Purchase Advice

Hi all,

Looking for some advice on whether to purchase a 4Runner or not. The one I'm looking at is a 2008, XSP V6 4WD model with 80k miles on it. I would be using it as a daily commuter and for my agro-processing business (transporting raw materials and finished products). A pickup would be ideal for me but need a taller covered cargo area and not looking to be driving a van.

My main concern is fuel economy with a V6 gasoline engine. I only do about 9k miles per year (live on a island, car is an import).

Any advice for buying a 4Runner of this age with regards to durability and fuel economy would be really helpful.

Many thanks,

Nick

 

I daily drove a 2008, but with the V8. They are very reliable, and 80k miles is nothing for these things. Fuel economy, with the V8, was not very good, around 16mpg. I don't know what it would be with a V6.

Maybe fill in your profile to include your location. You might get better responses, knowing what kind of driving conditions you have in your area.

 

I could imagine fuel economy being the main concern if you drove a lot of miles. If your vehicle, whatever you drive, gets 18mpg, over 9000 miles, that's 500 gallons. If it gets 25mpg, that's 360 gallons. 140 gallons difference over the span of a year. IMO, not enough to be a deal-maker or breaker.

 

The 4th gen 4Runner is a very reliable vehicle. I have 200k on mine and it still runs like a champ.

When looking to buy one, my biggest area of concern would be how rusted the frame and possibly the body is. If both are very clean, either the v6 or v8 4Runners are capable of going 500k plus miles. Gas mileage may vary, but a stock 4Runner with the v6 will probably get you 16-18mpg on the highway and 14-16mpg around town, depending on how you drive.

Another option if you haven't considered it is a similar year Tacoma, which has the same v6 as the 4runner and just as reliable. You can always get a fiberglass topper which would provide a protective covering for your cargo. I'd expect gas mileage to be similar to a v6 4Runner.

 

Don't buy a 4runner, truck, "fun" car for fuel economy...buy a 4runner or a Tundra for reliability...which makes them fun too

 

Wondering if that's the real mileage? You can expect 17-18mpg around town and up to 20 in highway.

 

I calculated my mileage at every fillup for over 40K miles. Average was 17.1, high was 23 (highway all day w/ favorable winds), low was 8 (low speed off-road trails all day).

They’re very reliable. Bought my ‘07 in 2014 at 96K miles and it turned over to 257K a few days ago.

Check carefully for frame rust and be sure the 4WD engages properly in all modes. Directions should be on the driver’s side sun visor. Those are the two things that can bite you pretty hard if there are issues.

Hope it works out and please let us know what you do.

 

14.6 mpg with mine…..283k miles but I drive it hard and fast……no rest for the wicked…..lol

 

Taking it easy I'm at 17.1mpg... otherwise, 15ish... I'm happy!