1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Should I buy this 2005 SR5 V8?

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by samguy, Aug 3, 2020.

  1. Aug 3, 2020 at 4:31 AM
    #1
    samguy

    samguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2020
    Member:
    #15892
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 SR5 V8 4Runner
    Hello,

    My son bought a 05 SR5 V8 five years ago. He moved to Colorado, had it lifted, and cherished it. Unfortunately, he took his life almost a year and half ago. I had wanted to keep his 4Runner to remember and honor him by, the estranged wife borrowed it, then rather than return it she used it as a trade in.

    I need a car now to replace my 05 Matrix and when looking, came across the same year/model/color of my sons. It is a single owned, well maintained vehicle, has 244,000 miles and comes from same place out of state as where my boy's came from. My son's had 211,000 when bought and 260k+ when it came to me.

    It will go to a garage in the area I was referred to by a fam friend. What specifically should be checked do try to prevent any major surprises? The old one had an issue with the front, something about broken stud or engine/manifold mounts? He used to read this forum regularly, I should have done my homework before now though.

    This means the world to me, really appreciate suggestions and direction. Thank you very much!

    P.S. These are pics of it from the ad

    4Runner full 2.jpg 4Runner full 1.jpg 4Runner full 3.jpg 4Runner full 4.jpg 4Runner full 5.jpg 4Runner full 6.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2020
  2. Aug 3, 2020 at 5:45 AM
    #2
    Dark Knight

    Dark Knight Get off my lawn

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2016
    Member:
    #2681
    Messages:
    1,096
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Looks nice to me. Check when the last time the timing belt was done. Other than that just standard stuff that the shop should be able to find.
     
  3. Aug 3, 2020 at 6:01 AM
    #3
    samguy

    samguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2020
    Member:
    #15892
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 SR5 V8 4Runner
    Thank you Dark Knight! :)
     
  4. Aug 3, 2020 at 6:05 AM
    #4
    Spare Parts

    Spare Parts New Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2020
    Member:
    #14274
    Messages:
    2,317
    Gender:
    Male
    Southern Maine
    Vehicle:
    22 LR ORP
    Sherpa Crestone. 4X Innovations Sliders
    Rust, rust and check again for rust. I see PA plates, which I believe uses salt and shit on roads.
     
  5. Aug 3, 2020 at 6:09 AM
    #5
    samguy

    samguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2020
    Member:
    #15892
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 SR5 V8 4Runner
    Actually, PA doesn't use salt. Here in Ohio, they do.
     
  6. Aug 3, 2020 at 6:10 AM
    #6
    Spare Parts

    Spare Parts New Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2020
    Member:
    #14274
    Messages:
    2,317
    Gender:
    Male
    Southern Maine
    Vehicle:
    22 LR ORP
    Sherpa Crestone. 4X Innovations Sliders
    What do the use? Some of the chemicals are worse, hence the salt and SHIT. Being from Maine, rust is always right up next to does it run.
     
  7. Aug 3, 2020 at 6:15 AM
    #7
    samguy

    samguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2020
    Member:
    #15892
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 SR5 V8 4Runner
    I stand corrected, just checked and they do. Another wives tale bites the dust. Thanks, and point well taken.
     
    Spare Parts[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Aug 3, 2020 at 7:59 AM
    #8
    samguy

    samguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2020
    Member:
    #15892
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 SR5 V8 4Runner
    Mechanic said he thinks there are some small leaks on both manifold sides. My mechanic here at home said if any stud mounts are broken it could become very problematic and doesn't even know if it could get to them if broken without pulling the engine. With a heavy heart I told the seller I have to pass.

    If I am wrong or misinformed about anything, please let me know! Thanks
     
    7385 and Dark Knight like this.
  9. Aug 3, 2020 at 12:29 PM
    #9
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #11913
    Messages:
    2,267
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    The fact that you cannot personally check it out or have your mech check it out means I would stay away from it even though it looks really good on the outside.
     
  10. Aug 3, 2020 at 1:07 PM
    #10
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,453
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    So sorry to hear about your son.

    You will find that perfect 4Runner that reminds you of his. Just take your time.
     
    Mitch likes this.
  11. Aug 3, 2020 at 1:28 PM
    #11
    samguy

    samguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2020
    Member:
    #15892
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 SR5 V8 4Runner
    Thank you guys
     
  12. Aug 3, 2020 at 1:28 PM
    #12
    samguy

    samguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2020
    Member:
    #15892
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 SR5 V8 4Runner
    Thank you Nimby :)
     
    nimby[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Aug 3, 2020 at 2:14 PM
    #13
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,453
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    You're welcome. I wish you the absolute best of luck on your quest.

    These vehicles are solid and they don't really have inherent problems to watch out for (like the transmission of a Jeep, for example).

    It sounds like you're already on the right track......

    As already mentioned keep an eye out for rust if it lived in a wet, salty environment.

    Ask the owner about their maintenance schedule and make sure they kept everything on the up and up.

    Have your mechanic do a thorough inspection prior to purchase.

    I hope you find it soon, but don't settle for one that's not up to par.
     
  14. Aug 6, 2020 at 1:14 PM
    #14
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2019
    Member:
    #10131
    Messages:
    365
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tom
    nassau bahamas
    Vehicle:
    2005 SR5
    I have the same color and year 4runner. Runs like perfect with 150,000 and no rust. Keep in my 2 car garage. Paint looks like new
     

Products Discussed in

To Top