Educate Me: The 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner

"M.T. Blake" (autohabit) 07/26/2018 at 15:30 • Filed to: the hunt, toyota 4runner, toyota, 4runner, 4x4, 4wd, v8, 4.7l, off-road, truck yeah, titanic

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Stormtroopin off-road... if only it weren’t for those damn Ewoks!

I previously wrote about !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . It has not gone well. All the nice ones are gone! Or they are !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . I will not pay 4Runner money for a XJ. I won’t. I won’t. Don’t encourage my bad habits. I’ve decided a 4Runner is a far better option. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! The boat hasn’t sailed, it simply hasn’t come ashore yet.

The problem is that any 4Runner is typically used up, worn out, and put away wet. They all seem to have high miles, body damage, dirty upholstery, and have been off-road too much. If all these things aren’t present, any 4Runner is close to 20 grand... for something 15 years old.

I’ll give you a typical 4Runner sale ad:

2006 Toyota 4Runner 2wd with 250k miles. Goes great off-road! You don’t need 4wd, this thing does fine. Check out my sick pics of me flexing on the mall loading dock. Oh and don’t worry about that noise coming from the suspension. It’s normal to hear a clunk. Timing belt? I’ve never replaced it as I have no idea that my V8 has one. Asking 17,000! This deal won’t last!

See where I’m going...?

The current potential candidate ( pictured above ) is a 2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.7 V8 . It has 138,000 miles with a 4 inch lift and 33" tires. The owner is asking $12,000 .

Having looked quite a bit in the last month, this appears to be a good deal. Or at least lower than most are asking. Or maybe I drank the coo-laid?

Now I’m not against getting the 4.0-V6, but there is something so much more satisfying about getting the V8. I don’t think they’ll ever offer another V8 4Runner. This was the only generation to get it. The V8 is also all time 4wd... so no messing about with switches. Run-over what you want, when you want, without stopping to turn the 4wd selector.

The V8 requires a timing belt vs. the V6 with a timing chain. It also gets worse gas mileage. The power and torque are moderately better but I won’t call the V6 under-powered comparatively. I’m not building this argument very well, I see your discontent. How bout this; more cylinders = more fun?

If I can’t find a cheap 4Runner, I might wait a year and buy a new one. These things hold their value... I mean I could drive a vehicle for 15 years over every pot and mud hole in my area and still get 1/3 of its value back?

How isn’t that an amazing deal?!

I’ll be here waiting on the shore for my boat to arrive... Hopefully I’m not waiting for !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

HammerheadFistpunch > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 15:37

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Why not GX470? Same thing as a limited V8 but without the 4runner tax. Seriously for what we paid for our 120k example we would have gotten a much less desirable and more beat up 4runner. That being said, thats a pretty good price for a limited V8 with relatively low miles.

p.s. the V8 in the 2004 was less powerful than the same year V6, but had many more feet of pounds.

235 hp and 320 lbs-ft (more like 305 actually...they changed the way they rate engines around this time ) vs the 2005 MY with 260/306

M.T. Blake > HammerheadFistpunch 07/26/2018 at 15:43

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I have a co-worker with a lifted GX470. He said the same thing. I’ve looked for those too, similar price range for me in NorCal . I don’t think you’re getting that much more. Probably less abuse but I’m convinced I can find a good 4Runner.

I guess with the GX470 it is  maybe the looks, or that it appears less fun to drive. It appears less nimble and agile. You know, a hippopotamus with ballet shoes instead of fur lined boots. I’m just not that excited about them. 

jasmits > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 15:43

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It’s def the odd child out in the 4Runner world. The least 4Runnery 4Runner if you will. They’re still good/reliable trucks. The only complaint I’ve heard is the timing belt thing, and I do certainly see the appeal of a V8 4Runner but in my area at least you could get a hell of a 3rd gen for that money(which I would take(with a stick) , unless I really needed the space or was planning on towing a lot). Also, as the previous owner of a used up and left out wet 2nd gen 4Runner, the great thing about 4Runners is they still just don’t seem to quit on you.

