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First time 4runner owner....help !!!

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Limited off-road, Apr 3, 2024.

  1. Apr 3, 2024 at 10:19 PM
    #1
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    Alwyn
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    Hello everyone got a great deal on pre-owned 2014 4runner Limited @95k mi from CarMax..I'll be soon heading down to the dealer by this weekend to finalize the transaction.Any advice or tips ?
     
  2. Apr 3, 2024 at 10:23 PM
    #2
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

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    Well, ask for the service record and check the frame for rust. You can also pay a shop to do pre sale inspection for you
     
  3. Apr 3, 2024 at 10:24 PM
    #3
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

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    It's a Limited, so look for any leaks from the X-REAS
     
    Reddawg1100 and djwantke like this.
  4. Apr 3, 2024 at 10:31 PM
    #4
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    I don't know if carmax allows for pre-sale inspection.all I was told was that the vehicle is coming in from Texas, and it will be delivered in new york which is where I live then they will do deep cleaning interior and exterior.they so said that they inspect all of their pre-owned vehicles before they purchased them.i never purchased from carmax before so I don't know their reputation.and I don't have a personal mechanic to go with me when I go pick up the vehicle.
     
    Yotaholic likes this.
  5. Apr 3, 2024 at 10:37 PM
    #5
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

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    Coming from Texas rust is not an issue. Don't compromise on the service records. Crawl under the truck and look for any leaks from X-REAS. Have a thorough test drive and feel any problems. 95k miles is pretty much nothing for these trucks if the previous owner did even a mediocre maintenance. I would really want to see the fluids changed at least once in the record, and of course frequent oil changes
     
    PennSilverTaco likes this.
  6. Apr 3, 2024 at 10:53 PM
    #6
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    Alwyn
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    Thanks alot bro I really feel like family here lol....I don't know what is X-REAS but I think your talking about the struts located on the inner side of the wheels or the suspension system.im already loving your advice fill me in with anything u wana share.....95k for a 2014 ain't bad for $26,000 so i think I got a good deal here.but yes I plan to have them put the 4runnef up on the lift so I can see underneath and also show me and explain what features it has and do.i have never owned or driven a SUV before so I'm new to this.my first vehicle is a 2010 Nissan altima and it's just been a money pit for me:( my co-workers all insisted I get a toyota this time around.and a 4runner is good for my size.so spent countless weeks on YouTube researching on 4runners and why they are so reliable and bulletproof then I was finally convinced...it's only gonna be the 4runner or nothing else lol...plus I just love how it looks...and its family oriented so that's a big plus for me.great for road trips and interstate driving.i keep hearing they generally don't offer good gas mileage but something's gotta give right ? Thanks again
     
    Yotaholic likes this.
  7. Apr 3, 2024 at 10:58 PM
    #7
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

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    Good luck. Keep us posted
     
  8. Apr 3, 2024 at 11:02 PM
    #8
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

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    2014 Limited looks nice. The thing had push button start way back in 2014, we peasants got it in 2020. Enjoy the leather seats

    20240403_225932.jpg 20240403_230102.jpg
     
  9. Apr 3, 2024 at 11:33 PM
    #9
    steelevo

    steelevo Not so new anymore...

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    Welcome. Insist on a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic of your choice before buying and DON'T skip out on this. They can drive it there if they don't want you to. Also, stop by a body shop and have them inspect it for any accidents not reported on car history reports. They can check all of the panels with a paint depth gauge and can usually tell you if a repair has been done. Once you sign the papers and take delivery, it will be your problem. Don't fall for the "x" amount of days or mileage return policy. XREAS will begin to show signs of deterioration and leaking at close to 100k miles. This is also when your major service will be due. Spark plugs, drive belt, coolant, transmission, differential, etc.
     
    djwantke likes this.
  10. Apr 3, 2024 at 11:43 PM
    #10
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    Omg your scaring me now ....
     
    djwantke likes this.
  11. Apr 3, 2024 at 11:45 PM
    #11
    steelevo

    steelevo Not so new anymore...

