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

Is this dirt cheap 4Runner worth fixing and keeping? Need some opinions!

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by artfil91, Dec 2, 2022.

  1. Dec 2, 2022 at 9:38 AM
    #1
    artfil91

    artfil91 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2022
    Member:
    #29703
    Messages:
    11
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Arthur
    Vehicle:
    2003 Black SR5 4Runner V6 4x4
    LET'S TALK MONEY!

    So I recently (impulsively) bought a 4Runner... for cheap, and I'm trying to figure out how much money is worth dumping into this thing. I'm tracking EVERY penny I put into it aside from gas.
    For context, it is a 2003 SR5 V6 4x4 (pictured) with 244k miles. I paid only $1,800 for this thing. My TOTAL investment so far is just shy of $2,700 (see spreadsheet) for a running and driving Toyota 4x4, which I'm pretty happy with. It is worth noting that nearly $600 of that $2700 is just registration/insurance.

    I've seen prices all over the place for 4th gens, ranging from $1,800 (mine lol) all the way north of $10k. Correct me if I'm wrong but similar 4th gens to mine with comparable mileage seem to be going for $4-6k.

    Naturally, it's still not perfect and will need some work:

    Frame rot - Fortunately it's not terrible, a local shop quoted me about $1,500 to fix all the rot on the frame. Currently it's still safe to drive but I'd like to have this fixed and extend the life of this truck.

    It could also use a set of shocks/struts, along with a front right CV axle.

    Mechanically, it seems very solid. The engine runs beautifully and doesn't appear to burn any oil/coolant, transmission shifts great (worth noting that it looks like it may have been replaced at some point), and the previous owner replaced the cat-back exhaust, and all 4 brakes/rotors in the past year or two. The tires are also in great shape!

    With the frame repairs and suspension components, it appears I'll need to sink about another $2k into it, bringing my total investment to about $4,700 (including the original price of the car, registration, insurance, etc).

    Fortunately I'm in a position where this isn't my only vehicle, so I can take my time or simply part with it if it becomes too much.

    When would you say enough is enough? What would you do if this was your vehicle? What do ya'll think it's worth?

    318076984_10229008841350961_722183893823_c017110e3d439e1fe97d415ef949b8750df1c5ab.jpg

    316803230_10229008841670969_213809878366_c402f1dbb245b5c26a9287f503a2eed41556e278.jpg
     
  2. Dec 4, 2022 at 8:20 AM
    #2
    T92

    T92 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2022
    Member:
    #29330
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    Frame rot is a big sus. Are you sure you looked at all of the parts of the frames? not the shop but you look at it yourself. if you live up north it may get worse with salt on the roads so be careful with rust on this thing.
     
  3. Dec 4, 2022 at 9:11 AM
    #3
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    4,612
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s
    Rust is one thing. But rot? Did you see perforation of the frame?
     
  4. Dec 5, 2022 at 6:46 AM
    #4
    artfil91

    artfil91 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2022
    Member:
    #29703
    Messages:
    11
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Arthur
    Vehicle:
    2003 Black SR5 4Runner V6 4x4
    I thoroughly inspected the frame with a hammer before buying it. It has some rot, but it's repairable. The worse being on the trailer hitch and radiator support
     
  5. Jan 5, 2023 at 6:40 AM
    #5
    Bonitobob

    Bonitobob New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2021
    Member:
    #19275
    Messages:
    123
    Vehicle:
    06 V8 Sport
    I don't think you can repair rot for $1500. That sounds like a band-aid.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top