Also, back on the XJs, unless the prices in your market are wildly different, you’re massively exagerrating or really in search of a showroom-fresh one I do not see what you’re talking about: https://bellingham.craigslist.org/cto/d/1991-jeep-cherokee-rubicon/6646043612.html

The prices have def gone up, especially for a stick shift but $ 7 or $ 8k is still the upper limit I see besides some serious builds and crack pipes.

HammerheadFistpunch > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 15:45

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I hear you, but may I suggest you drive one in your comparison shopping? We drove many examples of both and while I don’t love the looks it pays dividends on the inside...neither my wife nor I liked being in the 4runner but the GX is a lovely place to be.  If feels less claustrophobic and way more spacious. plus the switches and dials don’t like like kids toys.

HammerheadFistpunch > jasmits 07/26/2018 at 15:46

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really? V8 runners are a hot commodity where I am, very desirable.  

jasmits > HammerheadFistpunch 07/26/2018 at 15:51

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I guess that comment was mostly coming from 4Runner specific outlets I pay half attention to, first third and fifth gens are posted about constantly, followed by second with fourth barely mentioned. I still think they’re very good(and def about the V8 in a 4Runner) but unless I actually needed to tow often or something I’d much rather have a 3.4 3rd gen with a stick, and I seem to see good ones around $7k+

HammerheadFistpunch > jasmits 07/26/2018 at 15:53

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good point.  They made a grundle of the 3rd gen so they are kinda like the XJ in that regard...the abused ones are dying out but there are still even decent ones left.

RPM esq. > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 15:56

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2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.7 V8 . It has 138,000 miles with a 4 inch lift and 33" tires. The owner is asking $12,000 .

This is a pretty good deal, especially for a limited, unless it came from the east coast.

vicali > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 15:57

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T h e s e t w o a r e t h e c h e a p e s t 4 t h g e n s a r o u n d m e r i g h t n o w , e a c h f o r a b o u t $ 9 K C A D w i t h j u s t u n d e r 3 0 0 K k m . T h e r e i s n o w a y I w o u l d b uy a modified ‘ o v e r l a n d ’ ‘ o f f r o a d ’ r i g . .

4Runners are bought 20% by offroaders and 80% by people living in the city who need an SUV to carry their golf clubs. You want one of the latter group.

My friend w atched f o r a b i t a n d found his V8 in the city for around $10K - it was pristine , l i v e d d o w n t o w n , p a r k e d u n d e r g r o u n d , v e r y u r b a n ;

Now it lives in the mountains , a n d i t ’ s n e v e r c o m i n g b a c k .

Tripper > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 16:01

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A coworker had an 06 (V6) for the longest time and recently traded it in because it needed a head gasket (160k miles). He got 5500 for trade even with the blown gasket!!!

Ash78, voting early and often > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 16:09

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Around here, the 4Runner has for a very long time been a popular choice for college-aged females. Now, that’s not normally a good thing, but when you compare it with the Offroad Bro demographic, it’s probably the better alternative.

For some reason, 4Runner buyers are a bipolar distribution from my life experience. The North Face Fleece Jacket of vehicles — you might wear one to bag a couple of Fourteeners on a weekend, or you might wear one so you don’t look like a weirdo during a chilly sorority rush evening.

Find one in that category, where all maintenance was paid by daddy, and you’re golden.

M.T. Blake > HammerheadFistpunch 07/26/2018 at 16:24

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Good advice. I’ll drive my co-workers.

M.T. Blake > RPM esq. 07/26/2018 at 16:25

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I’d have to investigate more but it is consistent with  a CA car based on the issuance of the plate.

M.T. Blake > vicali 07/26/2018 at 16:26

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9000 loonie? That isn’t bad. The bottom picture is delicious!

M.T. Blake > Tripper 07/26/2018 at 16:28

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I want to be that guy. I want to trade in a vehicle for a fist full of dollar bills after ruining it. 

M.T. Blake > Ash78, voting early and often 07/26/2018 at 16:30

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I’ll wear a North Face fleece and push up bra if someone will buy me a 4Runner. Will you be my daddy?

