Is this a unicorn?

I have a 2003 4Runner v8 2wd with about 220,000 miles 100% stock (no modifications).
Should I be concerned about the timing belt?

 

Unicorn? No.

If you don’t know when the timing belt was done + not written anywhere or it has been over 90k miles since either was changed last, should you be concerned? Yes.

 

It might be a unicorn if you mean rare. It you mean desirable, no. It's the least desirable version of a 4Runner, and therefore I can't imagine there is another like it, so in that case you could call it a unicorn.

 

a v8 2Runner in good shape could be called a unicorn to the right buyer, but not with >200k on the clock.

 

Yes, I would change the timing belt at that mileage, if it hasn’t been done already. Welcome to the forum!

 

I doubt a 2wd 4Runner is a unicorn. Even there are 2wd Jeep Wranglers that people bought.




Concerning about the timing belt gives the feeling that you didn't do your home work before buying. Hope you find that its a well maintained vehicle so you can put more miles on it.

 

Welcome

 

The v8 is an interference engine. If you don't know when it was changed last, you should definitely replace it, along with the water pump and fan clutch. Also, take a good look at the cam seals. If they are leaking, it will double the time the timing belt takes to replace but you are halfway to them so it's a good thing to do.

 

I bet transfer case service was never done on this one.

(I will show myself out)

 

You should change that timing belt out as soon as possible if you don't know when it was done.
I am not sure I know any vehicle where a timing belt lasted that long. A timing belt can completely screw the engine if it breaks. A friend bought a pristine used Skoda Octavia with about 95k miles. He changed and replaced everything on it but thought about doing the belt at 100k. It broke at 97k. His engine never ran the same and he eventually had to sell the car.

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/timing-belt-advice.25024/

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Welcome

 

Unicorn ? a 4th gen, 2wd with a 1/4 million miles?. Naw, never seen any of those. Spite the 9 in my neighborhood alone. The teenage first time buyers love em,.... like a 20 year old camry.

 

Welcome