Need help deciding on my first 4runner

Hi everyone!

I'm in the process of buying my first 4runner (4th gen), and I could really use some help making the purchase decision. All the vehicles I'm considering are v6/4wd. Right now it's between the following:

• 2003 with 131k miles for $9k: More rust spots than the others but nothing too bad. Car spent most of it's time in the Northeast US and Colorado. Extensive dealership service records - was recently serviced for a check engine light.
  
  
• 2007 with 121k miles for $12.5k: Very little rust. Car has spent whole life in Utah. Extensive dealership service records up until 2013 (maybe concerning?). Very clean.
  
  
• 2007 with 76k miles for $13.5k: In between the others as far as rust goes. Car spent most of time in NY before coming to Utah. Very clean. One owner. Extensive dealership service records to present. My biggest hesitation on this one is that the dealer has some bad reviews/people saying they got a lemon.
  
  
• 2008 with 116k miles for 13.6k - some rust but nothing bad (car came from Connecticut). Extensive dealership service records throughout it's entire life to present day.

So they all have their pros and cons, but I guess my biggest question is if it's worth paying $3-4k to get a 2007/2008 over a 2003, and/or if it's worth paying $3-4k for one with 30-50k less miles on it. I don't mind paying more if the more newer/lower mile ones if they will last me longer, or if the newer years have better features, reliability, etc.

Any advice, opinions, or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

Tough call. Drive them at 70 mph before you buy and compare. I have 2005 SR5 with 144,000 miles. Starts on first crank, no shakes, runs great. No rust on body - except under frame (minor).

Find a good mechanic to check it out.

 

As @captsolo said, take a thorough test drive. In addition to some highway driving, try to find a crummy bumpy road to listen for clunks and rattles.

I'd be more likely to pay extra for a newer model year than for low mileage. These trucks are good for 300K+ miles if well taken care of.

Good luck with your search!

 

A good rule to follow is to buy the newest, lowest mileage vehicle in your budget, that meets your transportation requirements.

The 2008 and lower mileage 2007 are my two recommendations. I suggest the 2007, because 40k miles is a fair chunk of mileage. One owner with extensive service records is good information.

There were some small upgrades in later years, that the 2003 does not have. Headlamps is one example, I do not know all of them.

Drive the lower mileage 2007 extensively and get a Carfax. If all is OK, I would buy it. Pay cash and enjoy.

 

If they all drive alike and nothing else is a factor go newer.

 

2006-2009 have the A750F 5 speed transmision. That is a big difference with 4 speed prior transmission.

 

5 speed automatics were available on 2005 models. Not sure about 2003-2004.

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys! This was definitely helpful