Long-time 4Runner owner

Hi fellow 4Runner owners. I've had my 2WD SR5 2004 4Runner for 19 years. I purchased it new from the then-local Toyota dealership. Current mileage about 96,000. Vehicle maintenance record exemplary; no issues to report. First 11 years of ownership were spent in the Tidewater, VA, area, the past eight years in Central FL. Was a very satisfied owner until recently when the Toyota dealer pointed out (first time I learned of it) that a section of the frame is rusted and corroded. (Diagnosis: "Body frame - Driver side frame rail perforated.") [Photo attached] A local body shop advised me that the only REAL fix is to replace the frame. Cost? $5,000+. I had planned to keep the vehicle indefinitely. Until the perforated/corroded frame incident, I couldn't have asked for a better, more comfortable and reliable vehicle. Now, unfortunately, I have a tough decision to make. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or recommendations.

 

Sorry about the bad news, but @ $5,000 it’s hard decision.

 

Welcome to the forum, you are one of to many with this problem.

 

Welcome,tough decision!

 

My advice is to off it, take the money to a dealer and buy a new one. Saw a white one at the dealer the other day, 2wd for $41k. You will love the new technology, ride and smell. Have the new one throughly undercoated. Life passes by so quickly, you deserve a new one, your old one served you well, don’t wait for the recession to hit and used car prices tank. I sold my 2005 Tundra Double Cab to buy my new 4Runner, had 177,000 miles, kept it in good shape, got exactly 1/2 of what I paid for it. These Toyotas hold their value remarkably well.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome from the center of the bourbon universe.

I'm with the "It's time to move on" group. A new frame is the only way you're ever going to feel safe driving it and if you put $5K in it you're still driving a 19 (almost 20) year old vehicle and even though it's a Toyota, other things are probably going to start showing significant wear and tear and possible failure.