BAHA HAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!

Tripper > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 16:32

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I couldn’t believe it! I told him to let me know before he traded it thinking I could scoop it up for nothing and do the gasket myself. My jaw hit the floor when he told me 5500. Good thing though I watched a video of the engine out process of replacing that gasket and thought, “no thanks.”

Textured Soy Protein > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 16:35

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I am not a 4th gen 4Runner fan. It’s great that Toyota made the Torsen center differential standard across the range, but you sit way down on the floor and look out up over the dash. It’s just not very comfy. 

The V8 adds negligible acceleration. It’s mainly for extra towing capacity.

vicali > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 16:45

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I t’s called the RickRunner.. see more h e r e ;

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Ash78, voting early and often > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 16:48

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Go do...wait, where are you, NorCal? Go do Half Dome up and back in a day and maybe we’ll have a deal.

Must wear bra for entire hike, including asking Japanese tourist to take your picture at the top.

This is like a lighter and happier version of a Black Mirror episode.

M.T. Blake > Textured Soy Protein 07/26/2018 at 16:53

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Negligible. I agree with this. I wonder how it feels under foot. Will it be more eager? Will it eat pavement quicker? I have no idea but I’d like to find out. 

M.T. Blake > Ash78, voting early and often 07/26/2018 at 16:55

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Done Half Dome. Worst 18 miles of my life. Found a dead guy on top that committed suicide. Rangers closed the hike after the cables. Saw a helicopter land on the top.

At least they’re polite when they see something strange, “May I take a picture of your penis?”

jasmits > HammerheadFistpunch 07/26/2018 at 17:19

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They also weren’t ever really cheap like XJs were so fewer questionably modded and abused ones(fewer, not none) and Toyota products tend to hold up better anyway

RPM esq. > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 17:20

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The V8 is noticeably torquier although it certainly isn’t any faster . I would say “more eager” is a good description of how it feels, especially from a stop . That said, since I never tow anything, I sometimes wish I had the V6 for slightly better fuel economy.

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 17:26

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Head gasket issues aren’t un common on early years of the V6 . My dad had an ‘05 Tacoma with that same 4.0L V6, and it blew head gasket(s?). That’s when we learned it wasn’t uncommon, but Toyota got it solved in ‘07 or so.

Once when I was fantasy-shopping for these 4Runners , I found a thread on a 4Runner forum where guys were complaining about warped blocks on the V6 , but I’d take that with a large grain of salt.

M.T. Blake > RPM esq. 07/26/2018 at 17:30

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I like more eager. I don’t like unmotivated vehicles. I don’t commute far so mileage isn’t a biggie. But road trips... yeah V6 is best. 

Hans_Moleman > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 17:31

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05+ up V8s with VVTi have another 40-50 HP over the earlier V8s. It’s fairly common for brake calipers to seize, so make sure to look for even brake pad wear. 4-low is activated with a switch and an electric motor, and the motor can get locked up on street driven 4Runners where they never used 4-low. If it has 33” tires and high miles and the differentials were never regeared, there’s going to be extra wear on the transmission, and it could eventually start slipping on 4th to 5th gear shifts. The the transmission is sealed and there is no dipstick, so the only way to check the fluid condition is by draining the pan.

M.T. Blake > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 07/26/2018 at 17:34

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V8 ftw?!

M.T. Blake > Hans_Moleman 07/26/2018 at 17:36

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Excellent info! A newer V8 would be better but I’m not finding many quality V8s at all... I’ll have to see when the lift was installed. Hopefully, for many reasons, recently. 

ToyotaFamily > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 17:36

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I really like my 4th gen 4Runner. I bought an 07 Sport V6 4x4 with real low miles for under 14k.

It handles most things pretty well. The gas mileage isn’t that bad either, I’m getting around 16  mpg stop and go driving.

vicali > Tripper 07/26/2018 at 17:39

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We got $6K for our 2005 Tacoma with 1 8 8 K k m a n d a blown headgasket l a s t October.. They were selling it off to the auction asap, estimate was $5k to get the engine out and diagnose, then replace the headgasket. If the head was cracked another $5k for a new block.

