Looking into buying

Interested in buying 4 runner 2003


Price $23k
Engine 4.7 V8
Drive automatic
Odometer 150,000

thoughts?

 

I’m no expert but that seems a little high even with the miles being low (could totally be wrong).

Is it private party sale or from a dealership?

 

My vote is No (as a non expert) .

If i remember correctly 2003 that V8 got less HP than V6 models.

Even though it has a V8 you get the same fuel tank as V6, so less range. Also V8 models are full-time 4wd if I'm not mistaken vs V6 has a better 4wd system ceter diff and also have 2wd option for 99% of the driving needs.

V8 having timing belt will be added maintenance. This added maintenance or any other repair would cost more since more parts and less room will add time and time is money.

V8 would also add more weight to front components and thats more stress if you take offroad. V6 would have much better balance imo.

On a side note I like the newer 5th gen 4L v6 over the older 4th gen v6. Also 4th gen has less ground clearance if you are looking for offroad ability.

 

HP is not a problem here. Torque is what matters and the V8 has higher torque numbers than the V6.

1GR-FE 4.0L 60degree V6 DOHC 24V VV-TI all-aluminium 245HP(5,200rpm) and 283lb torque (3,400rpm)
2UZ-FE 4.7L V8 DOHC Iron Block, Alum. Heads, generating 235HP(4,800rpm) and 320lb torque(3,400rpm), producing 80 percent of its peak torque at 1,100 rpm

Yes, they both have a 23 gallon fuel tank. However, they get about the same MPG in completely stock form, so tank range is about the same between the 2 variants and is really a non-issue.

The V8 had a 2WD option but yes, the 4WD variants are full time 4WD. The transfer case does have issues with the shift solenoids failing but so does the V6 transfer case. As for the added weight of the V8 causing more stress offroad, that's BS, sorry. The V8 is also very well balanced and performs fantastically off road. As for the ground clearance comment, the 4th and 5th gens have almost identical suspensions, front and rear. New, stock, side by side, they would both have the same ground clearance, which is really determined by the tires that are on the vehicle. That argument is not very valid honestly.

The V8 timing belt has a maintenance schedule of replacement every 90k miles. The cost is negligible as the V8 is the more reliable of the 2 motors by far. Not saying the V6 isn't reliable, it is. The V8 is far more reliable and a proven million mile motor with proper maintenance.

The V8 also comes with a 5 speed transmission, where the V6 was only available with a 4 speed in 2003.

I'll take the V8 4Runner over the V6 every time. I am a bit biased tho.

To the OP - $23k is a ridiculously high price for a 2003 V8 4Runner. I say shop around some more and even look out of state. You didn't mention where you are located, which could have a significant impact on the pricing of the vehicle.

 

I have read the suggestions and they are very much appreciated!!! So I looked around and found another 4 Runner. Lmk what you think?! Much love

2003 4Runner

• 159,351 mileS
  
  
• 4.7L 8-Cylinder Gas Engine
• 
  15 City / 19 Highway
• 
  Titanium Metallic Exterior
• 
  Stone Interior
• 
  5-Speed Automatic Transmission
• 
  4 wheel drive

 

Dealer wants $18k forgot to add

 

I’ve seen lower mile 4th gen v8 4Runners in my area go for $15k (well listed for $15k… don’t know what they actually sold for) for private party. This is like Craigslist or FB marketplace, so I could see how a dealer gets to $18k. Still think that’s high but as anyone will say it’s all what you are willing to pay. Is it in immaculate condition? No rust? All maintenance records provided? Etc.

Just for reference I purchased my v8 4Runner for $6k from my parents (so yes I did get a deal) but have subsequently put almost $4k in maintenance and repairs. So I’m at around $10k… mine has 240k miles but runs like a champ.

there’s a lot of variables that come into play with prices but my gut still says that’s a little high.

 

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/west-sacramento-4x-toyota-4runner-sr/7642674877.html

Found one with better miles and newer

 

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/west-sacramento-4x-toyota-4runner-sr/7642674877.html

Found one with better miles and newer

 

https://www.alexandriatoyota.com/used-+Alexandria-2005-Toyota-4Runner-+-JTEBU14RX50059930

 

Bought my 2005 V8 Limited with 90000 miles for $18k in 2019. Little expensive? Yea for sure. BUT it already had Icon UCAs, King adjustables all around, and a couple other little things... So had I maybe paid too much sure relatively but in the spirit of @gkomo I paid the premium for what I wouldve installed anyway.

Food for thought

 

Unless there's 13k cash in the glovebox, hell no.

I just saw one with similar miles on marketplace in my area for 8k.

 

Agree with everything you said about the V8, except the reliability. In my eyes the timing belt is a possible failure point, and a frustrating maintenance item.

I'll say for 99.9% of drivers, the "million mile engine" is irrelevant. It's a fun fact, but it's a very specific use case. The Tundras that achieved that were work vehicles that were driven all day, only stopping to refuel. Many less start/stop cycles than the average daily driver. There's a Hyundai Elantra documented to have hit 1mil under similar conditions.

Also most people are not going to hold onto a vehicle that long. Even at 25k a year (which is about 2x the average), it would take FORTY years to hit 1 million miles.

There's nothing unreliable about the 4.0, it'll happily chug past 300k with just oil and a set of plugs, while a 4.7 will be on it's 3rd t-belt. I've seen some 4.0s past 500k, btw.

I'd still rather have the V8 for the torque and sound, understanding it comes at the expense of increased maintenance.

 

I like 4Runners, but I cannot imagine paying $23,000 for a 20 year old car that is not at a Mecum auction.

 

I appreciate the help

 

https://www.kbb.com/cars-for-sale/v...ear=2003&state=NV&zip=89101&clickType=listing

 

some excellent advice here

better than experts I believe

have fun in your search a 2010 or newer is certainly possible in pretty good shape if you can look around, travel up to 3-400 miles and be patient

we know the search and wishing to OWN ONE is fun but wanting one this week causes you to make a hurried decision

most likely you will find one and be happy


as opposed to you will own nothing and be happy as the world govt saying goes