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    The post wasn't meant to scare you away from the purchase. It was just to help you understand some future maintenance items and the rights you have as a consumer when purchasing a vehicle. May I ask what CarMax is charging for this?
     
    djwantke and BS67 like this.
  12. Apr 3, 2024 at 11:47 PM
    #12
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    $26,998 for 2014 4runner Limited @95,000 it's in transit from Texas to New York
     
  13. Apr 3, 2024 at 11:52 PM
    #13
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

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    What if I told you a brand spanking new 2023 4Runner can be had for $39,000? It will be more offroad worthy and more simple and more reliable than that Limited.
     
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2024
    Pavementprincess24 and steelevo like this.
  14. Apr 3, 2024 at 11:59 PM
    #14
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

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    Call them and tell them you have $38,000.

    Screenshot_20240403-235725_Chrome.jpg Screenshot_20240403-235814_Chrome.jpg Screenshot_20240403-235826_Chrome.jpg
     
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  15. Apr 4, 2024 at 12:03 AM
    #15
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

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    Screenshot_20240404-000250_Chrome.jpg
     
    steelevo likes this.
  16. Apr 4, 2024 at 12:07 AM
    #16
    steelevo

    steelevo Not so new anymore...

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    That is a pretty hefty price tag for a 4Runner that is 10 years old and due for 100k maintenance. I agree with @Yotaholic about buying a new base SR5 4WD. Invoice for a 2024 is about $39,000 and there are lots of dealers that will get you that price. You get a car that is 10 years newer, has a warranty, and will be worry free.
     
    Yotaholic likes this.
  17. Apr 4, 2024 at 12:08 AM
    #17
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    Alwyn
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    Yes its always nice to go the "brand new" route.but I can't afford it...pre-owned fits my budget.and I'm not looking for off-road entirely....I wanted a SUV that can take me from point A to B and around new york city while getting me out of most snow conditions during a bad weather and more needed room than my previous 4 door sedan.and most importantly reliability.the 4runner fit the bill nicely.it was either the limited or the lexus GX460
     
  18. Apr 4, 2024 at 12:18 AM
    #18
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

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    The difference is $12,000 between used and new. 100k mile service on the used one is gonna cost you a good $2000 at least. If X-REAS craps out, you will need more money to fix it. If you consider all those expenses, the new one is a better deal. With the new one you will only be dping oil changes for the next 5 years, that's pretty much it. With the used one you don't know how the brakes are, how the tires are, how the shocks are. Things will start falling apart and you will have to spend $$$ to fix them. Also you say now that offfoading isn't your thing. But later you will want offroading and the SR5 is perfect for that.
     
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  19. Apr 4, 2024 at 12:25 AM
    #19
    steelevo

    steelevo Not so new anymore...

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  20. Apr 4, 2024 at 12:32 AM
    #20
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    I didn't rule out off-roading completely.i live in new york city so how much of a "off roading" will any 4runner variant I decided to get... new or used ? I don't live in rural states or areas where I can zip through the forest or uphill on a 4runner.so the only off-roading I'll ever get with my family is when we go on family road trips and that won't be every weekend or so often.however your right about the benefits off new 4runner.but I'm on a budget.i never thought I'll ever own a 4runner so it's Iike a dream come true for me.my co-worker is driving a 2009 4th gen with God knows how many miles he's got on it.and since I have know him for so long his 4th gen still takes him to work everyday with issues and here I am about to get behind the wheel of a 2014 limited at 95k mi so yeah I think I'm doing better than some people.i didn't sign anything yet or handed over any downpayment yet so I'm still safe.otherwise I'll be sure to test drive the 4runner with windows down and up listen for any noise check underneath and the x-reas for leaks and ask for proof of service history and if I don't like what I see I can walk away.or swap for something else like a trail premium or SR5 premium.otherwise I appreciate your advice.keep them coming
     
  21. Apr 4, 2024 at 12:36 AM
    #21
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    Rav-4 and venza ? No way dude....rav 4s are too tight inside.and I don't like venza...4runners are a man's SUV.im set on 4runner 4 life...
     
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  22. Apr 4, 2024 at 12:40 AM
    #22
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

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    You do need a steel framed 4Runner for Manhattan potholes
     
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  23. Apr 4, 2024 at 12:45 AM
    #23
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    4runner limited are best for city folks like myself...it's not designed for purely off-road like the other trims.yes I'll be tempted to just call sick from work and go venturing into the wilds out of curiosity lol but hey it's gonna be my first 4runner ever.let me get a feel for this beast
     
    Yotaholic likes this.
  24. Apr 4, 2024 at 12:58 AM
    #24
    Slopemaster

    Slopemaster Slope Survivalist

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    You might consider getting one of those frame rust prevention treatments, assuming rust is an issue in your area. Best wishes.
     
