Looking at 4th Gen 4Runners, is there a buyers guide?

[hidesertwheelin]

Any thing in particular I should look out for? I've heard the V6 motors can have head gasket problems, and that they don't normally exhibit the normal signs of a blown head gasket. On V8 models, I know I need to check to see if the timing belt/water pump was done @ 90k miles. Anything else?

 

[morphious]

A lot of good info here:

Pre-Purchase Info, Modifications, Write-Ups, Quick Links, and FAQ's

 

[hidesertwheelin]

A lot of good info here:

Pre-Purchase Info, Modifications, Write-Ups, Quick Links, and FAQ's

Thanks.

 

[chmura]

4th gen 4runners are pretty solid both V6 and V8.

What to look at is cycle the 4x4 system and make sure it goes into 4LOW and lock the transfer case too. There is a tendency for the 4x4 actuator to freeze up if not used for a long long time.

If its frozen this could be a $1-2k job.

 

[Ryanmb21]

2006+ received round wheel wells and at some point they received LED tail lights and better head lights. My 2006 has both. Great truck, in 10 years, it's been perfect for me at 110k miles.

 

[Martinjmpr]

2006 was the year for the facelift which included the rounded wheelwells, LED taillights, and also moving the turn signals up front from below the headlights (next to the fog lights) to beside them. 2006 also saw the delete of the lower tail lights in the rear bumper.
.
2005 was the year the V6's got the 5 speed auto. 2003 and 2004 V6's had a 4 speed auto (the same one that was in the 3rd gen 4runners.) All V8's had the 5 speed.
.
AFAIK the head gasket problems in the V6 were all in the 2003 - 2004 model years. My '07 V6 is still running strong at 142k (and it's for sale. )

 

[DaJudge]

I have been looking into replacing my XJ with a 4th Gen. The only issue I have found that concerns me is the Hydroboost/Master Cylinder/ABS failing. There are enough people who have had this failure to make me pause. It is very expensive to replace. I am still not convinced that it is enough of an issue to rule out the 4-Runner though. Everything else about it is perfect.

 

[Boost Junky]

Both engines are solid. 05+ V8's has vvti which boosts the power a bit. V6 is also an awesome engine with a supercharger option from urdusa. I run the V8 myself & I love it although its full time 4wd which hurts the mpg, expecially with big tires.
Two things I'd keep an eye on, make sure the 4wd cycles through, & there are no trac or vsc errors.

 

[Colin Hughes]

Good info here. After 15+ years as a LR guy, much as I love my LR3, the electrical gremlins, although they haven't stranded me yet keep me from venturing too far off road. Also currently looking at a 2010 4Runner too.

 

[JduRunner]

One other thing to look at is frozen brake calipers, the 4th gen and 5th gen are notorious for this...ask me how I know.