5th gen Four-Runner Reliability

How reliable are high mileage 5th gen four runners? I've driven a 2000 3rd gen for many years, and the engine and transmission finally gave out. I'm trying to buy a newer four-runner but with higher miles. I'm currently still in college and need one that will last about five more years. I have looked into 5th gens with 180,000-200,000 thousand miles because the cars with fewer miles are ridiculously expensive. I constantly see people selling those cars with over 300,000 miles on them and they say the car runs like a champ. I have several friends who are mechanics and will come with me to look at a car before I buy it. If they don't see any problems, and I maintain it meticulously, can I get a good bit of use out of this car?

 

I have personally and physically seen one with 170k miles. The owner said no major repair was done to it

 

Members here have reported changing their transmission fluid at 150,000+ miles and it coming out looking fine still, then motoring on for another 100k with no issues. Additionally, the engine itself is very easy on motor oil. This has been verified with UOA's.

I am convinced the 4L v6 could be run with only astroglide in the crankcase, at redline, in the desert for a week straight and still not burn oil or tick on day 8.

So, yeah.... I'd say dead nuts reliable. If your budget allows for only a high mileage 4R, get one with the lowest miles (of course) and bring your mechanic friend with you. Leaks happen, especially at those mileages - the timing cover was an issue for a minute for example. If you are in a state where the roads are salted or brined, look carefully at the frame for rust/rot. That seems to be the problem more than any mechanical failure.....

 

My 2014 is at 142k miles with zero problems. Just regular scheduled dealer maintenance. I had them do all the fluids at 100k and replaced the shocks then as well. I bought it in 2016 with 25k miles for $33k. I’ll keep driving it until something major fails and then replace or repair that part. It’s not worth $50k for a new one to me.

 

And that new one is exactly like your 2014, so you are not missing anything

 

I just bought a 2015 sr5 with 217k miles on it. I’m really pleased with how well it’s held up and its current condition. In my experience, the only thing that can kill a Toyota truck is a wreck or rust. This is why they hold their value so well vs the Germans and the Americans.

 

The 4.0 is bullet proof. To the point where I had assumed it was in my 2016 Tacoma. Months went by before I realized it wasn’t the case. The 3.5 isn’t a nice. I honestly remember kicking myself for not buying a second gen Tacoma and being jealous of my buddys with the 4.0 in their 4runners

 

I’ve 182K on a 2015 LE (bought new).

I think it still has legs

 

They're very reliable. 165k on my 2013, only non-maintenance item was having my AC recharged 2 summers ago. I've done mileage related things like fluid changes, a set of brakes, a battery, and tires.

Keep in mind that a higher mileage vehicle may be coming up on same age/mileage related repairs. Radiator hoses, belts, fluids, wheel bearings, etc.

If those items haven't been addressed yet, you'd want to get them done sooner than later (fluids and belts), and know needing things like bearings and steering/suspension components may be right around the corner. The upside to doing those things is that once you do them, you know they're good and that you'll have another 100k plus miles before you have to think about that again.

I bought mine used, as far as I know it's still on all the original suspension and steering components. I'm collecting pieces to completely refresh the suspension, and I'm also planning on doing the inner and out of tie rods at the same time. If they exhibit any signs of wear. Wheel bearings I will do as necessary.

If you buy one with 100k miles on it, and keep it a few years, you'll still end up doing all this stuff eventually. Just keep in mind that if you pay less money for higher mileage, one, to budget if UK for these repairs and services as they come up.

I personally would not worry about one with 200k on it if I knew all that stuff was in good shape. I completely expect to get over 300k miles with mine. I'm thinking at 165k it's only at about half life. As long as I can keep the frame from rotting away that is, haha.

 

We've all heard the testimonials of 5th gen 4Runners exceeding 200k and 300k. Like anything else, nothing is perfect, but the 5th Gen 4Runners are about as reliable as you'll find. If looking for a high mileage 4Runner solely due to cost, it's a good way to go. If you can swing it and you don't put tons of miles on each year, a lower mileage 4Runner could realistically be the last vehicle you need. Of course that depends on your age as well. My 2023 4Runner will likely last me till the end as I'm 58, it's not my only vehicle and I don't put on a lot of miles.

 

Little over a month ago I got a pre-owned 2014 4runner Limited RWD at 95,277 for $26,998 fully loaded....I'd say I got myself a great deal....95,000 miles ain't nothing for these kind of vehicles given how reliable they are.and my 2014 looks exactly like the 2024 from the outside only a slight difference in the exterior particularly the infotainment screen slightly bigger.everthing especially is exact the same.so it doesn't really make sense to go all out brand new when u can look for a 4runner with decent miles in mint condition at an older year model and save some money....oh and by the way this 4runner came up to new york from Texas so u know the undercarriage is rock solid and dry as a bone.and the previous owner maintained it all dealer

 

Its probably the most reliable model made by the most reliable car brand in the industry. The engine and transmission is essentially a 20 year old design that long ago had every bug worked out of it. Do not worry.

 

Yep...Japanese vehicles are just built differently

 

Same here only I’m 68. I’ve only put 8k miles on the 22 in two years.

 

OP hasn't been seen since opening this thread

 

My belief in reliability was shaken by tranny internal torque converter Flex lock solenoid and valve (inside tranny valve body)failure at 48,000 miles on my 2017SR5.
Fortunately was repaired under extended service agreement with new tranny & torque converter by dealer.
Even Toyota gets faulty components from their suppliers sometimes.

 

Hey everyone, I’m currently in the market for my first T4R. I have a limited budget so I’ve been mainly looking at 4th gens with 150k-220k miles and under $20k. In my research, I found a 2015 SR5 4WD with 187k miles for $19.5k. Would a 2015 with 187k miles be a safe bet for 19 grand?

 

I looked at 4th gens when my daughter was ready to get a larger vehicle as her Sonata sedan was not fitting her young family. I recall reading about 4th gen V8 engine issues that prove costly to fix. Then we evaluated Pilots because she remembered our trusty family 2004 Pilot. But after Honda introduced variable cylinder managment(VCM) around 2007, reliability suffered. Several months ago we found a 2019 SR5 with 50,000 miles (10,000 per year) in excellent condition for $35,000. It is working perfectly for her family.
I would look for a 4runner with half the mileage of this one. Its 9 years old. So to answer your question about this 2015, I suggest keep looking!