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Looking at a 2008 4Runner

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by DailyRunner, May 11, 2019.

  1. May 11, 2019 at 8:20 PM
    #1
    DailyRunner

    DailyRunner [OP] New Member

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    I am starting to look for my first car. I have looked at a few cars and I think a 4Runner will fit my needs the best. I am new to the whole used car buying thing and my knowledge is limited on what to look for. My budget is around $13,000 which places me in the 2008 & below range with anywhere from 100-150k+ miles. I have a list of cars already that I am looking at and beginning to comb through/narrow down.

    The first one that I have seen in person is a 2008 T4R Sport with a V6 and 150,270 miles. It has had one owner before the dealer who had it in Colorado for 10 years. They are asking for $12k which I believe is a little high. I know rusting is a big thing but I don't know what is too much. It also has a little bit of hail damage but I don't think it's noticeable. Another concerning thing is that this dealership doesn't have any maintenance records or anything that has been done to the car thus far. Attached are a few pictures of the underside and engine. Any advice would be wonderful! IMG_0513.jpg IMG_0514.jpg IMG_0515.jpg IMG_0517.jpg IMG_0525.jpg IMG_0526.jpg IMG_0527.jpg IMG_0528.jpg IMG_0529.jpg IMG_0518.jpg
     
  2. May 12, 2019 at 5:08 AM
    #2
    scottalot

    scottalot Stockalot

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    First Name:
    Scott
    Charleston SC
    Vehicle:
    2018 T4R offroad
    To be determined
    For the age and location it lived in I’d say that frame is in great shape. Not much rust and looks clean otherwise. As for the maintenance it’s not unusual for the dealer to show no records. Could be that the owner did the maintenance himself- I trust a lot of diyers more than I do a random guy at the dealer that changes oil in 100 cars a day
    All that said- if it drives good, runs good, doesn’t show signs of leaks, doesn’t burn oil, brakes good, then I’d go with your gut and buy if that price is on par with your area. Naturally, since it’s at a dealer you absolutely always have room to haggle and may even be able to get a little warranty tossed in to seal
    The deal and for peace of mind


    FWIW- it does look like the engine was cleaned very recently.. this could be to boost its appeal for a sale or to hide issues.. look real hard for any new oil in those clean areas after a test drive
     
    DailyRunner[OP] and chassis like this.
  3. May 12, 2019 at 6:24 AM
    #3
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2019
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    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    I see no red flags. Agree with scottalot.

    Positives:
    - clean engine compartment
    - clean cam cover and cylinder head gaskets, as far as what can be seen in the photos
    - no obvious fluids leaking from steering, radiator, axles, brakes
    - front half shaft boots look OK
    - seemingly lots of tread left on the tires

    None of the rust in the photos is concerning to me. Cars rust.

    How is the interior (seat covers, carpets, etc.)? Does everything electric function properly (sunroof, windows, climate control, etc.)?

    Negotiate the price you want and buy it if you feel it is right for you.
     
    scottalot and DailyRunner[OP] like this.
  4. May 13, 2019 at 3:30 PM
    #4
    DailyRunner

    DailyRunner [OP] New Member

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    Thank you! I appreciate it!
     
    chassis and scottalot like this.
  5. May 17, 2019 at 3:13 PM
    #5
    SonofBert

    SonofBert New Member

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    First Name:
    Bert
    Vehicle:
    '08 T4R LTD 4.7 4WD, '07 T4R LTD 4.7 4WD, '05 Tundra LTD 4.7 4WD, three Tacos
    BOSS lift and airbags
    Rust not a problem on that. Get a Carfax for ANY used vehicle. The Sport has XREAS hydraulic shocks. If the vehicle feels soft handling (should feel very smooth) the hydraulics may be shot.

    Not a huge deal though if so, you can rip the XREAS out and have it replaced with standard gas shocks for the same price as any shock replacement. Best of luck.
     
  6. May 17, 2019 at 3:18 PM
    #6
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

    Joined:
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    273
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    Southeast Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Nautical Blue SR5 Premium
    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.
    Frame is fine. I POR15d mine, it looked the same under there and its jet black now. Glad to know resale is still up. Im at 136k on an V6 SR5 and I figured around it was worth 10 or 11k. KBB sucks.
     
  7. Jun 11, 2019 at 3:16 AM
    #7
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    nassau bahamas
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    2005 SR5
    Have the dealer change the tranny fluid (150,000) miles (if you buy it). When you drive it does it slip any? Whine Noise? Like the Fords tranny whine before they are "Found on the Road Dead"?

    I have a 2005 SR5 with 150,000 miles V6 - purchased new in 2005. I bought a new Camry for my daughter for $23,000. It was loaded. It's a 4 cylinder but gets over 100 mph. I expect 500,000 miles on the Camry with oil changes. She has 30,000 miles now - 5 years later. She drove it to Denver from Miami for a new job with giant stockbroker after graduating FSU with a 3.3gpa.

    I had the dealer change my tranny fluid at 100,000 miles - although the book said nothing about changing the tranny fluid. Apparently, it never had to be changed. In any event, it's best to let the Toyota dealer change the fluid, as they have the only (Toyota brand) ATF for the 4 runner, and it's' a job for the experienced. Overfilling or underfilling is not good.

    My 4runner tranny shifts like a new car. Knock on wood! Never owned a car that got that many miles out of a tranny.
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2019
  8. Jun 11, 2019 at 6:21 AM
    #8
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

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    Southeast Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Nautical Blue SR5 Premium
    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.
    100mph? Are you in Montana?!
     

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