Looking at a Few Options...

Hello all,

I am very excited to soon be purchasing my first 4Runner. I am in Denver, CO and would be using it as a daily driver and overlander on the weekends. Here are the options I am looking at, would be great to see some votes on the poll or some opinions if you feel up to replying. Thank you!!

2010 4 Runner Limited: 99k miles, $28,900 (includes lift and a lot of after-market work)

2012 Trail Edition: 90k miles, $26,900, stock Trail Edition

2006 Sport Edition: 117k miles, $14,900, stock Sport Edition V8. The dealer offered to split the cost of the timing belt/water pump replacement and mechanic will use all Toyota OEM parts in doing so, which basically brings cost up to $15,250. No bad rust issues, Colorado car and looked underneath it


Both of these dealers have great reviews all around. All of these are within my budget. I did a test drive of the '06 and thought it was great, but figured I should consider a few other options. I will probably get told by 4th gen owners to go with the 4th gen and 5th gen owners to go with the 5th gen but figured it wouldn't hurt to check and see

 

Not knowing anything about any of them. like ownership history, maitenance records, etc- my gut is # 2. Newest with least miles. Assuming you can stomach it. Also please please have a private party inspection before purchase.

Also overall seems high, a very quick KBB shows about $20k is fair price even from dealer on the 2012. Recognizing its colorado and 4 runners hold crazy value, it still seems high.

 

Mine is '95 so take my advice with a "grain of salt".

I would go with the '06. Various reasons:

1) it costs over $10k less.

2) You may find that you do not like 4 Runners. That's my case. I do not fit in it and mine is for sale.

3) If you find that you like them, the '06 would make a good trade-in on your next 4 Runner.

4) Personally, I like the 4th Gens better than the 5th's.

5) I know, everyone in Colorado wants/needs a 4Runner. But the price for the '10 and '12 feel about $5k too high on both. IMHO.

 

The first 2 seem way overpriced but of course some areas are naturally higher. I would go with the 06. The V8's virtually bulletproof. Plus you are getting the maintenance done beforehand. As long as no real rust, I would go with that one.

 

If you decide on the 2006, make sure to have the exhaust manifolds checked for cracking which can be an expensive repair.

 

I would tell the dealer on the 2006 "if you want to sell it, fix it." It's not your problem it's broke. They don't mention anything about the water pump in their ad! any money they make on the going halves on for fixing it is pure profit above what they are already profiting on the 2006 from them getting it. They knew about the problems when they "acquired" this vehicle hoping to capitalize a little more. I understand dealerships need to make some money on the deals or they wouldn't exist. Honestly, I'm dealership friendly, but do not like the "games" some of them play to try and squeeze another dime out of your pocket. My thoughts.

 

Ya, I thought that "we will "pay" 1/2" was pretty funny. Anything dealerships offer is to get more $ out of your pocket. The TB and water pump cost them very little. The labor? Don't get me started!

I bet the bill would show parts at Toyota OEM rates, often 5 to 10x Rockauto prices.

 

I voted for the 2012 because I think its the best option for a new owner. No major replacement needed ('06) and you can choose the mods you want and have them done right. You don't know who did the mods or how much care they took while doing it on the 2010. Just my .02

 

Just joined the group and bought a 2011 Trail and the previous owner had done nothing. I love this damn thing and wouldn’t want any other one. Prior vehicle was an FJ I was getting ready for my daughter and a Titan I traded in for the FJ. I don’t think you can go wrong with the 2012.