New '06 4.7L V8 Owner

Hey everyone,

I'm about to purchase an '06 4Runner Limited Sport Trim with the 4.7L V8. The thing looks and sounds mean as hell and I can't wait to be the owner! The vehicle has about 183k miles and a squeaky clean record when I ran the VIN however I was unable to get some information from the person selling it such as when the last time the timing belt was replaced. Given the previous owner has had it for only a year and he doesn't know, I would assume that the timing belt and water pump replacement should be top priority for when I get it.

With that being said, is there anything else that you 4th gen 4Runner vets would recommend I check out or replace at this mileage? Any and all input would be appreciated!

Some extra info:
- The car drives flawlessly
- Some body rust but I can easily have that remedied by taking it somewhere.
- No significant rust on the frame or shocks (I live in NJ so this is definitely uncommon). Like the body rust, I plan on having this remedied.
- There's a crack in the windshield that's pretty significant on the driver's side which I plan on just replacing the windshield altogether when I buy it
- The guy has a set of all-terrain tires which are about a year old but still in really good shape
- There are two codes that I found (no check engine light or anything): P1445 & P0456 I found that the 456 is a small evap leak and the 1445 is a corresponding code because it's a purge valve code. I've been told by someone that this could either be as simple as a gas cap replacement or a purge valve replacement. Thoughts?

Ultimately, this guy is looking for $9,500 but considering the crack on the windshield, the codes, and the timing belt more likely than not needing replacement (if we're following the 90k rule) I'm probably going to be offering this guy no more than $8k. Any opinions on pricing here would be appreciated as well.

I've attached a bunch of pictures of the vehicle on this thread.

 

I would check that the 4LO and center locker work. Timing belt should have a sticker when last done. I would not worry if it has not ever been done but you should budget to eventually do it. You can type the vin into Toyota.com and see all the maintenance that was done by a Toyota dealer.

 

Nice looking 4runner. Price is nice too IMO. Underbody rust is normal. Mine has less. Been garaged.

I own a 2005 - purchased it new off dealer lot in the Bahamas for $42,000. They have government duties on cars and trucks of 60% to 80% in the Bahamas, so a new one today is like $55,000.

Body paint on yours looks excellent like the dark blue on ours. There is zero rust on the upper body after 15 years in Bahamas; and it runs better than it looks. Rust underneath on the chassis is normal.

Truthfully, a 15 year old 4runner can run about as good as new. Ours does (150,000 short miles in Nassau Bahamas). The longest drives were about 15 to 30 miles RT.

I had a 1996 GMC Jimmy from new ($22,000 cash off a Ford dealer lot) and sold it for $800 after ten years. The body rusted away to "junk". I will never buy a GM product again.

Go for it. If it runs good, you'll be glad you did. Have a T mechanic check it out for his opinion for $100.

 

Definitely make sure it locks into all 4x4 ranges - pain to troubleshoot and repair. Things tend to corrode and stick if not used regularly.

 

Looks like a upgrade on the stock radio. Is that working. Looking put a touch screen on my '06. Have a V8 with 230000 on it. Just changed the timing belt last month.

 

Mines an 06 V8 4runner too. If i were to give my 2 cents. It'd be negotiate on asking price because seems a bit higher and you'll need the extra room for regular or more maintenance on it. I paid around 7500 for mine with 178k miles but withg no codes and about same amount of rust . Had to replace a few parts since Ive owned it like air pump and a cat. But i do about 32k miles a year

 

I have to totally disagree with this. This is an interference engine. If you can't find proof of when the timing belt was replaced you should do it ASAP. The cost will triple or quadruple if it breaks. Right now you're looking at something you can possibly do yourself for $500 or less, maybe up to $1000 at a shop. If it breaks it's gonna cost you thousands. Just my .02.