W e t o o k t h e $ 6 K a n d p u t i t i n t o t he 3rd gen ;

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/decision-dayz-1819851901

M.T. Blake > ToyotaFamily 07/26/2018 at 17:52

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What exactly is ‘real low miles’? That is a very unclear definition. 

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 17:54

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The 2 UZ V8 is one of my absolute favorite engines ever. It’s not that much faster but it does sound better and it is much smoother (its the truck evolution of the 1UZ in the LS). Biggest difference is cast iron block instead of aluminum and the oil pan is different in the 4runner to fit under the axles.

M.T. Blake > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 07/26/2018 at 17:56

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How similar is it to the 07+  Tundra? Saw a guy get 1m miles out of his, Toyota bought it back as propaganda. 

RPM esq. > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 17:57

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My commute isn’t long either but my good-weather daily gets even worse mileage around town s o it would be nice to squeeze a little more out of the 4Runner for that half the year. Plus, as you point out, road trips...I’m doing a roughly 1800 mile road trip next week and it would be nice to fill up one less time.

M.T. Blake > RPM esq. 07/26/2018 at 17:59

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We have a new Sienna for most road trips. But if we go camping in Wyoming again (and we will), we’d use the 4Runner -  it’s going to suck to pay for over 1500 miles of fuel!!!!

ToyotaFamily > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 18:09

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50k

M.T. Blake > ToyotaFamily 07/26/2018 at 18:10

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That qualifies for “low miles”. You scored an excellent deal!

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 18:55

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I believe that guy had the new body style but the 2UZ engine. Avoid 5.7L 3UR  V8s And 1UR 4.6L V8 in 07, 08 and 09

Spencer > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 20:23

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What part of the country are you in? That’s going to have a big impact on price.

Im in the Midwest and bought one last year. One owner, V8 Limited (no nav, no air suspension) with 170,000 for $10,500. It seemed like a lot of miles, and it needed a timing belt (did it myself for $400) but other than basic maintenance it’s been great. I wouldn’t worry too much about miles if the rest of the thing is in good shape and is well cared for.

I do like the V8. But the mileage and header leak/tick  make me wish I had a V6 sometimes.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 21:06

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Buy a old enough 4Runner that you can swap an Aussie or JDM diesel into, that is my thinking.

Under_Score > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 22:35

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https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/736613170/overview?aff=share_other

A hard to find bird, but look at that pricing.

Nibby > M.T. Blake 07/26/2018 at 23:44

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tree fiddy

PyramidHat > ToyotaFamily 07/27/2018 at 00:23

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I believe “crazy low miles” is the proper normanclature....

M.T. Blake > Spencer 07/27/2018 at 00:27

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Northern California. Very popular here. Everything is expensive in CA. 

M.T. Blake > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 07/27/2018 at 00:29

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I like the way you think. I haven’t seen it done yet, legally. The engine used wouldn’t be compliant. I’m sure there is a way but until I know for a fact it would work, I won’t be the guy to figure it out. 

M.T. Blake > Under_Score 07/27/2018 at 00:31

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I think of those as the poor mans Land Cruiser. One under rated bird! People forget that besides the EVO, this is the other thing Mitsubishi did really well. 

wcjeep > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 00:50

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I think the early 4th Gen V6 also had head gasket problems. 2006 and newer V6 considered safe from head gasket problems. Side airbags were an option. I came close a few times buying a 4th Gen. Some Craigslist sellers only check messages every few days. Went with a new 5th Gen. I found a couple of used 5th Gens with higher asking prices than new. 

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 01:00

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Well if the truck is 25 years old, here in CA an old diesel is exempt . So t echnically you need a 1993. 

M.T. Blake > wcjeep 07/27/2018 at 01:33

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Yes. The fifth gen is awesome. Just not in the budget yet. I prefer not to have two car payments and to take low finance terms. I could get one now but 72 months kills you on interest. 

