Need help deciding if I should buy

Hi all,

I’m looking at a 2004 4runner SR5 tomorrow. It has 165k miles for 11.5k. In my area (SLC) this is a pretty standard price, cheaper even I’d say. The 120k ones get listed for 15-16k, sometimes more. I think it’s ridiculous but the demand here is crazy.

The pictures of the underside look pretty clean. Rust on the weld line but that’s what my other one had too.
The fellow who’s selling it said he just paid 2.5k at the dealership to get both head gaskets replaced. OEM manifold gaskets, OEM thermostat, OEM timing Chain guides, new spark plugs. He also did the pulleys, belt tensioner and power steering pump himself.

I asked if there was overheating or leakage with the head gaskets, he said no overheating but it was leaking into the exhaust prior to replacement

I am aware this year is notoriously crappy, with the gaskets among other things like the breaks, mast cyl, and evap issues.

I feel like this could be a really good vehicle considering it just got a huge engine tuneup. However I’m worried about the things I’m reading about the 04 models. I plan on calling the local dealership to confirm the engine work was done there.

I’d be curious to hear everyone’s thoughts.

Should I send it on this 4runner if all looks well or take more time shopping for models in between 2006-2009? I plan on asking a ton of question on maintenance etc tomorrow but I’m so on the fence with the year and potential issues I read about.

edit: I cannot buy a 5th gen, considering they are 2x the cost of my budget

Thanks

2006 SR5 / silver - totaled

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Move along, go find a 5th Gen. with a 4.0 and enjoy your experience with Toyota. I take it when you say "it was leaking into the exhaust", you're talking about coolant? Why, if it is coolant, would it be leaking into the exhaust after replacing the head gaskets? Plenty of 4Runners out there, find a better one.

 

Agree with Toy4X4.....Pass on this one!

 

Welcome, I'd pass

 

Welcome

 

V6 or V8? Where I come from, that frame doesn't look bad at all. If you decide to look at this one, have the seller show you the receipt(s) for the work Toyota (and he) performed. Be aware that the '03 and '04 V6 4Runners had 4-speed transmissions....the 5-speeds were standard in '05 '09. Make sure it goes in/out of 4WD hi/lo and test diff lock, if equipped. Let us know how it goes!

 

I would scout for an ‘06-‘09. That frame looks good but they rust from the inside. You can get a flexible endoscopic camera that plugs into your phone for ~$25 on Amazon.

Whatever you buy, others made good points about 4WD functionality and verifying any work supposedly performed. I personally pay for a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted shop. But the most important thing - and among the toughest - is patience. You’ll know when it’s the right one and you’ll be glad you waited.

 

If the head gaskets have been replaced AFTER the leaking into the exhaust then i wouldn't worry about that specific issue anymore.

 

I think the timing chain says it’s a V6.

 

Hi, yea I passed on it. It seemed OK but I asked for records of these fixes and he said "well actually it's my friend who works at the dealership, he did it under the table". So no records of the head gaskets. Im sure it's probably could have been fine, but it seemed a bit sketch. I'll continue to look for 06-09

Thanks friend