High mileage V8?

Hi guys, I’m looking at a 2008 limited with the V8 and it has 244k. It looks in good shape but haven’t looked at it yet and wanted to see what you guys thought before I made the drive. I need to ask for the car fax and look under for frame rust but anything else on the runners? I’ve had a few Tacoma’s so same things to look for? I’d like it for driving out west and road trips. They are asking $6990

 

Welcome to the forum from Wisconsin!

As long as the timing belt has been replaced at some point, and it's been maintained, That mileage wouldn't worry me.

Good call checking for rust and the CARFAX.

At that mileage, the hub bearings will need replacing soon if they haven't been already. And, if I were going to do those, I would consider the CV axles as long as it's already taken apart. The hub bearings will produce a slight roar or howling noise if they're bad. These are things that can be done at home if you have the tools and are mechanically inclined.

And, like you said, anything else you would look for on a Tacoma.

 

Welcome from Arizona! The pictures look good so far. Hopefully the undercarriage is as nice.

 

Thanks for the feed back, I'm going to look at it tomorrow. I sold my truck a few days ago so don't have my own vehicle and only have about 6 grand in cash.

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=DEY_0&vin=JTEBT17R18K002667

It appears it was well maintained but don't see the timing chain replacement on the carfax.

 

The original timing belt on my '03 V8 didn't get replaced until around 240K, but I don't recommend anyone let it go that long! I was very lucky it didn't fail.

The belt replacement can also be done at home with the right tools and a full day to dedicate to the job. And, preferably a friend to help! It's a lot of removal and re-installation mostly. The actual belt replacement is nearly impossible to screw up. And, there are kits that will include the water pump, tensioner, and any gaskets you might need.

 

Good choice!! I bought a 2006 runner limited V8 just a year ago and from what I experienced so far. Double check brakes rotors, pads, and then the oil etc under hood. Make sure tires arent shot!! Checking the simple things can give ya a good idea. In carfax check if anything related to sec air inject system replaced because im currently dealing with this issue now. My last 2 cents if you have a reliable mechanic have them check it out.

 

Check Hewitt tech for the bypass, did it on my 06.

 

Well it was sold before I got there I've never had this much problems in my life trying to find a used car to buy...

 

Hang in there! Ya never know something better could come up. Least you got more tips etc for next time

 

I have noticed same thing on the used market. Used to buy beaters and fix up for fun. Would find stuff $400-1200 range, and bring it back to life, square it away and pass on to the next person after I’ve driven it for a few months. But, as of late there just isn’t as much out there and people are asking silly sums for crap cars. But - there still are some finds to be had. Just got to be patient. If you can hold off

 

Example of a $1200 find. It needed a full tuneup ( spark plugs, valve cover gasket, pcv, cleaned maf and tb, and flushed all fluids)and motor mounts. I was prepared to swap the engine too - but it ended up not needing it. It was power everything, auto climate and JBL audio. I drove it for 6 months and fixed all the little issues and then sold it to a college kid to last for many more years.

 

main concern is rust. rust is tough to fix. especially when it attacks frame, etc...stuff like pads, rotors, timing belt, etc..can be replaced..

 

Hang in there, and keep looking!

 

I might not be near you but I have an 06 V8 4x4 with some extras, rust free in TX if you’re interested!

 

That's a long drive for me unfortunately

 

Are the 1998-2002 models any good to look at?

 

looks great
pay a mechanic $100 for to look before you buy

 

Check out this article. Kinda gives an insight on each 4runner gen. Even the 98'-02 gen

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-best-toyota-4runner-years-for-a-used-model/

 

Thanks for all the info but this one passed by to fast. I did find another one not to far away tho. It's a 2008 SR5 with V6 and 165k miles. The couple have owned it since 2012 and they just had an issue with it going into 4wd. I assume its the Tcase actuator? They are asking $6500 What do you geniuses think?

 

Can't hurt to take a look. Hopefully nobody gets there before you.

 

The V8s are unicorns and hard to find, expensive, and quick to sell. The V6 will likely not go so quickly, but if it's clean, then it might.

165k isn't a problem for that 4.0L V6, I'd expect double that easily if you're taking care of it regularly.
I see snow in the pics, once again look for frame rust.

If 4x4 won't engage it's likely something electronic like the actuator, and if you don't hear grinding noises it's probably fine and you can fix with some time and effort. It's worth fixing.

I'd ask them for less since the 4wd doesn't work, or ask if they would be willing to have a mechanic take a peek, assess the cost, and negotiate from there.

All in all the price seems in line with other 4th Gen 4runners with similiar specs, and the good news about the v6 is that it has a timing chain, not belt, so that's not a concern.

 

I have an 05 with 150,000 miles. The reason I didn't look for a new car is this one has zero rust and runs and starts like new, and I don't need two forerunners,=

I had a 1996 GMC Jimmy purchased it new, owned it for 10 years, and it rusted away into a shell. That is the last GM product I would ever buy. Junk.

 

So I misspoke on the miles it have 185k and talked to the owner more about it. She said prior to last month no issue. It’s always switched from 2wd to 4wd, then suddenly wouldn’t switch over flash but wouldn’t engage. The new part is around $500 and replacing it is a non issue if thats the only thing wrong. I did a check of 250 miles of them for sale with same year and close to same miles and they are selling around 10 grand. Michigan gotta love high prices and rusted out crap lol

 

I'm no expert, but I probably wouldn't hesitate at that price/mileage provided there's no major rust issues, or what is there can be stopped/corrected before causing major safety risks.

 

Isn't it inevitable that the V8s will get cracked exhaust manifolds? I remember looking at buying one a few years ago and in my research that seemed to be a common issue at around $1,200 per side to fix. Is that correct?

 

this is the V6, I'm guessing the same 4.0 that was in my 2013 tacoma

 

[QUOTE="fajitas21, post: 216030, member:

All in all the price seems in line with other 4th Gen 4runners with similiar specs, and the good news about the v6 is that it has a timing chain, not belt, so that's not a concern.[/QUOTE]
It seems the belt is not an issue on the V8 either. Just something those V8 wannabes like to point out.

 

Strange flex. Mainly just making sure the person knows it's a concern, so address it so it's not one. Otherwise, then you get to enjoy the v8 engine, which is just as reliable as the v6.

 

Hear ya... What I meant was everyone with a V8 should be aware but I never heard of one breaking under normal conditions (except see below) so I bet it is very rare. If one notices something like water pump leak I would get in there immediately. Mine should have been changed twice based on time but it has never been changed. I am at 80k now and not rushing to change it. I have also heard of cases where Bubba did the change and it broke soon afterward so it might be like the sealed tranny don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.

 

Yea in general I'd not consider the V8 4Runner some time bomb. Just do the maintenance cause a belt will wear over time. But really, nothing super special about the engine that would make me hesitate for one second to get me one. I'm much more concerned about rust, and that problem is important regardless of year or generation. If rust is good, the rest is fixable.