Soon to be new driver looking for the right 4Runner advice?

Hey everyone! I just found this forum, and glad I did! So, I'm going to be a new driver who has some experience and I'm looking into used 4Runners, and recently saw the awesome post from ClutchPlate with the accomplishment of 500,000 miles!

I see that is a 90's model and was wondering, can a newer model from the 2010's and on make it to that mileage and beyond with proper checkups/maintenance?

Also, the mileage range I could afford soon would be in the 100,000-170,000 mile range or slightly above, to factor in with this purchase.

Should I just save even more money to get a lower mileage driven 4Runner, or could I make a 100k-170k (or more) 4Runner beyond the 400k mileage point and the vehicle still run well?

I'd be buying it just for normal day to day and out of town vacations.

Thanks!

 

Welcome

 

welcome

 

Welcome. You're being smart at looking at 4Runners for a first vehicle. I think the key is getting as much maintenance history as possible no matter the year of vehicle you're looking at. Toyota's generally will last for several hundred miles if maintained properly. Don't rush a buying decision. Do your homework before you decide. Search, "years to avoid". Also, watch the "Care Care Nut" on YT.

Best of luck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFCHZU0p-xs

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Welcome!
The Dental Floss Tycoon offers solid advice. As with any vehicle MAINTENANCE is key. Toyota 4Runners are a reliable product. That being said we all make mistakes and could should have done better. Yes, check out "model years to avoid." When you've found what you believe to be a "good buy" yes check for well documented maintenance records and any repairs. Might be a good idea if you are not familiar with 4Runner service intervals Google them for the year/model you are researching and compare that to any records the seller has.
Enjoy the hunt and both my son and daughter have purchased higher mileage 4Runners and have put well over 75K in additional miles on them! Good hunting!

 

Rust is about the only thing that would keep me from buying a truck. Everything else can be replaced/repaired fairly easy... with the correct budget. Whatever you end up with, learn to maintain it. Turn your own wrenches, hang your own parts and understand how things work.

 

Above comments are totally good advice. My additional thought is to fully understand the different 4WD systems and models of runners.
Then learn about the maintenance of Under Vehicle lube/fluid components: both diffs & zerk fittings, transfer case, tranny, engine oil filter.
Too many runners just get oil changes like a Cololla. But there is much more required.
On line search can provide hundreds of videos. This site has a wealth of information-learn how to search it.

 

Welcome

 

Just don’t expect the performance of a Supra and the MPGs of a Prius

 

Also know that even with all due diligence done, shit can still happen. Mileage/condition vs price is a sliding scale only you can answer.

Not every one will necessarily be guaranteed to be a 500k miler and even with a bulletproof powertrain, the rest of the vehicle is a factor. Well-made but still built and run by humans.

All you can do it be on top of maintenance, see what the previous owner did, and if you're buying private party, what kind of person they seem to be, etc.

Start with an idea of your objective for the vehicle, then you needs vs. wants. (and whether those wants can be done later or have to come with the vehicle)

If you aren't going off-pavement and the old-school engineering isn't a big draw, this one might not be for you.

You can still go the distance with a Highlander, a Prius, RAV4, Sienna, etc. and save on fuel or purchase price while you're at it. Passports cost a lot less than comparable 4Runners and are generally better daily's.

They have some very minor details I wouldn't want but that's just my personal opinion and are solid cars otherwise. Going the distance in a vehicle might not be so hot if you don't like going a mile in it. (make sure you can get comfy!)

Edit: I forgot you're a new driver, so don't try to optimize everything and be super attached because you will make mistakes. Just in case.

 

I ran this past AI and this was the results. Good luck on your quest for a solid 4Runner and welcome to the forum, James!