seal, or major interior wear and tear..
Is this just what you have to deal with when buying older vehicles? Am I putting too much stock in that V8 engine and should just buy a newer model?
Also considering the Lexus GX470 or Sequoia with the same engine..
I like the idea of lower tech and the ease of accessing the engine to do maintenance myself. Not really going to take it off road, but would like the towing ability. Plus they look cool.
I've looked at 4 so far in the Houston area. They have had pretty serious leaks from either the valve cover gasket, the transmissions rear main seal, or major interior wear and tear..
Is this just what you have to deal with when buying older vehicles? Am I putting too much stock in that V8 engine and should just buy a newer model?
Also considering the Lexus GX470 or Sequoia with the same engine..
11
Posted on 9/18/25 at 3:15 pm to SaintTiger80
“Is it worth it” is a rather loaded question considering no one knows the miles, asking price, condition, etc… Plenty of Gen 2’s still on the road. I wouldnt get stuck on the V8 unless you are towing or off roading which you’ve stated you arent too deadset on.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 3:39 pm to Saskwatch
quote:
I wouldnt get stuck on the V8 unless you are towing or off roading which you’ve stated you arent too deadset on
Thanks! Yeah that's what I'm starting to think, for some reason I got in my head that that was the best/only option.
All the cars I've looked at so far have been lower miles (around 130-150k). About 8-12k.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 3:41 pm to SaintTiger80
quote:
All the cars I've looked at so far have been lower miles (around 130-150k). About 8-12k.
Would be a good buy for that range. I dont see why you couldnt double those miles.
If you go Gen 4 you might as well get the V8. Wouldnt let a V6 in an older Gen 5 scare you off though. The old Trail Edition trims are pretty sweet.
This post was edited on 9/18/25 at 3:44 pm
Posted on 9/18/25 at 3:44 pm to SaintTiger80
I had I think an 05 or 06 about 10 years ago as a 2nd vehicle. it was a v6 but very solid. the only issue I ever had was the connection on the fuel pump got corroded and I had to clean it up. very easy to access and fix. I wouldnt be suprised if it is still rolling. not the best ride though.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 4:32 pm to Saskwatch
quote:
Would be a good buy for that range. I dont see why you couldnt double those miles.
So it might just be that I have to keep fishing.. until I find the car that has been well maintained.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 4:33 pm to diat150
quote:
not the best ride though
What do you mean?
handling or other aspects
Posted on 9/18/25 at 4:42 pm to SaintTiger80
Have a 17 V6. It tows "fine" as long as you lock it out in 4th. There is one MASSIVE problem. Every Toyota out there has SHITE brakes. Make sure you have trailer brakes if you tow.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 5:08 pm to SaintTiger80
You’ll have a better chance finding a Lexus that a little old lady has barely driven. Pre Covid Toyota and Lexus are excellent vehicles.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 6:09 pm to BadatBourre
quote:
Make sure you have trailer brakes if you tow.
Tow a smaller bay boat with mine (v6) not too bad, but theres definitely better vehicles suited for it
Posted on 9/18/25 at 6:37 pm to Saskwatch
quote:
I wouldnt get stuck on the V8
I have a similar question to OP, friend of mine has a 08 V8 with 125k for sale. Is the V8 weak or just thirsty?
Posted on 9/18/25 at 7:02 pm to SaintTiger80
Worth it is relative. I have a 1990 2nd gen 2 door with V6 3.0VZE. The engine has a bad reputation from "experts" for head gasket issues. It is still going strong at 220k. Worth it to me to have significant body work done and repainted.
This post was edited on 9/18/25 at 7:05 pm
Posted on 9/18/25 at 7:18 pm to meltingman
quote:
Worth it to me to have significant body work done and repainted.
That’s also on my mind.. if buying one that needs cosmetic work and putting money in upholstery and paint.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 7:39 pm to tadman
quote:
the V8 weak or just thirsty?
Probably neither. V6 mileage isnt great in 4runners. Longevity of the V6s is where they shine.
I dont think there is any downside to the V8s but if you arent towing or doing hardcore off roading then I wouldnt pass over a better condition, lower mile, lower price V6 for a basic vehicle
Posted on 9/18/25 at 8:24 pm to SaintTiger80
I'm more of a third gen man myself. Took one to 250k with no issue. Wouldn't mind another. Felt tight as a drum at 250k.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 10:03 pm to SaintTiger80
V8 has a timing belt so make sure you change/document it’s been done. Also full time 4WD.
V6 has a timing chain so no need,
I had an ‘06 Sport 4WD with the V6, sold with 240K miles still going strong when I got ‘18 TRD Offroad.
Plan on needing to repaint and redo upholstery if you go this route.
V6 has a timing chain so no need,
I had an ‘06 Sport 4WD with the V6, sold with 240K miles still going strong when I got ‘18 TRD Offroad.
Plan on needing to repaint and redo upholstery if you go this route.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 6:41 am to SaintTiger80
Good 4 Runners sell fast. If you sniff out a decent car, you have to move quickly or it will sell out from under you.
I've shopped for months to find 2 that were the "right" truck.
My wife now wants a 3rd gen, so might start looking again.
I've shopped for months to find 2 that were the "right" truck.
My wife now wants a 3rd gen, so might start looking again.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 7:17 am to slacker130
quote:
I've shopped for months to find 2 that were the "right" truck.
How do you find them? I’m mostly using FB marketplace, Craigslist, and autotrader.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 7:20 pm to Redlos
quote:
V6 has a timing chain so no need,
With a good oil, need to clarify that.
Those 3.4l do really well on 0w40. Hell... Almost everything does really well on 0w40.
Posted on 9/20/25 at 8:03 am to SaintTiger80
quote:
I’m mostly using FB marketplace, Craigslist, and autotrader.
Both on Facebook marketplace. We drove over 1,200 miles, over a few months looking, exhausting.
The last one that we bought, totally looked like a scam on FB. My wife saw it within minutes of its posting. It was under priced by $3-5k, seemed too good to be true. I told her to tell them immediately that we'd take it, cash buyer, but was pretty sure it was a scam. We were the first contact they had.
Well, just turned out to be an older couple that under priced the truck. They were good folks, and kept our agreed price even though they were inundated with offers for more money. We were 3 hours away, they even met us in the middle. Got totally lucky, but we put in the time to understand the market.
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