Newbie: Buying used 4R - What to look for at ~180K miles?

Hi everyone, I'm on the hunt for a good 4thGen 4runner in the used market - specifically 06-09 models.

Looks like most listings are between 160K - 200K+ miles. I know 4Runners engines can last quite a bit longer, but at such high mileages, I am concerned about the lifespan of major components like the transmission, diff, and anything that would take more than $1500 to fix.

Beyond basic maintenance-schedule items, are there known trends for the lifespan of certain items? For example, I know that the timing belt of V8s should get replaced at 90Kmi. Anything else?

Would also appreciate some tips like

• Detecting red flags
• Reading service records
• What to check on a test drive (unique things for 4gen 4runners)

Appreciate any info!

 

there is a good youtube about 4th/3rd gen 4runner buying guide
I only remembered to check the frame rust

 

Check belts, make sure no water/oil leaks (engine/transmission/front and rear diff), check rust, make sure there is no frayed/open wires, inspect shocks to see if they need replaced, make sure AC works, listen to engine running to make sure their is no abnormal knocking or any other noise, run all gears in the transmission to make sure they engage/shift properly, test the 4x4. Just be careful when testing the 4x4, make sure you only drive straight if on dry pavement as it will bind if you turn and can damage it.
If I were buying it thats a quick check list I’d do. I’d also do some preventative maintenance and change the water pump and belts (unless previous owner has proof this was done recently), change all fluids (engine/transmission/diff/antifreeze), grease the ujoints on the driveline, and change spark plugs. There could be more things I’m missing so maybe someone else can chime in but that’s what I can think of!
Not an expert, but that’s what I would do. Good luck on your search!

 

Main focus, should be frame rust, and rust in general. Frame rust is a killer...everything else..from engine / trans / electronics
can be taken care of..within costs...but trust me , RUST underneath, is the death of many 4Runners....as with first gen isuzu Troopers, etc

 

I think I found it?
Toyota 4runner Buyer's Guide - Common Issues To Look Out For
(although this specifically is about 3rd gens)

 

Also, check Carfax and get a feeling for who is selling it. If it's a guy selling it for "Aunt Betty" and it's not titled in his name, do more digging. There's a good chance he's a wholesaler who only has a license to sell to dealers, so he won't title it in his name on a vehicle he bought at a dealer auction. Now, you have to wonder why it was traded in. Also, look for flood line marks in the engine compartment. There were a couple of years since about 2000 where there was major flooding in the Southeast and thousands of vehicles sat in water. I was considering buying a Lexus LX470 years ago and things didn't add up - it had low miles, but it had brand new interior and the air suspension had been removed and replaced with normal springs & shocks. Then I saw the engine compartment - very obvious water line.