Yay or Nah on this 2004 4runner v8?

Hey guys,

I've been trying to get a 4runner w/ V8 engine for the past couple weeks now and did come across one that had a VERY clean frame that showed minimum rust.

It is a 2004 SR5 and is currently sitting at 192,000km (120,000miles). Priced at $20k CAD ($15k USD)


It is from a private dealer and they've done these following with receipts for all of them

-Front suspension rebuilt
-Belt & Water pump changed recently
-Transfer case actuator rebuilt
-Pre-purchase inspection done at a Toyota/Lexus dealership


Some of the observations that I've made are

*I've tried starting the car on a cold start but didn't really hear any ticking noise that could be from the cracked manifolds. Some say you would smell something from inside the car but I didn't find that issue.

*The truck still had the OEM XREAS suspension set up but I couldn't tell if the system has gone bad. I didn't see any leaks or felt like the ride was rough when I test drove.

*CARFAX looked pretty clean with good service records.


Let me know what you guys think!

 

Wow! If these pictures are for real and not doctored around, then I say this is a good deal. When I was originally buying 4R's I couldn't find a v8 that was in decent condition at the time. Post more pics and be certained the oracle here will give you good advice.

 

Welcome

 

2003-2004 V8 made less power than the V6 due to lack of VVTi.

This is a $15k CAD vehicle if you're talking before-tax price.

The frame and rear axle have been painted black with rust scales visibly painted over. Then again it's a 21 year-old vehicle; can't expect virgins. Inspect the usual areas for rot: front crossmember below the radiator, main frame rails next to the trans bellhousing, fuel tank straps, rear crossmember/tow hitch. Remove the rear license plate and check if tailgate has been repainted (very common on 4R and LX470 due to plate rub-through). From under the vehicle, check the floor sheetmetal under the footwells for rust holes - this is more from carpet soaking than road salt.

 

Thanks for the input. Yea I am hoping to get some more pictures this weekend!

 

So true, I initially did ask the dealer if they were painted over but they note they will never do such thing. I feel like the previous owner must have done it.

Will have a closer look at those areas you've mentioned next time I go.. Thanks alot!

 

15k is too much period. Dealers lie like hell. They absolutely paint shit to make it look better. I was at a dealer, watching them paint inside the wheel wells black again to make them look brand new. If you're truly serious pay to have a pre-purchase inspection done well worth it also if you get into an accident and your insurance wants to total the vehicle out, you may get 6 to 7 grand for it. That's it. Keep that in mind my son went through it on an 06 with a V8 Sport. Underside was painted definitely

 

Looks to me like the paint on the front door and the rear door on the passenger side doesn't match. Rear door looks darker.

 

Remember the saying " if its too good to be true- it probable has hidden flaws."

Maintaining a vehicle as if it was a Camry is how most dealer service a 4runner. Just engine oil and maybe serpentine belts and brake/power steering fluids.
Detailed timely records on both diffs, both propeller shafts, tranny and transfer case at schedules close to Toyota recommended intervals will be good.
If records (even prior owner receipts or notes) do not exist, these items were probably not serviced.
As a prospective owner you should know these service items for evaluating possible purchases and your care after purchase.

 

@LastRide : You've beat me to it. I had to look at it again to make sure it wasn't just me that noticed that.

OP: Please also investigate the last time the timing belt was replaced. I know you've mentioned the "belt" and water pump were both changed recently. Toyota recommends replacement every 90K. (You can remove one cover and verify this yourself.) The fact this has 120K miles, be sure it's not hanging by a thread. This is an interference engine, so if the belt breaks, you'll be looking at a new engine.

Also something to look out for is the front main seal, which leaks after a tonne of miles. This will show up as a mysterious oil leak that comes from the front of the engine. Driving it at highway speed for a while will definitely show oil splattered on the lower front part of the engine.

How to Remove & Install Front Main Seal - Front Oil Seal

This is an expensive job, so be sure this isn't leaking. I've had to replace 2 of them.

Having owned one of these myself, I believe $20K CAD is a bit on the high side... Please do your homework before committing to it.
Cheers,

Sean