Gripes are limited almost entirely to the typical fuel mileage complaints made by most SUV owners. If you’re looking to move your family and don’t need a 4x4, consider a minivan or smaller crossover.
Standard 4-Runner models included the basics-- including power accessories, cruise antilock brakes, CD player and tilt steering. Shoppers should have little trouble finding a model with a sunroof and automatic climate control, too.
Higher end ‘Limited’ models even got power leather seats with memory, a JBL audio system, CD changer, a self-dimming rearview mirror and various cosmetic upgrades.
Luxurious or not, the 4-Runner was meant to be driven in the bush. If the unit you’re considering has been driven on the less travelled, you’ll want to ensure its previous owner did so carefully. Taking a machine like the 4-Runner into some dirt and mud won’t hurt it-- but doing it carelessly might.
Get underneath and check for heavy denting or scrapes in the floor and frame rails. These may be formed by contact with rocks or logs during careless navigation of rough trails, and could be a sign of abuse. They could also result in excessive rust.
Other signs of heavy off road use may include excessive mud or sand packed into the vehicle’s lower radiator area or underside. Finally, inspect the exterior paint for heavy scratching.
If you’re buying an earlier model 4-Runner in this generation (or the one before it, for that matter), you’ll also want to ensure the frame is relatively free of rust-- surface or otherwise. Toyota had some very well-documented frame rust issues for several years. These appear to have been corrected by time the last-generation 4-Runner came around, but the condition of its underside should be scrutinized anyhow.
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| 2004 Toyota 4-Runner |
Standard 4-Runner models included the basics-- including power accessories, cruise antilock brakes, CD player and tilt steering. Shoppers should have little trouble finding a model with a sunroof and automatic climate control, too.
Higher end ‘Limited’ models even got power leather seats with memory, a JBL audio system, CD changer, a self-dimming rearview mirror and various cosmetic upgrades.
Luxurious or not, the 4-Runner was meant to be driven in the bush. If the unit you’re considering has been driven on the less travelled, you’ll want to ensure its previous owner did so carefully. Taking a machine like the 4-Runner into some dirt and mud won’t hurt it-- but doing it carelessly might.
Get underneath and check for heavy denting or scrapes in the floor and frame rails. These may be formed by contact with rocks or logs during careless navigation of rough trails, and could be a sign of abuse. They could also result in excessive rust.
Other signs of heavy off road use may include excessive mud or sand packed into the vehicle’s lower radiator area or underside. Finally, inspect the exterior paint for heavy scratching.
If you’re buying an earlier model 4-Runner in this generation (or the one before it, for that matter), you’ll also want to ensure the frame is relatively free of rust-- surface or otherwise. Toyota had some very well-documented frame rust issues for several years. These appear to have been corrected by time the last-generation 4-Runner came around, but the condition of its underside should be scrutinized anyhow.
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| 2008 Toyota 4-Runner |