What to look out for with a 4th gen with 375k miles?

Hi everyone. Thanks for letting me into your group. I have owned a few Toyota's form 98 Tacoma to 08 Hilux. I am about to buy a 05 4runner sr5 limited edition with 375,000 miles on it.
I was looking for a little advise on what to look for with a truck of that year. The price I think is right but I am not sure what issues that year had I i would like to have an idea of what I am getting into.

 

Two thing my dealer mention on my 07 was the CV joints and the engine exhaust manifold gaskets. Both are labor intensive changes and expensive for the dealer to do.

 

Have a good mechanic check it out with a good ($5000) scan tool. Too many miles IMO.

I have 2005 4runner with 150,000 miles. Lower control arms and sway bars. Check for HG. AC compressors fail at 13 years. Evaporators fail too.

The body should have zero rust. Underneath should not be rusted through. Cars from up North are rust buckets = generally.

 

Unless you are getting it dirt cheap, I would pass. But if you do, make sure all maintenance has been kept up and definitely have it checked by a mechanic.

 

Pay a mechanic 100$ to check it out, eyes-on plus electronic analyzer. Worth every dime. Find a recommended independent repair shop ahead of time, ask them if they will and charge how much.(maybe not use word "inspect" Bec here in Virginia "inspect" is a state mandated safety inspection). You want mechanical evaluation. Transmission, engine , suspension , etc. Find a 4R you like,tell seller and take car there with or without seller. The mechanic's report (they should write) gives you bargaining info worth much more than mechanic's fee. I buy all my vehicles from private owners, always get mechanical check. The $___ bucks (especially in cash,plus I always tip mechanics. $20 handed discretely ahead of time to man who does the work - walk into shop, hand him a twenty ,"I appreciate your work. Thank you.", leave) will enable you to know what you're buying and peace of mind.
My 2 cent fee waived. Ymmv.
Budster Kayakeur