  25. Apr 4, 2024 at 1:00 AM
    #25
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    Yes I already have that in mind.and yes I live in the rust belt.thanks again.
     
  26. Apr 4, 2024 at 2:37 AM
    #26
    Steely123

    Steely123 What's the new trend? I'll do it!

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    I bought my 4runner from carmax 3 years ago. No issues so far, even doing dumb mods to it. Lol. And we've bought a couple other vehicles too. I would say check the carfax on their website listed on the ad. It may be sold in Texas but not from Texas, as far as the rust thing goes. Carmax ships vehicles back and forth all over between their stores.

    As far as price vs new. Seems a bit steep but carmax does give you a week to check it out. Take it to a mechanic you trust. $16k is a big difference for a new one in the budget for me. Maybe not for you, i don't know your situation.
     
  27. Apr 4, 2024 at 3:56 AM
    #27
    PhillySilver

    PhillySilver New Member

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    Humm, I know you say you want a 4Runner but for your use case (living in city. no off-roading, family road trips, etc.) you might want to give yourself a few days to look at other options. Highlander comes to mind as a good option. My wife has a 2016 Highlander and it is a pretty amazing vehicle. Super reliable, great on road trips, AWD so pretty capable in the snow, and for whatever reason we can seem to fit more stuff in her Highlander than my 4Runner and weirdly shaped stuff also (like bulky kid toys). When we are planning a road trip, there has to be a good reason to take the 4Runner over the Highlander because the Highlander is just a more comfortable ride. I live outside of Philadelphia so similar city driving situation and my 4Runner does NOT feel at home when I have to drive in the city. That said, mine is a OPR as opposed to a Limited which might change the equation pretty significantly.

    As to your other questions, agree with other posters on service records, pre-sale inspection, CarFax etc. I think that you are somewhat protected against some of the craziness you see in the used market by going with Carmax because they seem to buy only the best inventory. There is one right up the road from my house and I took a pretty new, low miles Acura TL in very good shape that I owned to them to get their offer to buy it and they didn't want it. They knew that particular year was a headed for problems long before I did and they didn't want it on their lot which I thought was great.

    But, if your mind is set on a 4Runner, the one you are looking at is pretty sweet and you will be thrilled with it. They are not going to move even $0.01 on the price so you have to be comfortable with where it is priced.
     
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  28. Apr 4, 2024 at 5:23 AM
    #28
    Sin4R

    Sin4R New Member

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    Mall crawling kit.
    Some things to consider for a Texan car:

    1. Look at the clear coat, unless car was parked in a car port there is a good chance it will be burned off in spots like roof and hood.

    2. Look at door rubber seals, car left in the sun, especially if it is darker color can melt plastic and rubber. Insist any melted or torn seals replaced, as you will have water ingress.

    3. Apply oil-based leather conditioner for the same reasons as above.

    4. Replace coolant and thermostat before winter. Coolant mixture is different and thermostat could be opening at a different points to deal with heat, as such you may experience issues in the winter.

    5. Treat the car with drip (Krown) rust treatment, frames on 4Runner tend to rust if exposed to winter salt.
     
  29. Apr 4, 2024 at 5:30 AM
    #29
    Limited off-road

    Limited off-road [OP] 4runner 4 Life

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    Thank you so much for your honesty and straight up opinions for the most part your positive there and I really appreciate that...and your absolutely right about the pricing on 4runners.the dealers themselves knows the reputation on them and what they are worth.thats why most of them don't want to go down on price.Highlanders or even a Honda Pilot are awesome too I have heard good things about them.but it's just something about 4runners that pulls me in.....I have watched countless YouTube videos of people climbing mountains and crossing rivers and playing in the mud with their 4runners and it just blows my mind.its a true off road monster and I love it for that.come winter time here in New York city at least I know i won't ever be stuck in the snow again like I did many times with my FWD car.
     
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  30. Apr 4, 2024 at 5:34 AM
    #30
    Sin4R

    Sin4R New Member

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    Mall crawling kit.
    Make sure you have winter tires, I like Michelin X-Ice. Good winter tires make A LOT of difference in winter driving.
     
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