M.T. Blake > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 07/27/2018 at 01:36

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1997 is last year diesel smog exempt. My Dodge 12 valve is a 1996. Issue is doing a vin verification and going to BAR tech with a gas vehicle that has been converted to diesel with an engine never intended for our shores. I don’t know if that would fly. I mean a B16b Honda engine is illegal yet the B16b1 is fine... one is JDM market the other is US. 

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 01:49

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I know land cruiser people do it and there are ways to do it, I personally would import a Mitsubishi Delica diesel from Canada if I could. I have to keep my CRV as long as it will last because I have three old vehicles as well and that’s the price I pay. But someday if the CRV is too much to fix within reason I will probably get a Delica, I’ve seen a couple here with Canadian plates, I’m so jelly.

Under_Score > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 08:02

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Would you be interested in one, though? It looks like a third gen 4Runner inside and out, but it’s a lot cheaper in dealer listings. Imagine how cheap a Craigslist one would be.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 08:03

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Just from looking on Autotrader there are tons of 4th gens in both V6 and V8 variants for less than $11k with 120-150k miles in pretty good shape out there. I’m looking to get one in the next year or so. Apparently the V6's are a little more reliable as the V8s like to crack exhaust manifolds (with integrated cats so $$$). However the V6 can only tow 5,000lb, where the V8 is 7,000 since it’s basically a Tundra wagon. Fuel economy and power isn’t hugely different but the capacity of the drivetrain really sells the V8 for me.

Can't Decide > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 08:37

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I have an 2004 4runner Limited 4WD v8 I’m about to list for sale. 97k miles, new timing belt, new tires, and a brand new XREAS suspension when i bought it in 2014. Towing equipped. The interior is nearly perfect.

Only problem is it’s baby blue. A few small issues I plan on fixing before I list it for sale, and I’m not going to price gouge.

I'm on the east coast, but I promise you there isn’t any rust on the frame. I bought it in 2014 with 67k miles on it - it was pretty much showroom condition, and is still in great shape.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > HammerheadFistpunch 07/27/2018 at 09:30

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Does the GX470 have a roll-down rear window and available with cloth seats?

M.T. Blake > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 07/27/2018 at 09:39

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Delica ever come LHD?

M.T. Blake > Under_Score 07/27/2018 at 09:48

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I hadn’t even thought about one. I was looking for something a bit newer. It would have to be very pristine if I did. 

M.T. Blake > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 07/27/2018 at 09:51

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I’ll look again. When I did for my area I didn’t get much in that range. Plenty of junk or expensive stuff at dealers...

M.T. Blake > Can't Decide 07/27/2018 at 09:53

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I love (or in the case of the paint, don’t care) everything about it, except that it’s 2000 miles away from me. 

Eddy > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 10:02

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Come try out Utah. I thought 4runners were over priced here but reading you article make s me think maybe they aren’t. I’m on my second 4runner. I got a 2004 v8 sport edition with 240,000 miles for $4,500 a year ago. I got a steal on it because the owner didn’t realize he could get more out of it, but I have since seen a few 4th gens with the v8 for between $5,000 and $6,000 that appear to be in great condition. I really like the 3rd gen body style best and the v6 engine in the 3rd gen is supposedly the best engine Toyota has made, according to forums I’ve read. I currently know someone with a silver 1999 4runner with 190,000 miles. The owner is the 2nd owner he’s had it since 40,000 miles. He’s older and OCD and takes great care of his cars. If I had extra money I would buy it and save it for my next car. He told me he’s thinking about selling it for $5,000. If you look at KSL.COM that's what most everyone in Utah uses to sell used cars privately. 

Eddy > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 10:21

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Eddy > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 10:22

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tedbarbeau > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 10:44

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TL;DR: Watch out for p2445 “ Secondary Air Injection System Pump Stuck Off Bank 1" in 4th Gen V8 4Runners.

Howdy Blake,

I n 2011 I purchased a 20 05 V8 Limited with 121k miles for about $15k from a private seller in Livermore . Leather, nav, back up camera, the works (as far as 2005 is concerned) .

