Evaluating 4Runner after long inactivity; concerns about seals and rust

Hi. I'm new here and have a Gen 4-specific question.

I've been asked to evaluate an '05 SR5 4Runner for my cousin. Her partner has had health issues and hasn't driven or even started the vehicle for at lease four years, maybe five or more. He's now in a memory care facility and she wants to get the car out of the driveway.

It's low miles, around 110k. I'm not sure if it's a six or eight cylinder. Pretty sure it's an automatic. I'll look at it this weekend and need to know if there is anything specific to these vehicles that I should look for.

I'm a long-time gear head and know the basics that it will need, such as battery, hoses, belts, probably tires (hot, dry desert environment), fluid changes, and possibly a fuel system flush. I'm wondering about seals. The car may have lived in the Atlanta area before coming to the desert, so I don't know about any rust issues. What else should I pay attention to?

My cousin is considering having the dealer get it road ready, but I'll try to discourage that. One of her grand kids might be interested in it but if not, I may offer to buy it as a project. (Like I really need another car project.) If one of the kids wants it, I'll find a local garage to work on it. Otherwise, I'll do the work myself.

Thanks.

 

All 4th gen (2003 to 2009) 4Runners are automatics with the A750 variant transmissions.

Nothing overtly special to look for in this situation. It's going to need an oil and filter change, new battery, air cleaner, so on and so forth. Normal stuff any car would need after sitting for a long time.

If it's a V8, the timing belt will be of some concern. V6 has a chain so nothing to worry about there. The V8 timing belt can be inspected via the driver side timing cover, held on with some 10mm bolts. Just pop the bolts out and you can pry the timing cover out of the way far enough to inspect the timing belt sufficiently.

 

AS mentioned if a V8 the timing belt would be a concern, it's should be replaced every 90,000 miles normally, if it hasn't been replaced it's due...but even if it's been replaced I would replace it just because it has sat for such a long time.

My only other concern would getting all the old fuel out completely.

Of course replace all lubricants, fluids, belts and possibly water hoses.

 

Thanks for all that. I'll know more this weekend when I can crawl around it and look at whatever paperwork she has for it. I suspect it's been well cared for. I don't know if it's 4WD. (I'd only buy it if 4WD.) Her grand kids are probably just looking for transportation.

 

If it's a 4WD it could be possible that the actuator is stuck, Toyota recommends engaging 4WD at least one a month and run it for a few miles to keep the actuator freed up, many 4WDs that this hasn't been done end up with a stuck actuator especially on older vehicles.

 

Here's a link to the 2005 T4R owner's manual, it can give you some insight into the vehicle.

https://assets.sia.toyota.com/publications/en/om-s/OM35860U/pdf/OM35860U.pdf

 

Excellent! Thanks.

 

Consider the state of the gas that's been sitting in the tank, too. It does break down and deteriorate. Not the best to run through the fuel system and injectors. I'd try to syphon out what's in there as much as you can and get some fresh gas in there. At the minimum, see where the fuel level is when you can get the system clicked on with the key and then add some fresh gas on top. Then go drive and burn it off and run some good fuel cleaner through it in subsequent tanks.

 

Yep. Draining or, most likely, siphoning the gas should be before the ignition switch is turned on, to keep the bad stuff out of the injectors and lines. Also, I'm not sure the tires will still hold air, so the initial drive to mix the remaining old and new gas could be a while.

 

If you happen to have the VIN, check the 4th character. A “B” indicates 4WD.

 

Good to know but I won't see the vehicle or the paperwork until Saturday.