Wanting to buy, can you give advice?

Hi,

I am looking to buy a 4Runner, never had one but heard some good things about them. I was wanting to spend under 20k, hopefully around 15k, but they seem t o really hold their value.

I do not know what to look for. Are there any years with problems?
Any common wear issues I need to be aware of?
What options are offered that most people really want?
The various versions, I think some have 6 and some have 8 cylinders, how good or bad is each engine? Some are 4 wheel? Good or bad?
Some being sold have 200k miles and people are still asking a lot for them, how long do they last? What major maintenance should one expect after 100k miles?

And of course what else do I not know to even ask?

Really, any advice is appreciated. Any information, any knowledge is valuable.

Sincerely, thank you for your help.

 

5th gens have no V8, you can find a decent early 5th gen (2010-2013) for under 20k without a ton of miles. No problem years, just make sure you test drive it and look it over well. The 4.0 engine are pretty stout, shouldn’t need major repairs as long as you keep up on oil changes and what not. You an easily get 200k out of these engines without any issues.

 

Rust would be the #1 thing I’d be looking at if i were you (depending on where you live). Other than that, you’ll have to look at several vehicles in your location to get a feel for what they’re selling for in your area with a certain amount of miles on them.

 

Welcome to the forum, from Wisconsin. I'm a Tacoma driver switched to 4Runner just this year, but the previous replies sound like the right place to start. There are a bunch of people that know 4Runners in and out here, I'm hoping to learn too. Good luck.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks for the advice!

Um... do they all have 4 wheel drive? Or what lets you know it has it?
What are the different options for drive train and 4 wheel drive, are they all reliable?

Thanks again!

 

Most of them are, I hardly ever see 2wd 4runners. By the shifter in the center, there will either be an electronic control to select 4hi/4lo, or a physical lever to select them. Only the limited trim comes with an awd system which is a 24/7 all four wheels going.

 

Where there is no ice & snow!
I've seen a lot of 2wd 4runners for sale in Florida.