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What should i look for? 2004

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by New_To_This, Jan 31, 2025.

  1. Jan 31, 2025 at 10:45 AM
    #1
    New_To_This

    New_To_This [OP] New Member

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    Howdy fellas

    Im looking at this 2004 4runner 4wd that is for sale at a used car dealership.
    It has 241,733 miles on it with a lift, light bar, and aftermarket wheels (so a head start on a offroad build)

    I can only see two pictures of the underside, but the interior looks fine, i just know that rust is the biggest killer.


    new4.jpg backunder.jpg undernew.jpg
     
  2. Jan 31, 2025 at 11:04 AM
    #2
    Airdam

    Airdam New Member

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    airdam
    Vehicle:
    2008 Urban Runner 2012 Limited 2023 TRD Sport
    The whole front end and drivers door has been repainted, find out why.........
    The frame pix shown are not bad at all, typical of any 20 year old vehicle.
    The 1GR-FE 4.0 v6 is pretty bulletproof but you'll want to get the VIN and go to this website and make an account, put in the VIN number, and with some tinkering and button presses and finding the "dashboard" you can find a link that will show you the whole vehicle history. Every time its been to a dealer or had anything done like any shop. Look for how often the oil was changed, look for recalls, ect ect. https://www.toyota.com/owners/vehicle-specification/

    Also, i suspect someone lifted it and didnt do a front end alignment, the inside of the front tires has significant more wear than the outside of the front tires. OR maybe someone did take it to get it aligned and it couldnt be cause the lower A-arm sleeve bolts are rusted up which is actually quite common which will require some labor intensive work that usually results in having to cut the A-arm sleeve bushings out with a sawzall so you can get the A-arm out and then replace the bushings, sleeves, and bolts so that you can align the front end. Also be sure to use anti-seize on all those parts so they dont rust up next time.
     
    LOSTR4 likes this.
  3. Jan 31, 2025 at 1:34 PM
    #3
    LOSTR4

    LOSTR4 New Member

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    Just a couple
    Solid advice and eye for detail!!
     
  4. Jan 31, 2025 at 2:43 PM
    #4
    leftyfire

    leftyfire New Member

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    First Name:
    Michael
    Vehicle:
    2006 Limited V6
    The V6's are notorious for head gaskets. Had 2 v6's both had head gasket problems. Pre-purchase inspection is a good idea
     
    LOSTR4 likes this.
  5. Jan 31, 2025 at 6:25 PM
    #5
    RonT4R

    RonT4R New Member

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    Virginia Beach
    Vehicle:
    2007 4runner SR5 4WD
    V6 motors up to I believe 2006 had the majority of head gasket issues. I think they were corrected after 2006.
     
    icebear, leftyfire[QUOTED] and LOSTR4 like this.
  6. Feb 3, 2025 at 10:35 PM
    #6
    Hungryhawk

    Hungryhawk New Member

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    Jim
    Southern CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5
    Maintenance since new is critical. It is 20 years old! Old coolant can compromise head gaskets. Lack of transmission fluid service can compromise tranny.
    If body and frame are sound without heavy rust and there is a good service history since it was new and it will not be your daily driver, go see it and take it to a mechanic for inspection.
    If service history is missing and you cannot dig the history out of CarFax or Toyota service records I would pass on it.
     
    icebear likes this.

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