At the time it felt crazy to spend that kind of money on a car with over 100k miles. But as I’ve come to realize, 4Runners are incredible cars. W e just passed 188k (including 3 SF-to-MA cross country trips ) with almost no maintenance issues to speak of. I’ve convinced more than a few friends to keep their eye out for 4th Gen 4Runners.

Unfortunately that changed earlier this month when the dashboard lit up and code p2445 reared it’s ugly head .

You can Google exactly what that code means, but in short, the secondary air injection system kicked the bucket, and the cost to fix would be somewhere between $2800-4000. Apparently this is a pretty common failure among V8s from this era.

Luckily there is a $200 bypass system that I installed which fixes the issue. Even though a simple bypass “fixed” the issue, it was a bit of a stomach punch.

Before this issue I would have said that even at this high of mileage we’d probably be able to get $8-10k for the truck today , but now with that I’ve bypassed the secondary air injection system, my plan is to simply run this thing into the ground. My hope is that she sails past 250k miles without much fuss. Fingers crossed! 

M.T. Blake > Eddy 07/27/2018 at 10:59

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You’re is a vehicle I’ve seen listed for around $8000 here in NorCal. I’ll check it out. Of course I don’t enjoy the drive. Road trips are fun and all, but the quick all night drives aren’t. 

M.T. Blake > Eddy 07/27/2018 at 11:00

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Other than miles and rebuilt title, I love it. 

M.T. Blake > Eddy 07/27/2018 at 11:01

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The two tones are rare! I’ve seen quite a few bit probably only 10-20%

M.T. Blake > tedbarbeau 07/27/2018 at 11:04

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Excellent advice. SF to MA?! Oh god that sounds long. I thought CA to WY was a trip . You’ll sail past 250k, if you keep it long enough, they’ll end up burying you in it! Remember people have invaded and taken over countries in Toyota’s. 

Zach Keller > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 11:39

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Agreed with the GX470 advice. I was in the exact same boat as you 2 months ago. A v8 4th gen was either compeltely trashed, or $22,000. We settled on a 2004 GX470 with 139k miles for like $12,500. It needs a couple things, CV boots, and at some point a new radiator, but it’s a damn nice truck, and really enjoyable to drive. Our other SUV (yes, we are Americans with 2 SUVs) is an LR3. While I much prefer the LR3 for anything overland related, the GX is soooo nice around town.

JR1 > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 11:43

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I am sure it was already mentioned but as a GX470 owner I cannot praise it enough. Great place to be, a little more spacious than the 4runner, I have taken it off-road in some slippery mud and it is great even with crappy tires. And you don’t have to worry about people trying to price gouge saying, “I have a V8.” With the GX470 all the cars for sale are V8s!

M.T. Blake > JR1 07/27/2018 at 11:44

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It is on the list. I’m passively looking but even those seem a little over priced. The Toyota tax... is oppressive. 

JR1 > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 11:49

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It is indeed. I got about two years ago. If you are okay with mileage around the 130 mark. It isn’t hard to find a good one in the 10k price range. 

HammerheadFistpunch > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 07/27/2018 at 12:12

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Nope. It’s not perfect by any means but by my estimation it’s a better value

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 12:15

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I’m not sure if the Delicas I saw from Canada were from there or imported from Japan. I’m not worried about it, there are lots of windows and I could get an extra mirror or camera put in. I know a guy with a classic British car and he said it wasn’t a big deal and you get used to it, unless you like drive throughs! 

Spencer > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 12:36

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That is for sure going to make it tougher, but you don’t have to worry about rust! 

BJ > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 12:39

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I don’t have time to read everyone’s replies, so I’ll just chime in:

A solid truck-like ride that’s not punishing. Decent interior space, excellent cargo space .

The s eating position is relatively flat - it has a flat floor, not a tub. Comfort is subjective, but it’s not ideal for me. I hate the front seats.

The 2005+ V8 is more powerful and all V8s came with the 5-speed transmission. Later V6 models also come with the 5-speed.

One known issue on the V8 is a risk of exhaust header cracks; I haven’t had this problem, but I do have an exhaust tick coming from somewhere!

