Hello! Looking into getting my first 4Runner...

Hello! Looking into getting my first 4Runner... I am thinking about getting an 08 Limited and building it up to where I want it to be, this will also be my first ever vehicle, so is there anything I should lookout for when buying? Etc. etc... please let me know. Thanks!

 

welcome

 

welcome

 

I had a 2008 and there wasn't anything that was really needed but routine maintenance...oh, and CV-joints, flush/fill, spark plugs.

 

Look underneath VERY VERY carefully, look for rust on the frame and other parts. If it is bad, don't touch it and keep looking.

 

Bring a trained mechanic or yourself if you qualify to look it over stem to stern. Carfax possibly? Trust your instincts, there’s always another one just around the corner. Welcome aboard!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome Ashton,

Since this is your first car I’ll give you the grand tour.

First off you should know that in the case of a 16 year old car, little things are going to go wrong all the time, and you will spend a bit of time chasing after them. This doesn’t need to be daunting, but you should know about it. It helps if you are mechanically inclined and willing to learn.

As you modify the vehicle, make one change at a time and then live with it for a while. If you change a lot of things all at once, if there’s a problem it will be harder to isolate the cause.

When it’s time to go look at the car in person:

Test everything. Every switch and knob.

• Make sure all the lights light like they are supposed to, both interior and exterior. Dome lights light up when you open the door? If one doesn’t light up, don’t assume it’s just a bad bulb.
• Check the wiper operation, and the wipers themselves. And the windshield washer.
• Check all the windows. Do they operate smoothly? Check the switches on every door. Not just the drivers door.
• Check that the doors open and close easily, from the inside and outside, and that the door locks work like they should.
• Check the climate controls. Does the AC blow cold? Does the heat blow hot? Do the vents work? Can you redirect the air to the windshield and floor vents?
• Make sure the front seat adjustments work on both sides.
• Does the entertainment system work?
• Check all the glass for cracks or chips. Check the seal around the windshield.
• Examine the headliner for staining that might be a sign of leaks, especially if there’s a sunroof. Does the inside of the car smell? Like mold? Cigarettes? Pot? It’s going to be really hard to get rid of any odors. If there’s mold you may have to change out the carpet and padding.

Open the hood.

• Look at the battery. Are the terminals corroded? Is there a date on the battery? Is it over 5years old?
• Look around the motor for signs of oil leaks.
• Serpentine belt and hoses - cracked?
• Wiring - any odd splices? Rodent damage?
• Pull out the dipstick. Is the oil filthy?
• Check the coolant too.
• Walk around the car. Look at every square inch of paint. Look at all the rubber seals around the windows and doors. Look for loose trim pieces. Feel them.
• Look at the tires. Check them for damage, and cracking on the sidewalls, and tread depth of course. How about the wheels? Curb rash?

Time to crawl under the car.

• Check for rust. A little surface rust is okay. Anything that can be described as cancerous is not.
• Look for dents and scratches in the skid plates They will indicate if the car has been hammered off road. Feel on top of the skids for caked dirt or mud.
• Look at the CV joints. Are the rubber boots in good shape?
• While you’re under there have a good look at the spare tire. Is it there? Does it match the other tires? Does it hold air?

When you drive it:

• How does the engine sound and feel?
• Does the transmission shift smoothly?
• How about the 4WD knob? Can it shift into 4 low? Does the center diff lock light come on like it should?
• How do the brakes feel? Does the car pull to one side when you press the pedal? When you release it? Do the brakes squeak?

How many miles are on the car? And what is the asking price? It’s not necessary to believe everything the seller tells you. Don’t feel trapped by the bird-in-the-hand syndrome. If the car or the deal gives you a bad feeling, just walk away. There’s another 4Runner right around the corner.

Feel free to ask questions, and if anyone has anything else to add, chime in!

 

Welcome

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Take a "fine toothed comb" with you when buying, you'll be able to check it over better then. Just look everywhere on the vehicle, take your time upon inspection, good luck.

 

Welcome from Arizona!