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Please Help Me Price and Make a Decision

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by Chspear, Apr 8, 2021.

  1. Apr 8, 2021 at 4:51 PM
    #1
    Chspear

    Chspear [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2021
    Member:
    #20815
    Messages:
    3
    Vehicle:
    2004 Sport
    Hi everyone,

    This is my beloved 04 Sport with 226,000 thousand miles that I have owned going on 5 years. I am crazy about it but I can't afford to chase the expenses anymore like the rusted frame. I live in northern New England and I just failed inspection for the reasons included in the photo below.

    My husband wants me to list it but I don't even know where to start. I truly don't know the value. I wish I could fix it, but when do you give up on a 4th gen frame? I guess a factory weld in the rear has split. I had it undercoated last winter but even that dude was shaking his head about the rust.

    I have the running boards and it has a new radiator. The interior is decent and I can detail it.

    Please don't hold back, I really want to know if I'm crazy for not keeping it, crazy for wanting to keep it, what it's worth, etc.

    I've never felt grief over a vehicle, but the thought of not driving this truck to 300k+ is taking me out.

    Thank you in advance for your help!
    20210406_173340.jpg 20210408_193625.jpg
     
  2. Apr 8, 2021 at 5:12 PM
    #2
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    Welcome to the forum, without pics. Of the damage it would be hard to give you good advice. But from the list you provided, unless you are willing to drop some $$$$$$ on it ? I think you might need to let go. Chasing rust sucks.
     
    a47chuck likes this.
  3. Apr 8, 2021 at 5:17 PM
    #3
    Chspear

    Chspear [OP] New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2004 Sport
    Thank you, I appreciate your time. I will upload pics tomorrow morning in the daylight!
     
  4. Apr 9, 2021 at 6:15 AM
    #4
    Chspear

    Chspear [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2021
    Member:
    #20815
    Messages:
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Sport
    A lot of what I saw was dirt on the undercoating but I haven't broken out the hose here yet and I haven't taken it to the car wash in a minute. Thank you for looking!20210409_082909.jpg 20210409_082922.jpg 20210409_083101.jpg 20210409_083140.jpg 20210409_083223.jpg
     
    PJAC likes this.
  5. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:07 AM
    #5
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    I think there are members here that have had worse rust than that, i live in California so i don’t see rust like that, but i am sure someone will chime in to help you soon. In my opinion anything can be fixed with enough time and money, but rust on these vehicles likes to eat from the inside of the frame. To drop a bunch of money on it only to last a couple more years just does not make sense to me. I hope someone here can give you a better outlook, all the best to you.
     
    PJAC and Chspear[OP] like this.
  6. Apr 11, 2021 at 2:44 PM
    #6
    jonzn4suse

    jonzn4suse New Member

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    2003 Sports Edition V8
  7. Apr 28, 2021 at 4:11 AM
    #7
    importman

    importman The mountains are calling and I must go...

    Joined:
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    Danny
    Carolinas
    Vehicle:
    05 Silver SR5 V6 4X4
    Blacked out, Ironman 3" Nitro Gas Suspension lift, JBA High Caster upper control arms, Differential drop and sway bar relocate, Upgraded to Sport Front Cardone Calipers with Brembo Rotors and Akebono Pads, Added Spoiler, Sony XAV-AX100 with Apple Carplay, USB Jack, Backup Camera, Black TRD Pro Wheels with General Grabber ATX 265/70/17, Rear differential vent extension, Auto Dimming Mirror with Compass and Homelink, Map Light Mod, Tekonsha 90160 Trailer Brake Controller, Recoil SL1708 Sub, Sealight LED Headlamps, K&N drop in air filter, Weathertech floor mats, Homemade rear storage compartment with built in pull out table.
    That sucks. I really feel for you. Living in the southeast I don't have to deal with that, thankfully. I agree with the other poster. You should probably let it go. Unfortunately, it's probably not gonna bring a decent price. Good luck with whatever you decide.
     
    PJAC likes this.
  8. Apr 28, 2021 at 1:25 PM
    #8
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    First Name:
    Tom
    nassau bahamas
    Vehicle:
    2005 SR5
    I have a 2005 with 155,000 miles. I have some same superficial rust. I'm the only owner this SUV ever had.

    It's a shame; this one above should pass inspection IMO.

    My 4runner is in Nassau Bahamas.

    It is "solid" underneath. The rust is superficial. That black Toyota undercoat paint is still visible on entire bottom ... and holding up. Not sure if it came from factory in Japan like that, or what.

    Ours is garaged.

    I can go another 15 years and 300,000 miles with the same frame, but I'll be dead by then!

    Starts right up like a new one still. Runs great. These runners can go to 500,000 miles +. Just do those 5000 mile oils and filters. I read about them all the time! A few headed for 1 million miles.

    I lost OEM starter and two replacements ($90 from Amazon). So what!

    OEM radiator, WP, tranny and engine (never worked on). I keep a few new parts in the garage for when WP, radiator, starter fails. Several starters needed replacing along the way. NBD!

    I had a GMC 1996 JIMMY from new. Sold it after 10 years. Rusted everywhere, but started and ran.

    Toyota builds the best trucks - without question.

    Whoever heard of an OEM WP getting 155,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic - like I have in Nassau Bahamas. It's "un be leive able"...

    My WP is going for 250,000 miles. I have a new replacement WP for when OEM WP fails. When you see water under your car - always check it out. AC condensation can fool you. On a 4runner the AC drips on the passenger side. Ha! Ha!
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2021
  9. Apr 29, 2021 at 8:36 AM
    #9
    Toy Yoda

    Toy Yoda New Member

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    That is very heavy rust & looks like holes in the frame in areas marked with white & heavy scaling of the metal in most other areas, that is far beyond "superficial" & should NOT pass inspection with that heavy of rust & holes. suspensions that rusty are horrible to work on with stuck or broken bolts & rust debris raining down on you as you work on it!

    The factory black undercoating comes on ALL 4runners.

    OEM water pumps easily go past 155k miles & so do OEM starters, its not normal at all for a 150k mile 4runner to go through 3-4 starters, regardless of where you live.

    I agree with others on here, with that much rust on the frame & suspension & needing other stuff like brakes etc, its a tough call to invest a bunch of money to only keep it for a few more years to 300k, save that money & look for another newer 4runner if thats what you want, if yours runs ok now it should get a decent price & all that money can be put towards another one you will keep for another 150-200k miles.
     

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