Used 4Runner - years to avoid?

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and on the hunt for a pre-owned 4Runner. Our current family car is a 2011 Mazda CX-9, and it is starting to cost us here and there in repairs. Although it only has 92k miles on it, I feel it is time to trade it in while I can still get something for it. My wife and I would like to get a "real" SUV this time, which led us to the 4Runner.

We have basically settled on a used 5th gen, and I am wondering if there are any specific years to avoid? Are there common things I should look out for while searching for 5th gens? I am trying to stay in the low to mid 20k range. I came across a 2014 SR5 which was recently traded in to a Toyota dealership for a 2020 model. Apparently one owner with Toyota service records, with 56k miles for $25k. Hoping to go take it for a test drive this week.

Any thoughts/input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

I drive a 2014 SR5P and its been flawless. I have about 73K on it now.

 

Yes! In my search I came across one that was about 2k cheaper than the rest. Got excited for a minute, but then realized it was RWD!

 

Nothing wrong with a 2wd......depends on climate where you live. My relatives in Florida have one. They dont need 4wd. Just use it as a family grocery getter.
Hertz rent a car has flooded the market with 4runner SR5's this year.(They have their own used car website)
They have 2015-2018's for very low prices, and they all have less than 50k miles. You may have a few door dings and the cargo area might have lots of suitcase dings, but damn fine deal imo.

 

Look under it or ask for pictures of the undercarriage before considering a particular one. These things laugh at miles but cannot seem to beat rust if from the salty north and not treated properly.

 

I don't have any first hand with them yet but seems like I hear a lot of good things about 2014's in particular. Haven't heard of any 'bad' years

 

4th gen V8s without VVT