Seized brake calipers are a known issue. In milder/drier climates you’ll be fine, but in northern climates this can happen. You can do a full big brake upgrade (calipers and discs) , or just upgrade the front calipers to the slightly improved model with larger pistons (from the Tundra?) .

The 2004+ models have a higher tow rating (7000 lbs vs 5000 lbs).

The V8 has a timing belt, service interval is 90000 miles IIRC. Get service records, or check the sticker on the cover under the hood.

Aftermarket support for offroading is still good.

Off-road, these are super capable in stock form, but watch out for the very poor ground clearance. Get aftermarket skid plates and a lift .

If you can, find out if the truck has had the “unintended acceleration” upgrade to the ECU. Avoid if possible (most trucks will have been flashed ).

3" lifts do not require new upper control arms, and although many kits include a front diff drop, it’s not really necessary.

Running 33" tires may require modifications, bigger than 33" and you’re into > 3" lifts and/or body lifts.

Overall, it’s a great machine. Capable, reliable, and small enough to be comfortable for big city use. The V8 is fun to drive, and I’ve never heard any complaints about the 4.0 V6 - all the FJ guys have it and it’s just fine by them.

You can go as mild or wild as you want with modifications, although if you want a rear bumper with spare tire swingout, be prepared to empty your bank account!

4Runners do suffer from the same “tax” that affects the Tacos, but the price for that particular truck seems to be a bit high.

M.T. Blake > Spencer 07/27/2018 at 12:40

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If it’s lived in Truckee I will. Our snow is known as Sierra Cement. It holds a lot of water and when it freezes, good luck moving it. Other than the high Sierra, most of CA is rust free unless you’ve parked it next to SF bay. 

BJ > tedbarbeau 07/27/2018 at 12:41

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I’ve never heard of this issue, and I’m going to assume that all the warning lights on my dash are due to a wheel speed sensor issue, and not something more terrible.

Actually, I know it’s not the code you mentioned because nothing comes up with a regular OBDII scanner. Which means it’s an ABS issue, and based on the behaviour of the truck and information I have, I’m 95% sure that it’s a wheel speed sensor.

They’re cheap, so I’ll probably replace all 4 and be done with it.

M.T. Blake > BJ 07/27/2018 at 12:43

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Great info! Thanks! The unintended acceleration was  ECU issue?!?! I thought that was all about carpet mats slipping under the gas pedal? I need to read up. 

BJ > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 12:53

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Toyota released an ECU upgrade to reduce issues with unintended acceleration, along with the floor mat fixes.

Basically, it adds a short pause after brake release before allowing full-on acceleration. If you hold the gas down, it’ll eventually go, but it artificially limits fuel input for a second .

In normal, light driving you’ll never notice it. When your internal boy racer tries to take on some loser in a mall crawler Jeep, you’ll definitely notice the lag off the line.

M.T. Blake > BJ 07/27/2018 at 13:10

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Interesting. I had never heard that. Good info!

BJ > BJ 07/27/2018 at 14:25

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I checked, and the sensors are like 200 each. Fuck me. I’ll have to find out which one is bad, and then test the wiring first. Broken wires are an issue, especially on lifted trucks . Boo.

Can't Decide > M.T. Blake 07/27/2018 at 17:27

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Sm ells like a road trip to me!

Tron28 > tedbarbeau 07/28/2018 at 12:18

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I have a 2005 GX470 too. The p2445 error popped up on mine too about 6 months after I got it. I simply bought a $12 Bluetooth OBDII Reader and I leave it plugged in permanently. When the check engine light comes on I clear the code on my phone using Torque Pro Lite (free). It literally takes 15 seconds to clear the code. The P2445 error will not cause any harm driving the car with it. It is just a pump that runs for 30 seconds at startup to reduce emmissons.

By the way, I have a 2017 4Runner and thr2005 GX470. I bought the GX470 after the 4Runner when my wife decided she liked driving the 4Runner. The GX is more comfortable a more fun to  drive.  I love the way it looks.  And you can definitely get them for less than a used 4Runner.